Small and Diverse Business Program definitions

Business Class Definitions

A small business is a business that is independently owned and operated and not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) establishes small business size standards on an industry-by-industry basis and has established a Table of Small Business Size Standards to help small business owners assess their small business status.

A HUBZone means a historically underutilized business zone that is in an area located within one or more qualified census tracts, qualified nonmetropolitan counties, lands within the external boundaries of Indian reservations, qualified base closure areas, or redesignated areas. The SBA maintains a HUBZone Map for business owners to help determine their qualifications for this business designation.

A minority-owned business must be 51 percent owned by one or more individuals belonging to a socially disadvantaged designated group. The management and daily business operations must also be controlled by one or more socially disadvantaged individuals. The SBA offers additional resources and information for minority-owned businesses.

A veteran-owned business must be 51 percent owned by one or more veterans and the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more veterans. The SBA offers additional resources and information for veteran-owned businesses.

A women-owned business must be 51 percent owned by one or more women and the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.  The SBA offers additional resources and information for women-owned businesses.