FFLGuard's JumpStart & LaunchPad
Build Your Firearms Business on Solid Ground.
Getting an FFL is not just filling out a form. It is entering a federally regulated industry where your business structure, premises, zoning, software, records, transactions, and daily decisions matter from the very beginning.
FFLGuard offers two startup pathways for prospective Federal Firearms Licensees:
FFLGuard LaunchPad™ — built for first-time, home-based, small-footprint, and budget-conscious applicants who need practical training, startup resources, and realistic compliance guardrails before and immediately after licensure.
FFLGuard JumpStart — built for applicants who need a higher-touch startup solution with application assistance, entity selection guidance, corporate governance support, and increased legal support during the FFL application process.
Whether you are still asking, “Can I actually do this?” or you are ready to move forward with entity formation, ATF application support, and operational planning, FFLGuard helps you start smarter.
Because in this industry, “I didn’t know” is not a compliance strategy.
Which Startup Program Is Right for You?
A practical startup program for first-time and home-based FFL applicants.
LaunchPad is designed for individuals entering the firearm industry for the first time, especially home-based applicants, part-time firearm businesses, small startup dealers, low-volume transfer businesses, and entrepreneurs trying to determine whether an FFL makes legal, operational, and financial sense.
LaunchPad helps applicants understand the business model, licensing process, ATF expectations, compliance obligations, software decisions, and basic transaction workflows before they begin operations.
Once the license is issued, LaunchPad participants transition into 6 months of FFLGuard Lite support, with optional NFA support available through the LaunchPad NFA Add-On.
LaunchPad is ideal for:
- First-time FFL applicants
- Home-based FFL applicants
- Small startup dealers
- Low-volume transfer businesses
- Part-time firearm businesses
- Individuals considering a Type 01 dealer license
- Individuals considering a Type 07 manufacturer license
- Applicants who may later add SOT/NFA services
- Entrepreneurs with limited budget but serious intent
A higher-touch startup service for applicants who want direct application, entity, and governance support.
JumpStart is designed for prospective FFLs who want more direct support as they form, structure, and prepare their firearms business for licensure. JumpStart includes guidance on entity selection, corporate governance documents, the ATF application process, and access to FFLGuard counsel and professionals.
JumpStart is appropriate for applicants who want a more involved startup experience and may need help building the foundation of the business before licensure.
JumpStart™ is ideal for:
- Applicants who want application assistance
- Applicants forming or restructuring a business entity
- Applicants needing firearms-specific governance documents
- Applicants seeking increased legal support before licensure
- Applicants who want FFLGuard oversight during the ATF application process
- Startup businesses with more complex operational or ownership needs
FFLGuard LaunchPad™
Built for the New FFL Who Wants to Start Smart — Without Starting Broke.
Getting an FFL because you “like guns” is not a business plan.
FFLGuard LaunchPad™ was built for the new dealer, home-based applicant, or small startup who wants to enter the firearm industry without getting steamrolled by paperwork, zoning problems, software mistakes, or first-transaction errors.
LaunchPad gives new applicants a structured path to understand the firearm industry, prepare for the ATF licensing process, choose the right tools, and begin operations with compliance guardrails from day one.
What LaunchPad™ Includes
Pre-License Video Training Series
LaunchPad participants receive access to a practical startup video curriculum covering the business, operational, and compliance fundamentals of entering the firearm industry.
Training topics include:
How Money Is Made in the Firearm Industry
Understand transfers, retail sales, special orders, consignment, gunsmithing-adjacent models, manufacturing models, NFA opportunities, margins, volume, and realistic startup expectations.
What It Means to Be a Firearms Dealer
Learn the practical responsibilities of operating as a dealer, including acquisition and disposition obligations, ATF Form 4473 responsibilities, background check workflows, recordkeeping, transfer procedures, storage, customer-facing compliance, and inspection readiness.
What It Means to Be a Firearms Manufacturer
Understand Type 07 basics, assembly and production considerations, marking issues, recordkeeping differences, gunsmithing versus manufacturing concepts, product liability, and when a manufacturer license may or may not be appropriate.
How to Check Zoning Before Applying
Review local zoning, home occupation rules, HOA restrictions, lease restrictions, local business licensing, municipal requirements, written confirmation best practices, and how local rules may impact ATF license approval.
How to Complete ATF Form 7
Walk through the federal firearms license application process, including applicant information, responsible persons, license type selection, business premises, hours of operation, entity structure basics, common mistakes, and what happens after submission.
What to Expect During the ATF License Issuance Meeting
Prepare for the initial ATF qualification inspection or licensing meeting, including what ATF may review, what questions may be asked, required premises access, recordkeeping expectations, secure storage discussions, business intent questions, and common red flags.
Picking Firearm Compliance Software
Learn how to evaluate electronic A&D software, 4473 software, NICS or state POC integrations, reporting tools, audit trails, data ownership, backup and export functionality, support quality, and software limitations.
How to Complete a Firearm Transaction
Review the basic workflow for receiving a firearm, making bound book entries, customer intake, ATF Form 4473 completion, identification review, background checks, proceed/delay/deny/cancel scenarios, final disposition, filing, retention, and common first-transaction mistakes.
LaunchPad™ Startup Resources
- Startup checklist
- Zoning confirmation worksheet
- ATF licensing meeting preparation sheet
- First transaction checklist
- Software evaluation checklist
These tools are designed to help new applicants organize the details that matter before submitting ATF Form 7, meeting with ATF, selecting software, accepting inventory, or conducting their first transaction.
6 Months of FFLGuard Lite After License Issuance
Once the participant’s FFL is issued, LaunchPad includes 6 months of FFLGuard Lite enrollment.
This provides access to foundational FFLGuard resources after the license is issued, because getting the license is only the beginning. Operating correctly after approval is where the real work starts.
Benefits include:
- Access to applicable Clients-Only Library resources
- Access to applicable templates and SOP tools
- HelpDesk support consistent with Lite program scope
- Access to applicable Clients-Only webinar content
- Practical compliance guidance for startup operations
Optional LaunchPad™ NFA Add-On™
For applicants considering suppressors or other NFA work, the LaunchPad NFA Add-On provides additional startup guidance.
The NFA Add-On includes:
- SOT decision training
- SOT application guidance
- NFA transaction training
- NFA-specific templates and resources
- 6 months of NFA support after SOT activation
- NFA HelpDesk support consistent with program scope
This add-on is designed to help applicants understand whether SOT status makes sense for their business before they add cost, complexity, and additional compliance obligations.
FFLGuard JumpStart™
Higher-Touch Startup Support for Applicants Ready to Build the Business Foundation.
JumpStart is FFLGuard’s more comprehensive startup support solution for prospective Federal Firearms Licensees who want direct guidance as they build, structure, and prepare their firearms business for licensure.
Through JumpStart, prospective FFLs can develop a more effective business foundation while navigating federal regulations, local requirements, entity considerations, and the ATF application process.
Services Offered as Part of JumpStart™
FFLGuard counsel will advise you regarding forming and operating as a corporate entity, such as a limited liability company or corporation, to help address potential personal liability, business viability, continuity, and firearms-specific operational concerns.
FFLGuard counsel can also oversee the ATF application process, help identify pitfalls that may delay issuance, and monitor the application through ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensing Center.
FFLGuard counsel will prepare corporate governance documents, such as operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and bylaws, for execution and implementation.
These documents are tailored to address the unique issues applicable to firearms businesses, including federal firearms laws, state requirements, local regulations, responsible person considerations, and prohibited person concerns.
FFLGuard lawyers will also help explain how these governance documents work in the real world, not just on paper.
JumpStart provides access to FFLGuard counsel and professionals to address entity selection, business structure, licensing, and startup issues. Participants also receive access to FFLGuard’s JumpStart Coordinator.
First Year of FFLGuard Program Benefits
For one year from the date of FFL issuance, JumpStart participants receive FFLGuard program benefits consistent with the applicable JumpStart package.
Pre-License Video Training Series
JumpStart participants receive access to a practical startup video curriculum covering the business, operational, and compliance fundamentals of entering the firearm industry.
Training topics include:
How Money Is Made in the Firearm Industry
Understand transfers, retail sales, special orders, consignment, gunsmithing-adjacent models, manufacturing models, NFA opportunities, margins, volume, and realistic startup expectations.
How to Complete ATF Form 7
Walk through the federal firearms license application process, including applicant information, responsible persons, license type selection, business premises, hours of operation, entity structure basics, common mistakes, and what happens after submission.
How to Complete a Firearm Transaction
Review the basic workflow for receiving a firearm, making bound book entries, customer intake, ATF Form 4473 completion, identification review, background checks, proceed/delay/deny/cancel scenarios, final disposition, filing, retention, and common first-transaction mistakes.
Regulatory History
History of the United States regulations, meanings, and concepts from inception to current day rulings.
Risk and Processes
Detailed review of risk assessment, necessary workflows, and best practices to ensure compliance from day 1.
Program Comparison
Feature
LaunchPad
JumpStart
Built for first-time and home-based applicants
Budget-conscious startup pathway
Pre-license video training
1 User
Multi-User
Startup checklists and worksheets
ATF Form 7 education
ATF application assistance
Entity selection advice
Corporate governance document feedback
Increased legal support
Software selection guidance
FFLGuard Program enrollment after license issuance
6 Months Lite
12 Months
Best for small startups with limited budget
Best for applicants needing higher-touch legal support
Optional NFA startup track
Optional Manufacturing startup track
Optional California startup track
Optional Import / Export startup track
Optional FEL / Destructive Devices startup track
Investment
FFLGuard LaunchPad™
$995 One-Time Enrollment
Includes:
- Pre-license startup video training
- Startup tools and checklists
- ATF Form 7 preparation resources
- ATF licensing meeting preparation
- Firearm transaction basics
- 6 months of FFLGuard Lite after FFL issuance
LaunchPad™ NFA Add-On™
$595 One-Time Enrollment
Includes:
- SOT decision training
- SOT application guidance
- NFA transaction module
- NFA-specific startup resources
- 6 months of NFA support after SOT activation
- NFA HelpDesk access
LaunchPad™ Manufacturing Add-On™
$995 One-Time Enrollment
Includes:
- Manufacturing processes
- Manufacturing application guidance
- Zoning review
- Requirements and limitations
- Reporting and Marking Standards
- Manufacturing HelpDesk access
FFLGuard JumpStart™
$4,995 JumpStart with Application Assistance
Includes higher-touch startup support with ATF application assistance.
$3,995 JumpStart without Application Assistance
Includes JumpStart support without ATF application assistance.
JumpStart™ NFA Add-On™
$995 One-Time Enrollment
Includes:
- SOT decision training
- SOT application guidance
- NFA transaction module
- NFA-specific startup resources
- 12 months of NFA support after SOT activation
- NFA HelpDesk access
JumpStart™ Manufacturing Add-On™
$995 One-Time Enrollment
Includes:
- Manufacturing processes
- Manufacturing application guidance
- Zoning review
- Requirements and limitations
- Reporting and Marking Standards
- Manufacturing HelpDesk access
JumpStart™ California Add-On™
$1995 One-Time Enrollment
Includes:
- California application guidance
- California specific guidance
- California HelpDesk access
Optional Additional Services
Additional startup services may be available, including:
- Attendance during ATF application inspection
- Software selection and implementation support
- Project management for software implementation
- SiteVisit services
- DeepDIVe services
- Custom consulting
- Import/Export Service Plan
- FEL / Destructive Devices Service Plan
Important Program Boundaries
FFLGuard LaunchPad™ and/or FFLGuard JumpStart™ programs are designed to provide general educational, operational, and compliance-oriented guidance for new FFL applicants. It does not guarantee approval of any federal, state, or local license, permit, zoning request, or business authorization.
Applicants remain responsible for confirming all federal, state, local, zoning, lease, HOA, and business requirements applicable to their specific premises and operations.
Unless separately purchased or expressly included, LaunchPad™ and JumpStart™ programs do not include:
- Custom legal opinions
- State-specific legal analysis
- Local zoning legal review
- Business formation services
- Tax advice
- Insurance advice
- Software setup
- ATF application filing on behalf of the applicant
- Guaranteed license approval
- Guaranteed zoning approval
- One-on-one consulting
- SiteVisit or DeepDIVe services
- Complex manufacturing, import/export, or multi-location support
FAQs
An LLC is not always required to apply for an FFL, but entity structure matters. Many applicants choose to operate through a corporate entity to help establish business intent, support continuity, and address potential liability concerns. JumpStart includes entity selection input for applicants who need legal guidance on business structure.
LaunchPad is the education-first startup program for first-time, home-based, small-footprint, and budget-conscious applicants. It provides training, startup resources, software selection guidance, transaction basics, and 6 months of FFLGuard Lite after license issuance.
JumpStart is the higher-touch startup service for applicants who want direct application support, entity guidance, governance documents, and increased legal support.
No. LaunchPad is a good fit for home-based applicants, but it is also appropriate for first-time dealers, small retail startups, low-volume transfer businesses, and part-time firearm businesses.
Prohibited persons are disqualified from getting an FFL. These include:
- Anyone who has been convicted of a felony or any other crime, punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
- Anyone who under indictment for a felony or any other crime, punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
- Fugitives from Justice
- Unlawful Users or Addicts of Controlled Substances
- People who have been adjudicated as a mental defective or have been committed to any mental institution
- Illegal aliens
- People who have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
- People who have renounced his or her United States citizenship;
- Anyone subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of the intimate partner
- People who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
No. LaunchPad provides education, preparation, and startup resources. Applicants remain responsible for completing and submitting their own applications unless application assistance is separately purchased through JumpStart or another FFLGuard service.
No. No program can guarantee federal, state, local, zoning, lease, HOA, or business approval. LaunchPad and JumpStart are designed to help applicants understand the process, prepare intelligently, and avoid common startup mistakes.
Choose LaunchPad if you are new, budget-conscious, and need structured education before and immediately after licensure.
Choose JumpStart if you want higher-touch support, entity guidance, governance guidance, and ATF application assistance.
Yes. LaunchPad is intended as an entry ramp, not a dead end. If it is determined more support is needed during your application process, FFLGuard will apply the funds paid for the LaunchPad program toward JumpStart or custom package.
Start Smart. Start Prepared.
Start with FFLGuard.
Whether you are still exploring your first FFL or ready for higher-touch startup support, FFLGuard can help you understand what you are signing up for before the first ATF meeting, first bound book entry, first 4473, or first customer transaction.
LaunchPad helps you get started.
JumpStart helps you build the foundation.
FFLGuard helps you stay operational.