diff --git a/docs/strategy/BUSINESS_PLAN.md b/docs/strategy/BUSINESS_PLAN.md
index bad148b..fa27232 100644
--- a/docs/strategy/BUSINESS_PLAN.md
+++ b/docs/strategy/BUSINESS_PLAN.md
@@ -91,6 +91,10 @@ Keep to **three top-line outcomes**, each with plain “why not yet” underneat
 
 **Agreed essence so far:** scorecard is owner-plain (exist / know what you do / would recommend), not a long SEO audit. How we *measure* “would recommend” (heuristics vs live assistant checks, free vs paid depth) is still open discussion — do not treat packaging ideas as POR until Ty says they stick.
 
+### Validation gate (working direction — essence)
+
+Anyone using GeoLocal tools must pass a **business-representation check** first (e.g. prove control of a contact channel tied to that business). Mechanism details and free/silver/gold allotments stay open until COGS is real — only the gate itself is directional essence so far.
+
 ### Free path after checkup (working direction — not locked)
 
 Free includes:
@@ -142,6 +146,7 @@ If something here conflicts with `CANONICAL_STRATEGY.md`, resolve on purpose in
 | 2026-09-15 | Working nuance: 2017 hygiene usually first *fix* work; dual scoreboard from day one (hygiene + AI recommendability); skip forced hygiene phase if foundation already solid |
 | 2026-09-15 | Working direction: owner scorecard ladder — knows you exist / knows what you do / would recommend you (wording TBD); open whether v1 recommend = heuristic vs live assistant pings |
 | 2026-09-15 | Process note: scribe essence of agreed direction only — exploratory packaging stays out of POR until it sticks |
+| 2026-09-15 | Essence: validation gate before tool use (prove you represent the business); plan tier numbers still open |
 
 ---