Certify, license and get listed
A working checklist for veterans building an independent trade business — what to file, who to file it with, and what to have ready before you apply to the directory.
Six steps
From registration to a live listing
Step 1: Register the business
Form your LLC or corporation with your Secretary of State, get an EIN from the IRS, and open a business bank account in the company name. Certification and licensing both ask for these, so do them first.
Step 2: Get your service record in order
You will be asked to prove service. Request your DD-214 through the National Archives if you do not have a copy, and pull your VA disability rating letter from VA.gov if you are pursuing SDVOSB.
Step 3: Certify as VOSB or SDVOSB
Federal certification is handled by the SBA through the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program. You must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans; SDVOSB additionally requires a service-connected disability rating. Certification is free and typically takes 30–90 days.
Step 4: Check your state license requirements
Most states license general contractors and specialty trades separately, with thresholds by job value. Many honor NASCLA exam results across state lines, and several waive fees or grant experience credit to veterans. Use the Licensing Navigator for a plain-language summary of your state and a link to its official licensing authority, then confirm the requirements with your state licensing board.
Step 5: Insurance and bonding
General liability is the baseline — $1M per occurrence is the common ask on residential work. Add workers' comp once you hire, commercial auto for your trucks, and a surety bond where your state or city requires one for permits.
Step 6: Get listed and start taking work
Apply to the directory: create an account, confirm your email, add your trades and service area, upload your certification, license and insurance documents, and choose a plan. Our staff review the application; once an admin approves it and activates your membership, your profile appears in the Home Repair Network and homeowners in your service area can reach you directly — no per-lead fees, and no one placing or assigning work on your behalf.
Before you apply
Document checklist
- DD-214 (member copy 4) or VA benefit summary letter
- Articles of organization / incorporation and EIN letter
- State contractor license (number, state, expiry date)
- Certificate of insurance showing carrier and limits
- Surety bond certificate, if your state requires one
- Background check result, if you work in occupied homes
- Photos of completed work for your public profile
Track these in your portal
Upload each document and follow its review status in the verification section of your business portal.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and municipality — confirm with your licensing board before you bid work.
Free, no sign-up
Downloadable checklists and forms
Print these, fill them in by hand or on screen, and keep them with your paperwork.
- Document checklistEvery document asked for by the SBA, your state board, your insurer and the directory — grouped and tick-boxed. 2 pages.Download PDF
- VOSB / SDVOSB worksheetDraft your ownership and control answers before you open the SBA VetCert portal, plus a tracker for your case number and decision date.Download PDF
- State licensing trackerOne fill-in sheet per state: license class, thresholds, bond and insurance minimums, veteran fee waivers, renewal and CE dates.Download PDF
- Listing readiness checklistThe same checklist a reviewer works through on your application, so nothing holds your listing back.Download PDF
Ready to be found?
Independent veteran-owned businesses are listed in the directory so homeowners can reach them directly. Membership is request-only during launch — no payment is taken.