Establishing a business can be like traversing a maze of details. Fortunately, the N.C. Department of Commerce offers personalized service to help you streamline the process so you’re up and running quickly.
Our business specialists can point you to the right resources and other state agencies that can assist your company with:
- Filing proper documentation.
- Researching the most appropriate form of business to suit your needs.
- Planning how to manage complex visa and immigration issues.
- Acquiring common environmental permits.
- Addressing labor issues such as wages and safety requirements.
- Tackling planning and development considerations such as zoning and building codes.
Your business may also be interested in patent and trademark laws, U.S. trade laws as well as investment structures and licensing.
We provide support to guide you through these tasks. In addition, while not required by law, we encourage you to seek professional counsel early on in your process to address your unique needs.
For more information, download the 
Legal Aspects Chapter of our Fact Book .
Below, you’ll find links to other areas of our website and to other agencies that can help you on your journey.
Related Links
Incorporating a Business
See the Choosing a Legal Structure section of our website.
Department of the Secretary of State
North Carolina Department of Revenue
North Carolina General Statutes
Visa and Immigration Issues
See the Employer Issues section of our website.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Environmental Permitting
North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources
Labor Issues
See the Employer Issues section of our website.
US Department of Labor
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
North Carolina Department of Labor
Wage and Hour Bureau
Planning and Development
North Carolina Cities and Towns
North Carolina Counties
North Carolina Department of Insurance