What are the specific requirements for HUBZone certification in October 2026?

For HUBZone certification, at least 35 percent of your concern's employees must qualify as HUBZone resident employees, and your principal office must be located in a HUBZone (13 CFR 126.200(d)(1) and (c)). The SBA defines a HUBZone resident employee as someone who lives in a HUBZone for at least 180 days, or is a veteran who lives in a HUBZone for at least 90 days. The principal office location is where the majority of your employees work. If your business is mobile, like a landscaping company, the SBA looks at where your administrative functions are performed and where your employees report for work or receive assignments. This means your main office, not just a job site, needs to be in a designated HUBZone. You apply to the SBA for this certification. This is a federal program that follows the rules in 13 CFR 126.