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CHARLESTON -- Five counties in West Virginia have been petitioned for the Historically Underutilized Business Zone program.
The state is seeking to designate Boone, Clay, Hampshire, Monroe and Preston counties in the governor-designated HUBZones.
The program gives participating small businesses access to exclusive federal contracting opportunities and preferential price evaluations when bidding on at-large federal contracts.
West Virginia is among the first 10 states to petition for expanding access to this program through governor-designated HUBZones.
"I am so happy to announce that I have spearheaded this petition," Gov. Jim Justice said.
"Our great state's small businesses deserve a fighting chance to show the nation the competitive advantage of West Virginia," he said. "We remain ready and able to compete for federal contracting opportunities and help revitalize our rural communities through continued hard work and dedication."
If approved, small businesses would now have access to markets where they were previously excluded or where they suffered a competitive disadvantage. Justice's designations are in addition to existing HUBZones where businesses are already bringing federal dollars into the state.
Three percent of all federal contracts are to be funded through the program. In 2020, West Virginia small businesses contracted for $48 million worth of goods and services. In 2022, the state's small businesses contracted for an estimated $99.7 million.
"The governor's decision to seek HUBZone designation for five additional West Virginia counties is further evidence of the State's commitment to its small business community," Department of Commerce Secretary James Bailey said. "The HUBZone program presents a great opportunity for businesses to not only increase revenue and diversify income streams but to also continue driving economic growth and job creation locally."
The petition demonstrates support from state and local leaders, economic development groups and interested businesses and shows a commitment to assisting more rural communities, Mitch Carmichael, Department of Economic Development secretary, said.
"We are excited for this opportunity and think that this access to federal dollars would be incredibly beneficial to the continued economic growth of the Mountain State," Carmichael said.
Upon approval, West Virginia small businesses will be ready and able to compete for federal contracting opportunities and help revitalize rural communities.