Start and Grow Your Business from Home

You can earn a great income, maintain flexibility, and hit the ground running whenever you move with a Home Based Business. 

The Home Based Business (HBB) Program helps military spouses and service members start and operate a business on post while following installation rules and regulations.

What is a Home Based Business (HBB)?  It’s any business operated out of government housing on a military installation. Here are some examples: 

• Online businesses (e-commerce, digital services)

• Freelancing (writing, graphic design, consulting, tutoring)

• Childcare services

• Beauty & personal care services (hair styling, nail care, esthetics)

• Home baking or catering businesses

HBB owners need to obtain approval from the garrison commander or senior commander. We’ve recently streamlined the process to make it quicker and easier.

Not everyone who works from home operates an HBB though. If you work remotely from your home, you probably don’t need approval. Other examples of businesses that don’t need approval are:

• Bookkeeping and tax preparation
• Personal training conducted outside the home
• Photography, graphic design, and advertising services
• Tutoring and music instruction
• Entertainment or travel planning
• Housecleaning and lawn care
• Selling items from multi-level marketing (MLM) companies

Home Based Business approval is quick and easy!

The Army’s new standardized HBB application template streamlines the approval process.  Of course, installations are still required to adhere to local and state laws and regulations regarding home business operations, so check into those, too.

Steps to Start a Home Based Business on Post

Step 1: Submit an Application for Approval

• Every HBB on post must be approved by the Garrison Commander.
• Submit an HBB application through the Employment Readiness Program at Army Community Service (ACS).

Step 2: Meet Local & Federal Requirements

Depending on your business, you may need:
 


• A business license from the state or local government
• Liability insurance (especially for childcare, food, and beauty services).
• Compliance with health and safety regulations
• Family Child Care (FCC) certification (for childcare providers)

Step 3: Register Your Business & Taxes

• You may need to register your business name with your state.
• Learn about self-employment taxes and state tax laws.

Step 4: Follow Installation and Housing Rules

• HBBs cannot compete with on-post businesses (like the Exchange or MWR services).
• Some businesses may not be approved if they violate Army policies.

Don’t delay. Get your Home Based Business registered today by contacting the Fort Drum Employment Readiness Program!

Fill Out A HBB Application Today!