HUB/Foreign Trade Zones

SBA HUB Zone

The HUB Zone Empowerment Contracting program was enacted into law as part of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997. The program encourages economic development in historically underutilized business zones— "HUB Zones"—through the establishment of preferences in federal government bidding.

Census Tract #9903 located in the County of Culpeper is designated as a SBA HUB Zone. Businesses that are located in the Culpeper HUB Zone are offered a competitive advantage in securing government contracts.

Foreign Trade Zones

A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a site within the United States where foreign and domestic merchandise is generally considered to be in international commerce. As such, merchandise may enter this zone without formal Customs entry or the payment of Customs duties or government excise taxes.

On May 22, 1992, Culpeper County received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce for General Purpose Trade Zone #185. As one of Virginia’s five strategically-placed Foreign Trade Zones, Culpeper’s FTZ allows companies involved in international commerce to improve the cost competitiveness of their U.S.-based operations vis-à-vis their foreign-based competitors.