There are many things to consider and learn when developing a small business: regulations, laws, legalities, and more. Below are state and federal resources specific to small businesses that may help answer many of the questions that arise when starting up.
State Resources
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
If you need assistance starting a new business or raising funds for an existing business, the EDPNC is here to help. Do you need help deciding what type of business to register as? What about tax IDs and how to get them, training or hiring employees, and what permits do you need? EDPNC is here to help navigate and direct you on your path to having your own business.
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is focused on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters to global customers, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world.
Small Business and Technology Development Center
A business development service of The University of North Carolina system, the SBTDC's technology counselors provide free, one-on-one business counseling to help emerging North Carolina-based businesses bring new technologies to market. The SBTDC also offers a business plan outline, free publications, and more.
N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services • Food Program
Starting a food business in North Carolina.
Employment Security Commission of North Carolina
Business service information on taxes, employees, insurance, and more.
N.C. Industrial Commission
Information for employers.
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Small business environmental assistance.
N.C. Association of Local Health Directors
List of local health departments and directors.
N.C. Department of Insurance
Insurance information for businesses.
N.C. Department of Labor
Sign up for a new business packet, information on OSHA, Wage and Hour, and more.
N.C. Department of the Secretary of State
Information on a variety of topics - trademarks, corporations, tax credit programs, and more.
N.C. Department of Revenue
NC tax information for businesses.
N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
Information on Commercial Trucking requirements.
Federal Resources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Guidance on rules and regulations from the FDA.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Information on laws, regulations, marketing, trade, and more.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Small farm/small business information.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Provides planners, services, tools, and local resources for small businesses.
Minority Business Development Agency
Bureau of Industry and Security - Export Administration
Economic Development Administration
National Technical Information Service
Internal Revenue Service
Tax information for businesses.
Social Security Administration
Business services are available online.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information on filing for patents and trademarks.
U.S. Copyright Office
Information on copyright law, licensing, and more.
U.S. Postal Service
Business services are available from the postal service.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Information on trade in developing countries.
Private Resources
Where to start when forming an LLC:
SimplifyLLC is an independent publication that provides free guides for small business owners. If you're looking for business ideas and do-it-yourself guides on forming and operating an LLC, SimplifyLLC is your go-to resource for simple, legal-jargon-free information. Learn what you need to do to register your company in North Carolina.
