Plan My Business

The Entrepreneurship Hub offers a 5-week Jumpstart program that helps entrepreneurs develop their raw ideas into a well-developed, fully vetted and validated business plan. The Entrepreneurship Hub's Maker’s Space gives entrepreneurs a unique opportunity for business simulation and to create prototypes so they can “Fail Fast Fail Cheap” and optimize their idea for consumers, investors and manufacturers.

Perform Market Research and Competitive Analysis

To run a successful business it is critical to have a thorough understanding of your market. Small Business Center Network (SBCN) helps you understand: Who are my Customers? Who are my Competitors? What are the trends within the industry? SBCN can help you with your Marketing Plan. The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has an experienced team of marketing analysts to help your business grow through better data and analysis. SBTDC can help you with your Marketing Plan. SBTDC has put together a Marketing Plan worksheet to guide you through the writing and organization of an effective marketing plan

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Business Seminars and Training Events

Check out upcoming events and webinars offered by Entrepreneurship Hub that include topics like Kickstart your Business in 4 weeks, Time Management for Small Business Owners, How to Finance your Small Business, Marketing your Business with Social Media, Basics of Bookkeeping.

Identify Legal Considerations

Some businesses may be subject to several legal considerations while others may not. Review the following legal considerations for your business.

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Business Licenses and Permits

North Carolina has no single generic business license that will ensure compliance with all requirements. Some businesses may be subject to several state requirements while others may not be subject to any. For questions about which license or permit your business needs, call EDPNC Small Business Advisors at 1-800-228-8443.

Business Structures

This resource from the Secretary of State's office provides the most popular types of business entities formed in North Carolina. Find out more about the structure, formation and tax requirements for Business Corporations, Nonprofits, LLCs, Partnerships and Professional Entities.

EDPNC Small Business Advisors is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina. We’re here to answer your questions, and help you navigate topics like regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training, continuing education, choosing a business structure, which forms to fill, funding opportunities and more.

Sales and Use Tax

How you can apply for Sales & Use Tax - Watch a Video on how you can apply for Sales & Use Tax with NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR).

Privilege License Tax

State privilege license taxes are imposed for the privilege of carrying on the business, exercising the privilege or doing the act named in Article 2, Schedule B of the Revenue Laws of North Carolina. These privilege license taxes are in addition to any regulatory or qualification requirements to engage in the practice of a profession, business or trade.