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
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.
Additional Resources
More information and tools for finding Federal and On-Post Jobs
Here's the Process
Step 1: Visit your local MWR HQ Financial Management Division (FMD) or download your HBB application online. Please fill out the fillable PDF.
Step 2: This includes visiting and obtaining approval from installation agencies like the community housing manager and safety office. The application will identify the agencies, but ask your FMD representative if you have questions.
Step 3: Collect Other Requirements.
Applicants must submit the following documents when submitting their HBB Applications: Business information (i.e. catalogs, brochures, or handouts) and a copy of liability insurance page and/or business registration number (if applicable). Cottage Food businesses must provide a written document containing: address of business, list of the Cottage Foods, a copy of the recipe for each food, and the method of advertising.
Step 4: Once you’ve completed your paperwork, submit the application to the MWR HQ Financial Management Division Office, Building 85.
Delegation of Authority to Approve Home Based Business Applications Memorandum
Approved Home Based Businesses Operating on Fort Benning
Community members who have concerns regarding HBB should direct their complaints to the appropriate authority as follows:
- For Suspected Criminal Activity (e.g., fraud, theft, illegal activity, violation of Installation Policy), please contact the Military Police
- For Disputes over Quality, Payment, or Contracts (Civil Matters), these are private civil matters between the customer and the business owner. For advice on your rights, please seek outside legal consultation.
*Listings in this directory are a privilege that the Garrison Commander can revoke. Reporting violations to the proper authorities helps ensure the integrity of the HBB program for the entire community*
