Businesses located in the T.E.C. Corridor (Complex One or Two), including the T.E.C. Incubator Center, enjoy another unique business advantage. This area is designated as a HUBZone, or an area "historically underutilized by businesses" for employment. The Federal Government has certain requirements that allow companies to gain a competitive advantage with government contracts:

Purpose of the HUBZone Program:

To create job opportunities and promote economic growth in communities that have a history of high unemployment or a low income population.

HUBZone Requirements:

A firm can be found to be a qualified HUBZone concern if:

• It is small
• It is located in a "historically underutilized business zone" (HUBZone)
• It is owned and controlled by one or more U.S. Citizens
• At least 35% of its employees reside in a HUBZone

Certified HUBZone Firms:

Nationally, there are 4,700 certified HUBZone firms. In the State of Wisconsin, there are 154 certified HUBZone firms. In Dane County, there are two certified HUBZone firms.

Potential Market for Certified HUBZone Firms:

The federal government is mandated to buy 3.5% of its goods and services from certified HUBZone firms. This is approximately a $7 billion market.