You Formed the Business. Now Build the Foundation.
Creating an LLC or corporation is only the beginning.
A legitimate business needs the right operational foundation — federal tax identification, banking, financial records, licenses, insurance, contracts, technology, and a professional presence.
Veteran Global Solutions will help you understand these fundamentals, show you where to find reliable resources, and connect you with tools that can help you build.
Your Business May Need an EIN.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It is sometimes called a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number.
An EIN may be used for:
- Federal tax administration
- Hiring employees
- Opening certain business bank accounts
- Establishing business records
- Certain licenses and registrations
Eligible applicants can obtain an EIN directly from the IRS without paying an EIN application fee. You do not need to pay a third party to apply for an EIN on your behalf.
Do It Yourself or Use a Formation Service?
Veterans have options when it comes to handling business setup steps.
Option 1 — Handle the Setup Directly
A business owner may choose to handle individual setup steps directly with government agencies and service providers. The EIN itself can generally be obtained directly from the IRS at no charge for eligible applicants.
Potential advantages:
- Greater control over each step
- Potentially lower cost
- Direct interaction with government agencies
- Ability to select individual services separately
Option 2 — Use a Business Formation Package
Commercial formation companies may offer packages that combine multiple business setup services. Although some individual government services may be available directly at little or no cost, a bundled commercial package can sometimes be more convenient for an entrepreneur who needs several services and prefers having them coordinated through one provider.
Services may include:
- Business formation filing
- Registered-agent service
- EIN assistance
- Operating-agreement templates
- Compliance tools
- Annual-report reminders
- Business licenses research
- Other business setup services
Compare Before You Buy
Packages, pricing, and included services can change. Verify current offerings directly with the provider before purchasing.
Business Formation & Setup Resources
VGS does not endorse one provider over another. Compare current packages, pricing, renewals, and included services before purchasing.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom offers business formation and related business services. Depending on the current package or services selected, additional business setup services may be available.
Explore LegalZoom Business ServicesBizee
Bizee provides business formation and related business services.
Explore BizeeNorthwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent provides business formation, registered-agent, and related business services.
Explore Northwest Registered AgentSeparate Business From Personal.
Maintaining separation between personal and business finances is an important business practice. Mixing personal and business funds can create complications for record keeping, accounting, tax preparation, and legal liability.
Why it matters:
- Track business income accurately
- Track business expenses separately
- Simplify record keeping
- Streamline accounting
- Simplify tax preparation
- Establish professional credibility
- Maintain clean financial records
Commonly requested when opening an account:
Requirements for opening a business bank account vary by financial institution. Commonly requested information may include:
- Business formation documents
- EIN or appropriate taxpayer identification
- Owner identification
- Operating agreement or corporate documents
- Business address
- Ownership information
Compare banks and financial institutions based on fees, minimum balances, transaction limits, payment capabilities, integrations, lending options, and services appropriate for your business.
Additional Financial Platform — VGS Ecosystem
Explore Additional Financial Infrastructure With Vault Global Solutions
A traditional business bank account is not necessarily the only financial tool a modern business may use. Vault Global Solutions is an additional financial platform operated under Veteran Global Solutions LLC for businesses that may need modern domestic and international financial capabilities.
Vault Global Solutions is not being presented as a replacement for every traditional business banking relationship. Depending on currently available services and eligibility, businesses may be able to access financial capabilities designed to support domestic and international business activity.
Especially relevant for entrepreneurs who:
BUILD LOCAL. OPERATE GLOBAL.
A business may begin in one city or one state and eventually serve customers around the world. VGS connects veteran entrepreneurs with resources designed for both possibilities.
Know Where the Money Is Going.
Good financial records should begin when the business begins — not at tax time. Understanding the difference between bookkeeping and accounting helps entrepreneurs build the right financial foundation from the start.
Consult a qualified accountant or tax professional when appropriate. Professional guidance can help you establish the right systems from the beginning.
Licenses & Permits
Forming an LLC or corporation does NOT automatically provide every license or permit required to operate. Requirements vary significantly based on your specific situation.
Research your specific license and permit requirements through official government sources. The SBA provides a resource to help businesses identify applicable requirements.
Business Insurance
Insurance needs vary substantially by business type, industry, location, and operations. Entrepreneurs should review their specific situation with a qualified insurance professional.
Obtain professional insurance advice when appropriate. Do not assume that one type of coverage addresses all business risks.
Operating Agreements, Contracts & Business Records
Written business documentation matters. Properly documented agreements and records help protect the business, define relationships, and establish clear expectations.
Templates can be useful starting points but may not substitute for qualified legal advice when significant legal obligations are involved. Some commercial formation packages may include certain document templates or business-document services.
Make Your Business Look Like a Business.
A professional business presence helps establish credibility with customers, vendors, and partners. Building your online presence is an important early step.
GoDaddy
GoDaddy provides services such as domain registration, website tools, professional email, hosting, and other online business services.
GoDaddy is an independent commercial provider. Other website and domain providers are also available — compare options to find the best fit for your business.
Accepting Payments
Choosing how customers will pay your business is an important early decision. Payment-processing fees, settlement times, chargeback policies, supported countries, and integrations should be compared.
Compare payment processors based on fees, settlement times, chargeback policies, supported countries, and integrations before committing to a provider.
Start Building Business Credit
Business credit is different from personal credit. Establishing business credit generally develops over time through responsible business practices.
Forming an LLC or obtaining an EIN does not automatically create business credit. Avoid services that promise instant business credit or guaranteed financing.
Turn Your Business Setup Into Action With VGS AI
The resources above help you learn and research. VGS AI helps you work. VGS is building the Command Center to bring powerful AI-assisted business tools into one centralized ecosystem — so you can move from information to execution.
You have the foundation. VGS AI can help you build on it — creating startup checklists, planning your website, drafting business communications, developing SOPs, building your marketing plan, and organizing your operations.
Example prompts you could use right now:
"Create a complete startup checklist for my type of business."
"Help me plan the structure and content for my business website."
"Create a 30-day marketing launch plan for my business."
"Help me write a professional customer proposal template."
"Help me organize my first 90 days of business operations."
Learn it with VGS. Build it with VGS AI.
Business Setup Checklist
Not every item applies to every business. Use this as a general reference for your specific situation.
Veteran Global Solutions provides educational information and business resources. VGS does not provide legal, tax, accounting, banking, insurance, or investment advice. Requirements vary by business, jurisdiction, and individual circumstances. Verify current requirements with the appropriate government agencies and qualified professionals.
The Foundation Is Built. Where Do You Want to Go Next?
At this stage, you have the operational foundation in place. Choose the path that fits where you are in your business journey.