While NTIA and RUS encourage an open, collaborative environment, we also encourage everyone interested in creating profiles on BroadbandMatch to take special care in order to find partners suited to your needs. This includes considering partners with complementary competencies and skills, compatible management, and an upstanding record.

Some tips when engaging with a potential business partner:

Research the company:
• How long has the company been in business?
1. Are they in good standing within their community?
2. Check with local government consumer offices, city attorney offices and state attorney offices

• Ask for appropriate license/regulatory numbers.
1. Are they current?
2. Have any complaints been filed against them? Do they have a history of problems, such as bankruptcy?
3. Do they hold the necessary licenses in the jurisdiction(s) where business is planned?

• Review the annual report.
1. Discuss any concerns with legal and financial advisors.
2. Research all public financial records.

• Ask for references. These may include:
1. Clients.
2. State and local elected officials.
3. Community business leaders. (The local chamber of commerce is a good place to start.)

Prepare a joint business plan:
• Develop a plan that clearly spells out the roles and responsibilities of each partner.
• Create a financial statement that details the resources expected from each partner.
• Be sure to know the source of all financial capital (including whether funds are secured or unsecured).

Review business and financial plans:
• Ask a legal advisor to review and comment on the plan.
• Ask an accountant to review the financial statements and other key documents.