Steven Zahm@ Scott
re: Does this plugin have the ability to allow the end user to add their own business profile to the directory
Yes, you will need the Link extension. And, optionally, the Form extension if you wish to enabled frontend editing.
re: put them on hold until payment is made?
When setting up Link you can choose to set the permissions so the submitted entry must be approved before it will be listed. But this is not tied to any type of payment because Connections does not natively support payment processing or taking payments for listings.
re: Does this script have a membership area where I can protect unless they are a paid member?
No, there is no “membership area”. Many others use a membership plugin like Restrict Content Pro / s2member to manage memberships/payments/renewals and such. They have a membership page. The link extension includes shortcode you can add to those pages to allow a user to view and edit their entry. Many use the Login extension and use that widget in their theme’s sidebar instead because it is easier.
re: will this integrate with another membership plugin like s2member?
No directly, however, many use the two together. Generally the process is to use s2Member to take payment which then give them access to the “membership page” where they can then add their entry to the directory.
Hope this answers your question thoroughly!