Small Business DUers: Do You Live in an SBA HUBZone?

[CorpGovActivist]

One of the things that constantly astounds me about the DU community is how gifted and creative many of its members are; many have found ways to turn a temporary setback or job loss into a new small business venture, drawing upon their creative gifts and talents.

As we come into yet another New Year in the New Economy, here's a useful tidbit that other entrepreneurial DU types might find to be of interest: the SBA HUBZone locator. HUBZone stands for Historically Underutilized Business Zone; having your business located in one (and/or employing 51% or more employees who live in one) qualifies you for many SBA programs, such as heavily-subsidized loans, loan guarantees, expert assistance from retirees, and regional seminars and counseling.

SBA's HUBZone resource index page: https://eweb1.sba.gov/hubzone/internet/index.cfm

Zip code searchable HUBZone locator, down to street level: http://map.sba.gov/hubzone/init.asp#address

Each Federal agency is required to purchase a minimum percentage of goods and services from HUBZone-certified businesses.

Finally, military communities affected by BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) are automatically designated as HUBZones for a minimum of 5 years after the base's closure.

If your New Year's Resolutions include becoming your own boss, the links above may help you keep that promise to yourself.

Best,

- Dave