SETTING UP THE LEGAL FOUNDATION: LLC, EIN & D-U-N-S FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES

If you’re serious about building a legit business — especially one meant to grow, scale, or qualify for contracts or credit — you need a clean legal foundation. That begins with forming a proper business entity, grabbing your tax ID (EIN), and (when relevant) obtaining a business ID number from a credit bureau (D-U-N-S).

This article walks you through what those pieces are, why they matter, and exactly how to get them done right.

WHY YOU NEED LLC + EIN (and maybe more)

• Forming an entity (like an LLC or corporation) separates your business from you personally. That limits liability and protects your personal assets.

• An Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-issued Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the official government tax/business ID — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, or operate under many business structures.

• Once you have an EIN and registered entity, you can begin to build business credit, qualify for grants, apply for vendor accounts, or bid contracts — all under your business name.

WHAT IS A D-U-N-S NUMBER, AND WHEN DOES IT MATTER

• A Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)-issued D-U-N-S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a nine-digit identifier that maps to your company’s credit/business profile.

• Having a D-U-N-S helps lenders, suppliers, partners or grant-makers verify your business identity and creditworthiness.

• While since 2022 the federal government — via SAM.gov — uses a “Unique Entity ID (UEI)” instead of D-U-N-S for many contract/grant processes  , D-U-N-S remains relevant for many private-sector credit, vendor, and supply-chain verifications.

Bottom line: Even if not legally required, getting a D-U-N-S strengthens your credibility and opens more doors for credit, grants, suppliers, and partnerships.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO FORM YOUR LLC + GET EIN + REQUEST D-U-N-S

1. Choose Your Business Entity & Register with Your State

Decide whether you want an LLC, corporation, or other legal structure. Register it with your state’s business registration office or Secretary of State website.

2. Apply for EIN (Tax ID)

• Visit the IRS website and go to “Apply for an Employer ID Number.”

• Fill out the online application (free) — takes only minutes and you get EIN instantly for most cases.

• Keep your EIN documentation safe — you’ll need it for taxes, bank accounts, hiring, and many official business activities.

3. Determine If You Want / Need a D-U-N-S Number

You might skip this if you’re only doing small-scale business. But if you plan to:

• Apply for business credit or credit-lining

• Use vendor or supplier credit

• Apply for grants, SBA loans, or vendor contracts

• Bid on contracts (private or gov)
  
  Then getting a D-U-N-S is a solid move.

4. Apply for D-U-N-S (It’s Free)

• Visit the D&B “Get a D-U-N-S Number” page and fill out your business info.

• Provide legal business name, address, contact, type, employees info, etc.

• Expect 2–30 business days for approval — usually free.

• Save your D-U-N-S number and confirm info is correct.

5. Record and Store All Documents Cleanly

Business registration papers, EIN confirmation, D-U-N-S number, business address, date of creation — file these digitally and physically. This becomes your legal backbone.

CHECKLIST YOU CAN USE TODAY

• Register your business structure (LLC, Corp, Partnership, as fits your plan)

• Get your EIN as soon as entity registration is complete

• Decide whether you will benefit from a D-U-N-S (credit, grants, vendor relations, contracts)

• If yes — apply for D-U-N-S through D&B’s free registration

• Save all confirmations and use them when opening business bank accounts or applying for credit, grants, vendor accounts, or contracts

WHY VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES SHOULD START HERE

You come from a background of discipline, documentation, chain-of-command, and accountability. Those same traits give you an edge when building a business foundation with integrity and readiness.

A properly formed business entity + EIN + D-U-N-S sets you up for legitimacy — so when you apply for grants, credit, or contracts, you already meet the standards many require.

FINAL THOUGHT

Skip the shortcuts. Don’t guess.

Set up your business correctly from day one.

It may seem like paperwork but it is your foundation for growth, credibility and long-term success.

8th Ascent Journal Team