by Gerri Detweiler
Business
You may have heard the term D-U-N-S number and wondered whether your business needs one, and if so, when you should get one.
In this article, we’ll explain what a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S number is, the importance of a DUNS number for your business, and how to use it to build business credit.
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What Is a DUNS Number?
The Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S® Number is a unique nine-digit identifier for a business created by credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet. The Data Universal Numbering System — or DUNS number — was created and copyrighted in 1962 by Dun & Bradstreet. Dun & Bradstreet is one of the three major business credit bureaus. DUNS numbers have become the standard numbering system to identify business entities across the globe.
Just as your Social Security number is often tied to your bank account, tax returns, personal credit score, residences, etc., your DUNS number and business credit scores are tied to your business within Dun & Bradstreet’s system.
Your DUNS number is linked to your PAYDEX credit score, which is one of Dun & Bradstreet’s credit scoring models for businesses. The PAYDEX score ranges between 0 and 100 and is based on suppliers’ reports of your payment history as a business. This information is used by lenders to help assess whether your business is likely to pay small business loans or other business debts on time.
The Paydex score is just one of a number of business credit scores that Dun & Bradstreet sells.
Why Would Your Business Need a DUNS Number?
Here are three ways a DUNS number can help you:
- Establish business creditworthiness. Your DUNS number is directly tied to the credit profile D&B builds on your business. In fact, before D&B can calculate a , you’ll need a DUNS number. When vendors or suppliers request your business credit profile to decide whether to offer your business net-30 terms or other types of trade credit, they’ll want to see a credit history. The same is true with financial institutions like banks that are evaluating applications for small business loans, business credit cards, or other other types of business financing.
- Separate personal credit. If a lender checks business credit and does not find a credit file on your business, it may require a personal credit check. (Of course, some lenders will check personal credit, regardless of your business credit rating.)
- Get better terms with your suppliers.If your business credit is strong, you may be eligible for trade credit. This allows you to buy supplies your business needs and pay for them later–hopefully out of cash flow. Some suppliers offer net-30 terms, and the better your credit, the better the terms you may be able to negotiate.
In the past, a DUNS number was required to register with the US government for federal contracts or grants. However, that is no longer the case. The DUNS number has been replaced with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the SAM registration process.
Who Is Dun & Bradstreet?
Your DUNS number only reveals credit information gathered by one credit bureau: Dun & Bradstreet. Originally known as the Mercantile Agency, Dun & Bradstreet is one of America’s oldest companies. Its founder, Lewis Tappan, created it in 1841 for the purpose of helping merchants establish the creditworthiness of potential customers.
Fun fact: Five former US Presidents worked for Dun and Bradstreet, including Abraham Lincoln!
Is a DUNS Number the Same as a Federal Tax ID Number?
A DUNS number is different from your federal tax ID number or employer identification number (EIN). A DUNS number is used for business credit reporting purposes, whereas an EIN is issued by the IRS and used for tax identification purposes. An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business, and is included on any tax documents. You may also be required to provide your EIN number for business purposes, like opening a business bank account.
How Do I Look Up My DUNS Number?
Before you apply for a DUNS number, check to see if your business already has one. You can check D&B’s website using the D&B D-U-N-S number lookup page. Here, you’ll be connected to a lookup tool that searches for your company using business information, such as company name and address, or your company’s telephone number.
How to Get a DUNS Number
In most cases, DUNS numbers are automatically created for your business after you set up business tradelines, like a vendor accounts, business credit cards, or even some small business loans.
Nav Prime can help with that: You’ll get up to two business tradelines built into your Nav Prime membership — one with your monthly Nav Prime payment and another with regular use of your Nav Prime Card.* These tradelines can help you both establish and build your business credit history.
You can also apply for a free D-U-N-S number proactively. Applying for a DUNS number is a simple process. Simply visit DNB.com and follow the instructions.
It helps if you first establish your business as a legal entity (LLC, C corp, S corp, etc) with your state. When you do, you’ll provide company information, including your business legal name and those of any other business owners, your business name, the name of your business’s headquarters and address of your business, your telephone number, whether you’re a home-based business, and the number of employees at your physical location.
This information then can become part of your business credit file.
Your business doesn’t have to operate with a formal legal structure to get a D-U-N-S number. However, if you plan to form an LLC or corporation, you may want to do so before you start to begin the credit building process. That way, any accounts you get will be reported under your business name.
DUNS Number Is Critical for Credit Building
Since a DUNS number is no longer required to register for federal government contracts or grants, the main reason you’ll want to apply for a DUNS number is to help your business establish business credit.
While this is a step that you don’t want to overlook, keep in mind it’s just the first step toward establishing business credit.
You’ll also need to get tradelines.
In other words, you’ll need accounts that report to business credit reporting agencies like D&B. You can pay your bills on time, but if they don’t appear on your business credit reports, they won’t help you establish business credit.
Also keep in mind that Dun and Bradstreet is just one of several business credit bureaus. Many lenders and vendors report selectively to various bureaus, or to the SBFE. You’ll want to check and monitor your business credit with multiple bureaus.
Lenders have their choice of credit bureaus; you’ll want to make sure you see what they will see.
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FAQs About DUNS Numbers
How much is a DUNS number?
A DUNS number is free from Dun & Bradstreet, but if you want an expedited DUNS number (within five business days), it will cost $229 using their DUNSFile system.
Do I need a DUNS number to get government contracts?
Not anymore. In the past, a D-U-N-S number was required to apply for a government contract, but in recent years the US government has replaced it with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). You can get a UEI for free by registering with SAM.
Can anyone do a DUNS number search on my business?
Yes, anyone can search for any businesses’ DUNS number in the Dun & Bradstreet’s database. Use the D&B DUNS number lookup to find whether the business is in the Dun and Bradstreet database. If someone looks for a business other than their own, they will need to request the DUNS number be emailed to them.
Do you need a tax ID to get a DUNS number?
No, you don’t need a tax ID to get a DUNS number. Dun & Bradstreet will use other means to verify your business, including:
– Business name (including fictitious name or “doing business as,” if applicable)- Business entity structure (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, etc.)
– Year the business was started
– Business address and/or mailing address
– Phone number
– Name(s) of owner(s)
– Industry/line of business
– Number of employees (full- and part-time)How do I build business credit with my DUNS number?
Once you’ve established your business and received your DUNS number, you can start to build business credit using tradelines. Nav Prime is the simplest way to build your business credit history. There are up to two tradelines built into your Nav Prime membership: one with your monthly payment and another with your regular use of the Nav Prime Card.
Can a sole proprietor get a DUNS number?
Yes, a sole proprietorship can get a DUNS number.
Again, though, you may want to establish a business entity before you build credit to ensure continuity.
Are DUNS numbers going away?
No, DUNS numbers aren’t going away. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) — a.k.a. the federal government — has officially stopped using DUNS numbers in their System for Award Management (SAM) and is now using government issued Unique Entity IDs at their awards system SAM.gov. However, the DUNS number is still popular with lenders and banks who may use D&B credit scores and reports to determine how likely your business is to repay loans or other financing, which can inform whether or not they lend to your business.
Is there a fee to obtain a D-U-N-S Number?
You won’t pay to get a DUNS number. It is a number provided for free from Dun & Bradstreet to businesses.
Do I need a DUNS number to get a business credit card?
No, most business credit cards and business charge cards do not require a DUNS number to apply. However, if you have one and there is a place on the application to include it, do so. That will help ensure any account that is reported is associated with your business.
How do I find my DUNS number?
D&B provides a free lookup tool you can use to check whether your business already has a DUNS number. This is a simple way to check your DUNS number.
How fast can I build business credit?
You can often build credit in a matter of months if you are proactive about the process. Getting tradelines that report is the first step. Pay on time and monitor your credit regularly to stay on track.
Nav Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company and not a bank. Banking services provided by Blue Ridge Bank, N.A., and Thread Bank, Members FDIC. The Nav Visa® Business Debit Card is issued by Blue Ridge Bank, N.A. or Thread Bank, and the Nav Prime Charge Card is issued by Thread Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa cards are accepted. FDIC insurance is available for your funds on deposit, up to $250,000 through Blue Ridge Bank, N.A. or Thread Bank, Members FDIC. See Cardholder Terms for additional details.
This article was originally written on February 15, 2018 and updated on April 26, 2024.
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Gerri Detweiler
Education Consultant, Nav
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Known as a financing and credit expert, Gerri Detweiler has been interviewed in more than 4000 news stories, and answered over 10,000 credit and lending questions online. Her articles have been widely syndicated on sites such as MSN, Forbes, and MarketWatch. She is the author or coauthor of five books, including Finance Your Own Business: Get on the Financing Fast Track. She has testified before Congress on consumer credit legislation.
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80 responses to “DUNS Number: Everything You Need to Know”
Hi , Im from Malaysia
How can i get DUN number ?
Can you please assist me ?Reply
Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website and ask for assistance. We don’t have information on how to apply for a DUNS number in your country so you’ll need to contact them.
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How to apply for a Dun and Bradstreet number
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You can apply on the Dun & Bradstreet website.
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what’s 403?
I can’t seem to get access to obtain DUN numberReply
I’m not sure where you were seeing the 403 error. Maybe try clearing your cookies and then try again. This page lets you look up your company to see if you have a DUNS number and this one lets you register for a DUNS number.
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Every time I try to do to the site a message pops up saying access denied and will not bring up the website. Is this not a operating system
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Same question I have.
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DNB publishes a phone number on its site so you can call them if you can’t access the website: 866-990-5845.
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I am not sure which page you are on or why you are having trouble. The links are working for me. Perhaps you can try clearing your cookies and trying again, or try from a different browser? DNB publishes a phone number on its site so you can also call them: 866-990-5845.
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Hi, I have a business that has been up and running since 2016. I have a credit card and mobile account with the business but I believe those are linked to my SSN. I don’t remember ever requesting a DUNS number and I cannot find it. If i request a DUNS today, would it pool the information since 2016? Thank you
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It may. You can check for free and there’s no harm in doing so.
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How and where do I register for my DUNS number for my business?
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You can get a DUNS number here.
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Hello,
I have a dental clinic in Amman, Jordan and we have developed an App where patients can book appointments. Can I get a DUNS number?
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Dun and Bradstreet is worldwide but unfortunately we don’t have information about how it works outside the US.
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Do you have my correct duns number?
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You’ll need to check with Dun & Bradstreet to find out.
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Hi, do I have to have a landline phone in order to apply for a Duns number for my small business?
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No. You do not.
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I don’t know how to apply for DUNS please help
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You can apply here.
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I don’t know how to apply on this site
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You can get a DUNS number here.
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I have tried to apply for a duns number 3x. I uploaded all my legal business paperwork and never heard nothing from them. How can a get a duns number?
Ms. Ross, you’ll need to reach out to DNB with your question. They offer chat and phone numbers on their site.
I’m trying to buy some hay from Canada and They want my Duns number. I’m not a business just have horses on my property. What do I do?
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Have you asked them why they want it and if there is an alternative?
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I’m have a sole proprietorship business can I apply for duns?
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Yes. Though I recommend forming a legal entity when you can!
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I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THE NAME ON MY DUNS ACCOUNT TO MY SON’S NAME. WHAT IS NEEDED?
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Robin – You will want to contact Dun & Bradstreet directly for help with that request.
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Can I apply for a DUNS without an active website
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Yes.
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I have an ecommerce business with no sales yet. Am I allowed to get a DUN# or would I have to wait? I do have a cc and bills that I regularly pay (for credit reporting).
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You can go ahead and request a D-U-N-S number if you have bills you are paying that may appear on your credit reports.
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I would like to know, how can I apply for my DUNS number, please
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You can go to the Dun & Bradstreet site to get one for free.
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why do you need so much info? My SS #? Really? I don’t give this to someone I don’t know much about.
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I understand that not having a DUNS number and doing business with your personal credit can negatively affect your personal credit, but how does having a DUNS number and good business credit affect your personal credit?? can it in some way increase your personal credit??
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A DUNS number does not impact your personal credit.
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I’m building up inventory for a Art’s and Craft’s home base business.
I’m looking forward to applying for a”DUNS”number in the very near future for”Raayas Art’s and Craft’s” in albany georgia soon.
Thank you.Reply
Hi I’m trying to get my duns number but how does it separate my personal credit from my business? Do they check personal if I don’t have business credit started yet?what will they use for business credit
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The fact that you have a business credit rating does not mean there will never be a personal credit check. Some lenders check personal credit, some check business credit, and some check both (or neither). However, if your business does not have business credit established, it may have fewer borrowing options.
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Hi,
We are into automotive business and would like to expand our business operation s in US
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I currently work overseas but am employed by the Federal government. We left the state of Virginia but do not have an address there until we return. Recently my spouse was hired for a job but needs a DUNS number because the job is an independent contracting job. How does she complete the DUNS application if we do not have a physical address in Virginia?
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You do need a physical address in the US for your DUNS number. One alternative is to open a virtual mailbox with a physical address.
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I need info on a net 30 or net 60 account
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Karen – This article may help: Easy Approval Net-30 Accounts: How They Work and How to Get Them
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I have a duns number i had it for a long time I need help how do I use it to get business credit for my business
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DElinda, It sounds like your next step is to start building business credit. Our Youtube videos should help.
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I need an organization DUNSnumber
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It has never been clear to me why a Duns Number is FREE yet to ‘get it fast’ you need to pay for it. Not about the speed of delivery – per se’, but what about HAVING the Duns number requires any urgency at all? Is there any other value to paying? Is the number more special? Comes with more advantages if you pay? I have never understood this because there are SO MANY promotions offering the paid version of Duns.
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Generally when people need one urgently it’s because they are applying for a government contract or grant with an impending deadline.(Or possibly for a business loan or business deal that requires it.) Otherwise, you are correct: no need to get it faster than the usual 30 days. We recommend business owners request a D-U-N-S number early on so it’s taken care of and they can start building business credit.
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So do you have to pay for a DUNS number for your business?
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No it’s free.
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I am planning to import a food products from China,it is a well packaged brown sugar can use hot water to dissolve it & use as beverages for refreshment–individual square bar that is wrapped w/ sealed wax paper & store inside an aluminium cartoon that can contain up to 25 pieces of this square bars.
Would you please let me know how can I can DUNS number & the other prerequisite conditions that I may need before buying the products .
By the way I am also in the process of getting FDA approval for this product.I also has a company registered under LLC since 2014 w/ EIN number as well.
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You can get a D-U-N-S number through D&B or through your free Nav account. As far as other prerequisites, I’d recommend you make an appointment with your local SBDC or SCORE office for free guidance. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find your local office.
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I need a D-U-N-S business number
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Marcia,
You can either apply directly at the Dun & Bradstreet website or through your Nav account. If you have a Nav account and are having trouble with the process, you can reach out to our customer service team.
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CAN YOU APPLY FOR AN DUNS # with an Online Business
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Yes.
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To whom it may concern,
Please itemize required steps to obtain a DUN Number.
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I believe I have a DUNS number but my business is not showing up in the search. If I have the number, is there a way for me to search for it?
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The D-U-N-S number lookup is by business name. You may want to try their live chat to see if they can help you find your business.
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It only gives you 3 choices Sole Proprietorship, Partnership or Corporation to apply under. If I am a LLC which one do I apply under?
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Hello. US Navy, local finance dept, says I need a DUNS number in order for USN personnel to attend a training session that is being offered by our 501.c.6 membership organization. My question is “do 501.c orgs need DUNS numbers?
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It sounds like it’s required so I’d recommend you get one. Yes, non-profits can get a D&B D-U-N-S number.
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Am I able to get loans with the duns number
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When you build business credit, you may be able to get funding without using your personal guarantee. The most common type to start with is supplier/vendor credit. You’ll find examples in this article: 3 Vendors That Will Help You Build Business Credit
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Thanks for the article! Do you know if I can get a DUNS for my business if I do not have a SSN, and I am a minor?
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You don’t need a Social Security number and to my knowledge your age is not a factor as this is business credit, not personal credit.
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Please help me
How can I get my D&B Number
We are a Mexican contractor
And a customer is requiring us the D&B number
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Generally to get a D-U-N-S number in the US you need to have a US based business. If you do not, I recommend you request your D-U-N-S number through
Cial Dun & Bradstreet. Let us know how that goes for you!Reply
I’m. Currently renting a house and my yribe is going to help pay my rent but they are asking for a DUNS/FEIN number and my landlord says he doesn’t have one, what woukd he have to do to get one or is there another alternative to the DUNS that i voukd provide from rhe landlord?
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I can’t speak to that specific requirement for this assistance (as far as alternatives go) but your landlord can get a DUNS number for free here and an EIN for free here.
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I am looking to receive certification that I am a “WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS”.
My business was established as a LLC. i have been in business for 6 months with very credible sales.
I have an office established solely at home and have one women who is an independent sales contractor that does not work at my location. I do already have my EIN number, California Re-Sale Certificate, CA Sellers Certificate,/Permit , Department of Finance, Tax Collection and Licensing #, LLC 12 Digit Secretary of State Articles of Organization File Number, Fictitious Business Statement Business and Professions Code 17900 ET SEQ. What are my next steps to take in order to receive required Women Owned Diverse Certification. Numerous clients are requesting that I attain this certification along with a DUN #. PLEASE ADVISE!!
Proof for Fictitious Business Name Statements that has been published in the Daily Recorder.Reply
Congrats Shelley on how much you’ve accomplished in a short period of time! For next steps, I’d recommend you:
1. Check to see whether your business is already has a D-U-N-S number. You can do this in one of two ways. If you have a Nav account (including a free account) you can see if there is a match for your business. If not, use Business Launcher (also free) to request your D-U-N-S number. Otherwise you can go directly to DNB’s site to search and request a D-U-N-S number.
2. Read our article How to Become a Certified Woman-Owned Business. You’ll see both DIY and assisted options there. In addition, many Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free or low-cost assistance to become certified.
We wish you the best as you grow your business!
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If I have more than one business starting should I use the same DUNS number or use a different one for each?
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It depends. Are the businesses related? If so I would choose a primary business and establish credit with it. (For example you have several ec-ommerce businesses under the same legal umbrella with DBAs for each.) If your businesses share a similar address and you are the principal of all of them the credit reporting agencies will likely associate them.
On the other hand, if your business are completely different (a restaurant and an ecommerce business, for example), then I would recommend you establish credit separately for each.
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