The fact that a military base is usually on security alert means that they can be prone to attack hence thorough screening and processes must be put in place before an outsider can be permitted to start his or her business in a military base.
Some businesses are operated strictly by the military establishment, but there are some other businesses needed in the military base that only business people who are not military personnel can operate.
Note that there are restrictions on the type of businesses you can start on a military base, and the essence of this article is to state the processes and requirements you would need to follow if you want to start a business on a military base.
Steps to Starting a Business on a Military Base
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to follow if you want to start a business on a military base:
Step One: Research and Compliance
When you carry out thorough research, you will be able to understand the regulations and requirements for operating a business on a military base.
Apart from that, you will have a proper grasp of the necessary permits, and licenses you will require, and what you need to do to adhere to the military base-specific rules and guidelines.
Step Two: Identify Market Opportunities
You need to research the needs and preferences of the military community on the base. With that, you will be able to identify the products and services that are needed in the military base, and those that a business person who is not military personnel can start.
The truth is that, if your business offers services or products that cater to the unique needs of service members, veterans, and their families, you can easily get approval and your business will thrive.
Step Three: Business Plan Development
Once you can identify business opportunities you can easily start in a military base, and you are certain you can secure the license and permit to start such a business, then you can proceed to prepare your business plan.
The truth is that, with a business plan, you will be able to have a clear picture of what to expect from the business, and you may be able to access loan to start the business.
Step Four: Secure Funding
Starting most businesses requires startup capital and in some cases, the startup capital you require to start your business might be way off what you have hence you will need to secure funding.
Once you have successfully determined how much you will need to start your business, then you can proceed to explore the funding options that are available to you.
For example, if you are looking to secure funding to start a business, you can use your savings, secure business loans from financial institutions, family members, or friends, apply for grants, or secure investment from partners.
Step Five: Locate a Suitable Space
If you have gotten the approval to go ahead to start a business on the military base, then you can proceed to identify available spaces for your business. The type of business you want to start will influence the size of space you will need.
Note that most businesses that you can start in a military base are businesses that can be operated from spaces such as retail storefronts, kiosks, or small office spaces. Apart from that, you should make sure you meet the military base leasing agreements and base regulations.
Step Six: Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses
Depending on the type of business you want to start, you are required to obtain specific, and general business licenses and permits.
For example, if you want to start a retail business in the military base, then you must make sure you have a business license, base access permit, health permit, fire safety permit, environmental compliance permit, food service permit (if applicable), signage permit, retail sales permit, and other regulatory approvals.
Step Seven: Setup Operations
Once you have successfully secured a space and obtained the necessary permits and licenses, then the step you should take is to set up operations. Setting up operations involves procuring the necessary equipment, inventory, and supplies to start operations.
Note that in military bases, most of the equipment and inventory you will bring in will be critically screened hence you must ensure compliance with all safety and security protocols.
Step Eight: Market Your Business
Depending on the product or services you are offering, there are specific marketing approaches you can take if indeed you want to get excellent results.
Note that when developing a marketing plan to promote your business to the military community make sure you refrain from going to places that are tagged restricted zones, and also avoid going to the doors of military personnel – door-to-door marketing is forbidden in most military bases.
But generally, you name make use of online marketing, social media, local advertising, and community outreach to attract customers as long as you don’t cause unnecessary noise, or pose a security risk in the base.