Plan My Business

North Carolina has no single generic business license that will ensure compliance with all requirements. Some businesses may be subject to several state requirements while others may not be subject to any. For questions about which license or permit your business needs, call EDPNC Small Business Advisors at 1-800-228-8443.

NC BOLD lists all of the business licenses, professional licenses, and privilege licenses required to do business in the State of North Carolina. 

This resource from the Secretary of State's office provides the most popular types of business entities formed in North Carolina. Find out more about the structure, formation and tax requirements for Business Corporations, Nonprofits, LLCs, Partnerships and Professional Entities.

Questions about choosing a Business Structure?

EDPNC Small Business Advisors is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina. We’re here to answer your questions, and help you navigate topics like regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training, continuing education, choosing a business structure, which forms to fill, funding opportunities and more.

Who Should Register for Sales and Use Tax? Check out the North Carolina Department of Revenue Page to find out more.

North Carolina Department of Revenue provides tutorial videos on how to complete the most common sales & use tax forms and how to register for a sales & use account.

How you can apply for Sales & Use Tax - Watch a Video on how you can apply for Sales & Use Tax with NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR).

State privilege license taxes are imposed for the privilege of carrying on the business, exercising the privilege or doing the act named in Article 2, Schedule B of the Revenue Laws of North Carolina. These privilege license taxes are in addition to any regulatory or qualification requirements to engage in the practice of a profession, business or trade.

Does Privilege License Tax apply to My Business?

Complete the B-202A Form to apply for North Carolina State Privilege License.

NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) online business registration allows you to electronically register for an account ID number for income tax withholding, sales and use tax, and other taxes and Service Charge instead of submitting Form NC-BR.

Watch a Video on how you can apply for Income Tax Withholding with NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR).

Determine if you require an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

You can apply for and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website.

NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) lists all rules and regulations for Air Quality, Coastal Management, Energy, Mineral and Land Resources, Mining, Marine Fisheries, Waste Management, Water Resources.

Do Environmental Regulations Apply to your business? Contact the Small Business Advisors at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) helpline. 

SBTDC has put together a list of websites that provide more information about franchises and franchising opportunities. For additional information, feasibility studies, or detailed market research and analysis, contact your regional SBTDC office. 

SBCN has put together a list of websites to assist you more information about franchises and franchising opportunities. For additional information, feasibility studies, or detailed market research and analysis, contact SBCN counselors. 

Check this page from NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) on Franchise Tax Information.

Advisors at the Entrepreneurship Hub can work with you to determine if your intellectual property is protectable. 

View Frequently Asked Questions on protecting your intellectual property in North Carolina. 

Register for a Trademark or  Service Mark in North Carolina. 

Small Business Center Network (SBCN) provides some very good resources for you to review as you start determining how you might want to finance your business.

The Small Business & Technology Development Center SBTDC’s Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses provides information about financial resources available to small businesses in North Carolina.

The Entrepreneurship Hub provides information about financial resources available to small businesses in North Carolina.

Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides counseling assistance to growth companies seeking equity capital, offers educational programs for both qualified investors and growth company entrepreneurs, works with angel and venture capital funds, and serves as a statewide resource and connection to private equity investment and funding opportunities.

Federal funding opportunity to support research and development projects through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. SBTDC can help you navigate these grant programs.

SBTDC has put together a list of websites, templates and tools to help you write and develop your business plan.

Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) counselors can help you with your Business Plan. If you are considering starting a business, but not sure where to begin, reach out to SBTDC counselors to guide you through the process.