The United State Small Business Administration has officially designated Mitchell County a HUBZone. HUBZone stands for Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Both Spruce Pine and Bakersville have been designated HUBZones. What this means is that any business located within these zones that produces products will get preference in government contracting. Potential and current businesses and industries in either one of these towns and possibly increase their sales by direct contracting with the federal government. According to Mitchell County Economic Development Director Mickey Duvall, the government contracted over $75 million in North Carolina last year.
