Natari Firm Business Resource Center
Helpful Resources for Entrepreneurs and Organizations
Starting and growing a business requires access to reliable information and trusted resources. The Natari Firm Business Resource Center helps entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, startups, and small business owners find important government agencies, business tools, funding resources, and educational information in one place.
Whether you are registering a business, applying for grants, building business credit, seeking certifications, or exploring government contracting, these resources can help you understand the next steps.
Natari Firm can help you understand the process, organize your documents, and prepare for important business registrations.
Reliable Information
Resources to Support Every Stage of Business
Many of the official resources listed on this page are free to use. However, determining which registrations, codes, or programs apply to your business can sometimes be confusing.
Natari Firm provides professional business support, administrative assistance, document organization, and application preparation services when additional guidance is needed.
Business Resource Directory
Important Business Tools and Information
Each resource includes an official information link and, when applicable, a prominent link to the related Natari Firm service.
Getting Started
Business Registration and Government Resources
Federal Identification
Employer Identification Number
An Employer Identification Number, commonly called an EIN, is a federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
Common uses include:
- Starting a business
- Opening a business bank account
- Hiring employees
- Applying for business licenses
- Completing certain tax filings
Small Business Education
Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides startup guidance, educational resources, loan information, counseling, and government contracting resources.
- Business startup guidance
- Loan and funding information
- Business education
- Government contracting resources
- Veteran and women-owned business programs
Federal Registration
SAM.gov Registration
SAM.gov is the official federal registration system for entities interested in federal contracts, awards, and certain government assistance programs.
Businesses and organizations pursuing many federal contracts or grants may need an active registration.
Entity Identification
Unique Entity Identifier
The Unique Entity Identifier, or UEI, is the primary identifier used for entities registered through SAM.gov.
A UEI may be needed for:
- Federal grants
- Federal contracts
- Government registrations
- Certain nonprofit funding opportunities
Historical Identifier
DUNS Number Information
The DUNS Number was previously used as an identifier for many federal grants and contracts. The federal government now uses the UEI for SAM.gov registrations.
Some private companies, vendors, and business-credit organizations may still reference a DUNS Number.
Maryland Businesses
Maryland Business Registration
Maryland Business Express provides information and online tools for business registration, licenses, permits, reports, and state business requirements.
Business Development
Business Credit and Certifications
Financial Credibility
Business Credit Resources
Building business credit can help establish financial credibility and create greater separation between business and personal finances.
Business credit may assist with:
- Vendor relationships
- Commercial credit accounts
- Equipment purchases
- Financing opportunities
- Business growth planning
Certification Assistance
Minority Business Certification
Minority Business Enterprise certification may help eligible businesses pursue supplier diversity, contracting, networking, and business development opportunities.
Supplier Diversity
Additional Business Certifications
Eligible businesses may explore certifications connected to government contracting and supplier diversity programs.
- Woman-Owned Business certification
- Veteran-Owned Business certification
- Small Disadvantaged Business programs
- HUBZone certification
- Minority-Owned Business certification
Federal Opportunities
Government Contracting Resources
Industry Classification
NAICS Codes
The North American Industry Classification System assigns numerical codes based on the primary activities performed by a business.
NAICS codes are frequently requested during business registrations, certifications, contracting, funding, and financing applications.
Federal Entity Code
CAGE Code
A Commercial and Government Entity Code may be assigned to businesses registered through SAM.gov and is commonly used during federal contracting.
Contract Opportunities
Federal Procurement Opportunities
Government agencies purchase products and services from qualified businesses. Preparation may involve SAM registration, a UEI, NAICS codes, capability statements, and opportunity research.
Contracting Assistance
APEX Accelerators
APEX Accelerators provide education and assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to government agencies.
Funding Opportunities
Grants and Funding Resources
Grant Research
Finding the Right Funding Opportunity
Businesses and nonprofit organizations may explore federal, state, local, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities.
Each opportunity has its own eligibility rules, deadlines, required documents, and application process. Funding and approval are never guaranteed.
View Natari Firm Grant AssistanceBusiness Preparation
Business Planning Resources
A Strong Plan Creates Direction
Business planning helps entrepreneurs organize their ideas, identify goals, understand costs, and create a practical strategy for launching or growing a company.
Startup Preparation
Helpful Business Checklist
Before launching or expanding your business, consider completing the following steps.
Call for Startup AssistanceAdditional Support
Additional Helpful Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Business Resource Questions
Select a question to open or close the answer.
Is the Business Resource Center free to use?
Yes. The educational information and resource links provided in this Resource Center are available to help business owners better understand common requirements and available tools.
Fees may apply when using certain government, certification, or private services. Natari Firm professional assistance is a separate paid service.
Does every business need an EIN?
Many businesses need an EIN, but requirements vary based on the business structure, employees, and tax obligations.
Review IRS EIN InformationIs a DUNS Number still required?
For federal entity registrations, the Unique Entity Identifier has replaced the DUNS Number. Some private organizations, vendors, or business-credit services may still reference DUNS information.
Review SAM.gov RegistrationWhat is a NAICS code?
A NAICS code identifies the primary business activities performed by a company. These codes are commonly used during registrations, certifications, government contracting, statistical reporting, and some financing applications.
Search NAICS CodesCan Natari Firm help with these registrations?
Yes. Natari Firm provides business support that may include registration guidance, certification preparation, document organization, grant preparation, business planning, and other administrative services.
Explore Natari Firm ServicesProfessional Business Support
Need Help Navigating These Resources?
Natari Firm can help you understand the process, organize your business documents, and identify the services that best support your business goals.