Starting Your Business

1. Register Your Business

The way you structure your business is important for tax, legal, and financial liability purposes. Try to consult an attorney and/or accountant to help determine what the best structure will be for you. If you would like to see a list of business structures, click here!

2. Obtain Your License and Permits

North Carolina doesn’t have a single generic business license that will work for everyone. You will need to determine what requirements your business is subject to.
You can determine what licenses or permits your business needs online or by calling The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina at 1-800-228-8443.

3. Register for Sales & Use Taxes

You can register for sales & use taxes either online or by mailing the Department of Revenue to obtain a Certificate of Registration. For a list of business types that need a Certificate of Registration to operate, click here!

4. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You can apply for your Employer Identification Number online by clicking this link!

5. Know What Taxes Apply to Your Business

There are different types of tax liabilities that differ depending on the type of business. Make sure you are knowledgeable about what your business type is and what type of taxes apply to it.
Different types of taxes include Sales & Use Tax, Privilege License Tax, State & Local Tax, State Withholding Taxes, and Federal Taxes.

6. Obtain Insurance

There are different types of tax liabilities that differ depending on the type of business. Make sure you are knowledgeable about what your business type is and what type of taxes apply to it.
Different types of taxes include Sales & Use Tax, Privilege License Tax, State & Local Tax, State Withholding Taxes, and Federal Taxes.

7. Learn and Comply With Business Regulations

Talk with private insurance providers to see if it makes sense to get protection from Hazards and Liability Claims.

8. Determine How Much Money You Will Need to Start Your Business

Calculate your startup costs so that you can get funding, attract investors, and estimate potential profits. You can learn how to calculate your startup costs here!

9. Open a Business Bank Account

Determine which bank is right for you, and open an account for your business.

10. Protect Your Intellectual Property

Read this Intellectual Property Guide to help determine what you need to do in order to protect your product and maintain your intellectual property rights.

11. Starting Up

Research the different aspects of starting a business, identify potential markets, write your business plan, and learn how to finance and market your business.
Click here to register for a free online course to help learn how to start up your business.