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An official army family and MWR Site

AN OFFICIAL ARMY FAMILY AND MWR SITE

Employment Readiness Program

Home Based Business

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: 

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Online businesses (e-commerce, digital services)

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Freelancing (writing, graphic design, consulting, tutoring)

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Childcare services

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

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Home baking or catering businesses

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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 your installation’s Housing Office or 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.
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Additional Resources

More information and tools for finding Federal and On-Post Jobs

MyCAA Scholarship

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans & Grants

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC)

Ask Army Answers

  • Army Community Service (ACS) - Main Office
  • ***Emergency Leave Assistance*** - AER financial assistance requests are no longer processed through the American Red Cross or other Military Service Aid Society offices. All emergency financial and leave assistance are now processed online: aerprod.powerappsportals.us/
  • Military DSN (314) 599-1101
  • Hours:
    Monday
    7:30am-4:00pm
    Tuesday
    7:30am-4:00pm
    Wednesday
    7:30am-4:00pm
    Thursday
    7:30am-4:00pm
    Friday
    7:30am-4:00pm
    Saturday
    Closed
    Sunday
    Closed
    Federal Holidays
    Closed