Licenses & Permits
This lesson is a guide published on sosnc.gov.
Read the guideWhat you'll get
The Secretary of State's page says North Carolina has no single generic business license, that some businesses meet several state requirements while others meet none, and that more than 700 regulatory, state-issued and occupational licenses and permits exist, with a local license possible on top. It points to Business Link North Carolina's free phone consultations (1-800-228-8443) and a directory of occupational boards, so use it to learn which licenses your work needs before you form anything.
Do this week
Call the free line to list the licenses your work needs, then ask your city or county planning office whether your business is allowed at your address, since zoning can apply to a home business, and file an assumed business name certificate with your county register of deeds if you will trade under a name other than your own (G.S. 66-71.4).