Home Based Businesses (HBBs) are an important contributor to Army Family quality of life – new changes to procedures makes it easier and quicker gain approval to operate an on-post HBB.

HBBs allow Families to work from their Army quarters, developing rewarding careers that follow them through PCS moves. The wide span of HBBs operated by Army Families includes:

  • Car repair/service
  • Hairdressing and hairstyling
  • Pet grooming and pet sitting
  • Massage therapy
  • Retail sales from home
     

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.

Here’s the process:   

Step 1: Obtain the HBB Application. Visit your Family and MWR representative or go online to download your HBB application and any required additional forms.

Home Base Business Application (PDF)

Step 2:  Complete the Application.  This includes visiting and obtaining approval from installation agencies like the housing office and community housing manager. The application should identify the agencies, but ask your Family and MWR representative if you have questions. If you need any additional documentation (like licensing or certifications), get that, too.

Step 3: Turn in the Application: Once you’ve completed your paperwork, submit the application to your Family and MWR representative. Keep a copy of the completed application for your own records.

Within 60 days, you should get notification of approval. Simple!

Get approved now!

  • If you operate an HBB on post and aren’t yet approved, now’s the time to get official.
  • We’ve recently streamlined processes, so they’re easier than ever. You can get approved within 60 days.
  • Moving your HBB from another installation? If you were approved there, the process is even easier!
  • New Army guidance directs installations to “find a way to say yes” to HBB owners – so we’re prepared to make this easy for you.
  • Official on-post offerings from AAFES, the Commissary and MWR no longer consider HBBs competition, and you don’t have to gain their approval.
  • Operating an HBB from your quarters without approval can violate policy and get you in trouble.

Don’t delay. Get your Home Based Business registered today by contacting your local DFMWR!

Special requirement regarding Cottage Food Businesses

An application for a HBB Cottage Food business should also include the following information required by the Tri-Service Food Code (TB MED 530).
A written document containing: 

  1. The street address of the location where the COTTAGE FOOD will be produced; 
  2. A list of the COTTAGE FOODS that will be produced; 
  3. A copy of the recipe for each FOOD produced. Recipes shall identify all of the ingredients and a description of the production method and process controls (for example, cooking equipment, product holding/storage, packaging); and 
  4. The method of advertising or point of sale location in which the COTTAGE FOOD will be provided to the consumer. 
  5.  Acknowledgement that the HBB must:

(a) Produce the COTTAGE FOOD in the kitchen or residence that was stated in the application packet and is identified on the food label. 

(b) Maintain a copy of each COTTAGE FOOD recipe and provide a copy to the REGULATORY AUTHORITY upon request. 

(c) Be the original processor of the FOOD. The FOOD may not be repackaged from another producer. 

(d) Package or wrap the FOOD using clean food containers or food-grade foils or plastic wrap. 

(e) Place a label on the PACKAGED FOOD to indicate:

(1) The name, address, and phone number of the COTTAGE FOOD producer;

(2) Ingredients that are known food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soy beans or a FOOD ingredient that contains a protein derived from a FOOD specified in this sentence; and

(3) A consumer notice that specifies, “This food was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection.”