Business building
From idea to a registered, fundable business
Registration, structure, banking, and credibility — in the order that actually gets you paid. Then get listed in the directory so customers can find you.
Roadmap
Your next steps
Work through these in order. Each one makes the next one easier.
- 1
Choose and register your entity
LLC, S-corp, or sole proprietor — pick deliberately, register with your state, and get your EIN.
- 2
Separate business and personal money
A business bank account and clean bookkeeping are what make you fundable later.
- 3
Build business credit
A D-U-N-S number, vendor accounts, and on-time payments build a profile lenders can read.
- 4
Get certified
MBE, 8(a), HUBZone, and DBE certifications open doors to contracts most competitors cannot bid on.
- 5
Get listed and get found
Add your business to the directory with a clear ownership category and a real description.
Resources
Recommended resources
Everything here is already on the site.
Business directory
Browse the directory and see how listings are categorized.
Business courses
Registration, contracting, and credit — taught step by step.
Contracts and grants
Live federal solicitations with minority-focused set-asides.
Take Action plans
Printable plans for registration and certification.
Take the first step
Browse the business directory
Academy graduates get their directory listing free.
Keep going
Other starting points
Most people end up working on more than one.