Gov. Evers Successfully Secures Federal HUBZone Designation to Support Small Businesses, Boost Local Economies Across Rural Wisconsin

“HUBZone designations are a vital tool for stimulating economic growth across Wisconsin, especially in our rural communities,” said Gov. Evers. “By expanding access to federal contracting opportunities, these designations will help empower local businesses, create more job opportunities, and attract new investment to these areas. We are grateful for these designations and can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have on our local communities and economies.”

The governor’s petition to the SBA helped secure 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 SBA’s HUBZone program allows businesses in disadvantaged communities to compete for federal set-aside contracts, offering employment and growth opportunities where they are most needed for positive economic impact. 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. This designation allows small businesses in the affected regions to gain preferential access to federal contracting opportunities, a critical tool for stimulating local economies.

The governor’s effort for several counties and other local communities to receive the HUBZone designation garnered broad support from local governments, economic development organizations, and educational institutions. Organizations and agencies, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), as well as regional and local economic development organizations, are prepared to provide technical assistance and outreach to help businesses navigate the HUBZone certification process.

“These designations have leveled the playing field for the small businesses and entrepreneurs in these rural communities,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “New opportunities will now be available, and we’re excited to see how these communities take advantage and continue to thrive.”

As detailed by statements of support from local officials included in Gov. Evers’ HUBZone application back in July, rural communities in Wisconsin, including those in Dunn, Waushara, Sawyer, and Florence counties, have been facing significant challenges, such as income disparity, job losses in key sectors like manufacturing and transportation, geographic isolation, declining labor force participation, structural economic challenges, and more. These HUBZone designations will help by increasing access to federal contracts, fostering economic opportunities and growth, attracting new investment and talent to the area, and creating more family-supporting jobs.

Over the past six years, Gov. Evers has made it a priority to best position rural Wisconsin and its business community for consideration of robust state and federal investment. In May, Gov. Evers urged the SBA to make Douglas County eligible for a HUBZone designation to help support the county and the city of Superior during the closure and replacement of the John A. Blatnik Bridge between Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota, beginning next year. Despite the overwhelming local support for the designation, the SBA rejected the governor’s initial request.

Gov. Evers’ diligence in continuing to fight for a HUBZone designation for Douglas County communities demonstrates his profound commitment to working with local leaders to ensure communities can succeed. This HUBZone designation of Census Tract 310.01 in Douglas County will help provide local businesses with additional resources to remain competitive during the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge and offset anticipated economic losses, as well as assist businesses in the future after the completion of the new bridge and the new opportunities that may come with the upgraded infrastructure.