Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) on Wednesday announced Evers’ petition to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler, which asks for several counties to be designated as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone).
The petition seeks a HUBZone designation for Dunn and Waushara counties, and redesignation for Florence and Sawyer counties, along with four individual census tracts in Douglas, Grant, Green and Wood counties to support small businesses in areas in and around Monroe, Superior, Platteville and Wisconsin Rapids.
The move is aimed at driving economic revitalization, job creation and small business growth in some of the state’s most rural and economically challenged communities.
The SBA’s HUBZone program allows businesses in disadvantaged communities to compete for federal set-aside contracts, offering employment and growth opportunities.
HUBZones are designated based on economic and population data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies, using definitions established by the U.S. Congress.
If approved, the designation would allow small businesses in the affected regions to gain preferential access to federal contracting opportunities, a tool for stimulating local economies.
If approved, the designations would remain in effect through at least July 1, 2028.
