Gov. Tony Evers with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation submitted a petition to the U.S. Small Business Administration asking 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 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.
Waushara County has experienced job losses in key sectors like manufacturing and transportation, which has been compounded by an aging population and declining labor force participation.
“While tourism and second homes remain important economic drivers, federal HUBZone support—particularly through increased access to federal contracts and technical assistance—would foster entrepreneurship, help expand existing businesses and attract new investment to the region,” the application states.
Florence County is one of the most remote and least populated counties in the state, and due to its location and population challenges, as well as the seasonal economy and limited private sector, the county faces structural economic challenges.
“The HUBZone Program has the potential to serve as a catalyst for long-term economic resilience,” the application states. “This designation would assist in spurring economic development by increasing access to federal contracting opportunities for local small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting job creation.”
