Doing business in North Carolina - FAQs

North Carolina does not have a single business license that covers every business activity. There are over 700 State business license and permits.  Call Business Link North Carolina determine your state license requirements -- (800) 228-8443 or (919) 807-4280.

There are several types of tax numbers. If a business is planning to have sales or hire employees, (Form NC-BR)  is required. Businesses having employees are also required to file for a  Federal Employer Identification number (SS-4 form) from the IRS.  For furhter information on taxes, see our Taxes link.  

The type of business structure determines where a business name should be registered. A  Sole Proprietorship and a General Partnership  file Assumed Name form with the Register of Deeds in the county or counties where businesses plan to operate. Corporations or Limited Liability Companies must file their business names with the N.C. Secretary of State, Corporations Division.

You can Incorporate or form an LLC by filing Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) or Articles of Organization (LLC) with the N.C. Secretary of State, Corporations Division.  For helpful guidelines look for  A Guide to Incorporating Your Business in North Carolina and Organizing Your Limited Liability Company in North Carolina on their website.  An attorney is not required, however it is wise to seek legal advice.

Name availability can be determined by contacting the N.C. Secretary of State, Corporations Division at (919) 807-2225. Online searches can be completed on the Corporations Division web site.

A federal employer identification number ( Form SS-4 ) may be applied for by mail or online at  the Internal Revenue Service's website. You also may contact them by phone (800) 829-4933.

The Small Business & Technology Development Center has a publication Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses to assist in identifying sources of capital.  SBA Loan information can be obtained from the Small Business Administration by calling (800) 827-5722. In addition, the Self-Help Credit Union offers loan programs for qualified businesses and can be reached at (800) 476-7428.

You may need additional city licenses if you are doing business within city limits. State and city governments are separate entities and may have different licensing requirements. Separate county government requirements may also apply to your business.

There are many resources to help you with your business plan.  Link to our Business Planning and Resource section for detailed information.

No, BLNC does not issue licenses, keep records or register licensed businesses. 

BLNC's services are provided without cost.  BLNC is a service of the State of North Carolina and was created as a result of the business community's need for a central source of information regarding State business licenses, services, resources and programs.

Environmental permit requirements may be found on the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources website.  Other city or county ordinances may be required as well.

Grants for business start-ups are rare.  Exceptions are for technology and innovation, defense and the green industry.  Two helpful websites are listed below:

Grants.gov is the single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by all Federal Agencies.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) gives you access to a database of all federal programs available.

The North Carolina Board of Science and Technology administers the One North Carolina Small Business Program.  This program awards matching funds to North Carolina businesses who have been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)  or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program award.

The Department of Commerce's Small Business Ombudsman is your advocate to state agencies on the behalf of small business.  

• Collect information concerning the status of a business’s inquiry
• Convene representatives of state agencies to resolve specific small business-related issues
• Cut through the government morass to reduce unnecessary delays
• Resolve inconsistencies between regulatory agencies