ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced that Maryland is better positioned to compete for federal contracts for small businesses located in historically underutilized areas thanks to new HUBZone designations.

The designations are a result of the governor’s office submitting a petition to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which allows the state to choose areas in need of economic development.

The three new designations are Worcester County, census tract 22 in Allegany County, and census tract 9302 in Somerset County. Small businesses located in these areas will now have the opportunity to compete for federal set-aside contracts which are designed to help spur economic growth in disadvantaged areas.

“We need to expand access and opportunities to our small businesses–especially those in areas that have been historically overlooked and undervalued; that’s what the HUBZone program will continue to help us achieve,” said Governor Moore. “I’m grateful for our partners across federal, state, and local governments, and we thank the U.S. Small Business Administration for the opportunities that this petition will create for Marylanders everywhere.”

The HUBZone program is designed to create opportunities for small businesses in economically challenged areas to partner directly with the federal government. Small businesses located in designated areas can compete for federal set-aside contracts and receive preferential procurement consideration.

“This approval will give rural small businesses the chance to access federal government contracts, leading to new jobs and new investment in the areas that need it most,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “We are very grateful to the U.S. Small Business Administration for its constant support of our state’s small business efforts.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.