All Business Resources

Looking for a local Business resource near you, check out our Local-Regional Business Resources page.

Not sure where to begin, call the Small Business Advisors at EDPNC at (800)228-8443. This team is an extension of NC Dept of Commerce and provide a FREE SERVICE (paid by tax dollars) to help people who want to start/expand a business or have a general business question in NC.

Category	Title	Description
Business Plan	Business Plan	Developing your own business plan will enable you to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) that exist for your business success.Small Business Center Network (SBCN) can help you with this.
Business Plan	Need help with your Business Plan	Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) counselors can help you with your Business Plan. If you are considering starting a business, but not sure where to begin, reach out to SBTDC counselors to guide you through the process.
Business Plan	SBTDC can help in developing a Business Plan	SBTDC has put together a list of websites, templates and tools to help you write and develop your business plan.
Business Plan	SBCN can help in developing a Business Plan	Business Plan is essential and critical for owning and operating a successful and profitable business. SBCN has put together guides on how to write a Business Plan.
Close Your Business	Dissolving your Business	If you are closing shop in North Carolina, you need to follow some steps.
Co-working space	Incubator Space	The Entrepreneurship Hub offers economical Flex Cubicles or Private Office Spaces.
Expand your Business	Selling to the Government	Through the North Carolina Government Contracting Assistance Program (GCAP), SBTDC educates business associates on how to obtain contracts by providing comprehensive assistance in selling products and services to local, state and federal government agencies.
Expand your Business	Government Contracting Opportunities	The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) connects North Carolina firms to current government contracting opportunities in two ways – with a team of business development specialists across the state who also provide technical services, and electronically with www.MatchForce.org.
Expand your Business	Need assistance with International Business Development including Exporting	SBTDC’s International Business Development team of Certified Global Business Professionals assists business owners and their mangers with trusted advice on global business management, global marketing, supply chain management and trade finance.
Expand your Business	International Opportunities	The Entrepreneruship Hub can assist you with International Opportunities for your Business.
Expand your Business	Labor Management	The Entrepreneruship Hub can assist you with Labor Management.
Financing your Business	SBCN can guide you with Funding Opportunities	Small Business Center Network (SBCN) provides some very good resources for you to review as you start determining how you might want to finance your business.
Financing your Business	SBTDC can guide you with Funding opportunities	The Small Business & Technology Development Center SBTDC’s Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses provides information about financial resources available to small businesses in North Carolina.
Financing your Business	Private Equity Initiatives	Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides counseling assistance to growth companies seeking equity capital, offers educational programs for both qualified investors and growth company entrepreneurs, works with angel and venture capital funds, and serves as a statewide resource and connection to private equity investment and funding opportunities.
Financing your Business	Technology related Funding	Federal funding opportunity to support research and development projects through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. SBTDC can help you navigate these grant programs.
Financing your Business	Start-up Costs	How much money will it take to start your small business? Calculate the startup costs for your small business so you can request funding, attract investors, and estimate when you’ll turn a profit.
Financing your Business	Entrpreneurship Hub can guide you with Funding opportunities	The Entrepreneurship Hub provides information about financial resources available to small businesses in North Carolina.
Financing your Business	Certfied CDFIs	Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) specialize in financing to underserved communities and businesses — including nonprofits. If you’re located in a low-income or rural area, or you’re a member of a historically disadvantaged group, you might be able to get approved for more competitive terms with these lenders than elsewhere.
Financing your Business	Seed Fund Grants for Innovation/Research	The One NC Small Business Program is North Carolina’s seed fund for innovative companies creating and bringing to market new technologies
Financing your Business	SBTDC can provide referrals to Lenders or other Professionals	SBTDC Counselors can provide referrals to Lenders or other Professionals
Financing your Business	SBCN can provide referrals to Lenders or other Professionals?	Small Business Center Counselors can provide referrals to Lenders or other Professionals
Financing your Business	How to choose the right bank?	SBTDC Counselors can help guide you in choosing the right bank for your Business.
Financing your Business	Need assistance with preparing for and analyzing Funding Sources, In-depth Financial Analysis?	Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) counselors can work with you to perform a quick, no-cost financial analysis of your business. They can provide practical advice and solutions to improve your financial situation.
Financing your Business	Need assistance with preparing for and analyzing Funding Sources?	Small Business Centers provide local, confidential, experienced counselors as advisors for new and existing businesses at no-cost to you. They can work with you to perform a quick, no-cost financial analysis of your business. They can provide practical advice and solutions to improve your financial situation.
Financing your Business	Register for Crowdfunding	Crowdfunding is a way to solicit money from a large number of people and is usually done through the Internet. There are different kinds of crowdfunding. Under the NC PACES Act, NC Department of Secretary of State regulates the kind of crowdfunding related to securities.
Financing your Business	Need Grants for expanding your business in NC?	EDPNC Small Business Advisors can help determine if you are eligible.
Financing your Business	Register Public Sale of a Company Stock	You need to register with the NC Department of the Secretary of State
Free Counseling	EDPNC Small Business Advisors	The Small Business Advisors at Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) help businesses large and small succeed in North Carolina. This team is an extension of NC Dept of Commerce and provide a FREE SERVICE (paid by tax dollars) to help people who want to start/expand a business or have a general business question in NC.
Free Counseling	Confidential Business Counseling	Small Business Centers provide free local, confidential, experienced counselors as advisors for new and existing businesses on a variety of topics such as Business Plan Development, Sources of Capital and Loan Preparation, Management and Human Resources Guidance, Marketing Assistance, Biotechnology-related Business Questions, International Trade, Government Procurement
Free Counseling	Counseling on International Business Development and Export	Small Business & Technology Development Center SBTDC’s International Business Development team of Certified Global Business Professionals assists business owners and their mangers with trusted advice on global business management, global marketing, supply chain management and trade finance.
Free Counseling	Counseling on Business & Management	Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) business counselors combine real-life business experience with industry expertise, education, and advanced training. All of this is designed so that you can make the best decisions possible for your business.
Free Counseling	Counseling on Government Contracting	Government Contracting Assistance Program (GCAP) educates business associates on how to obtain contracts by providing comprehensive assistance in selling products and services to local, state and federal government agencies.
Free Counseling	Counseling on Accelerating Technology to Market	The Technology Commercialization Services team provides one-on-one business counseling and advice to small business owners, university researchers, and entrepreneurs looking to advance their innovations to the marketplace.
Free Counseling	Counseling on Financial Analysis	Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) counselors can work with you to perform a quick, no-cost financial analysis of your business. They can provide practical advice and solutions to improve your financial situation.
Free Counseling	Meet with an Advisor at UNC Pembroke	Are you an innovator with a dream or a small business that needs help? You can schedule a session with an Advisor at UNC Pembroke.
Intellectual Property	Intellectual Property Guide	Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has developed an Intellectual Property Guide to help small businesses and inventors in the development of their inventions and in the maintenance of their intellectual property rights.
Intellectual Property	How to Register for a Trademark or a Service Mark	Learn how you can protect your intellectual property by registering for a Trademark or Service Mark in North Carolina.
Intellectual Property	Questions about protecting your Trade Secrets	View our Frequently Asked Questions on protecting your intellectual property in North Carolina.
Intellectual Property	Is your intellectual property protectable?	Our advisors at the Entrpreneurship Hub can work with you to determine if your intellectual property is protectable.
Legal Considerations	Choose a Business Structure	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.
Legal Considerations	Want to start a business, but not sure where to begin	The way your business is structured affects taxation, legal and financial liability as well as decision-making authority. Before selecting a business structure, consult your attorney and/or accountant as each structure carries with it unique legal and tax consequences.
Legal Considerations	Do you need Licenses or 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
Legal Considerations	Business Licenses and Permits	NC BOLD lists all of the business licenses, professional licenses, and privilege licenses required to do business in the State of North Carolina.
Legal Considerations	Business Taxes	Small business taxes and employer requirements can be simple or complex depending on the size and structure of your business. In addition, specific tax liability for each type of business is different. We have information on: Sales & Use Tax, Privilege License Tax, State & Local Tax, State Withholding Taxes, Federal Taxes
Legal Considerations	Unemployment Insurance Tax	Are you required to pay Unemployment Insurance Tax? Check out the North Carolina Division of Employment Security page to find out more.
Legal Considerations	Sales and Use Tax	Who Should Register for Sales and Use Tax? Check out the North Carolina Department of Revenue Page to find out more.
Legal Considerations	How to file Sales and Use Tax	North Carolina Department of Revenue provides tutorial videos on how to complete the most common sales & use tax forms and how to register for a sales & use account.
Legal Considerations	Does Privilege License Tax apply to My Business?	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.
Legal Considerations	Application for State Privilege License	Complete the B-202A Form to apply for North Carolina State Privilege License.
Legal Considerations	How to Apply for Income Tax Withholding	Watch a Video on how you can apply for Income Tax Withholding with NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR).
Legal Considerations	How to Apply for Sales and Use Tax	Watch a Video on how you can apply for Sales & Use Tax with NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR).
Legal Considerations	Register with NC DOR to Pay Income Tax Withholding	NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) online business registration allows you to electronically register for an account ID number for income tax withholding, sales and use tax, and other taxes and Service Charge instead of submitting Form NC-BR.
Legal Considerations	Register with NC DOR to Pay Sales and Use Tax	NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) online business registration allows you to electronically register for an account ID number for income tax withholding, sales and use tax, and other taxes and Service Charge instead of submitting Form NC-BR.
Legal Considerations	Application for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)	You can apply for and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website.
Legal Considerations	Do I need an Employer Identification Number (EIN)	Determine if you require an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Legal Considerations	Franchise Tax Information	Check this page from NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) on Franchise Tax Information.
Legal Considerations	Workers' Compensation	Are you required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance? Check out the North Carolina Industrial Commission's page to find out more.
Legal Considerations	Employment Eligibility Verification	All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States.
Legal Considerations	Identify the OSHA Standards that Apply to your business	NC Department of Labor (NCDOL) helps the employer determine which Occupational Safety and Health Standards apply to them as it pertains to recordkeeping, general industry, construction, agriculture, shipyard employment (public sector) and marine terminals (public sector). This includes North Carolina state-specific standards.
Legal Considerations	Employer Responsibilities	Businesses in North Carolina are required to post the labor law poster in a conspicuous area that employees frequent, learn about Youth Employment rules, learn about Wage and Hour Administrative Rules.
Legal Considerations	Do ADA Regulations Apply to your business?	Contact the Small Business Advisors at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) helpline.
Legal Considerations	Do Environmental Regulations Apply to your business?	Contact the Small Business Advisors at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) helpline.
Legal Considerations	Environmental Rules and Regulations	NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) lists all rules and regulations for Air Quality, Coastal Management, Energy, Mineral and Land Resources, Mining, Marine Fisheries, Waste Management, Water Resources.
Legal Considerations	Franchising Resources	SBTDC has put together a list of websites that provide more information about franchises and franchising opportunities. For additional information, feasibility studies, or detailed market research and analysis, contact your regional SBTDC office.
Legal Considerations	Is Franchising right for you?	SBCN has put together a list of websites to assist you more information about franchises and franchising opportunities. For additional information, feasibility studies, or detailed market research and analysis, contact SBCN counselors.
Legal Considerations	Federal Taxes	The form of business you operate determines what Federal taxes you must pay and how you pay them. The following are the five general types of business taxes: Income Tax, Estimated Taxes, Self-Employment Tax, Employment Taxes and Excise Tax.
Maintain your Business	How to file a Business Corporation Annual Report online?	Video Tutorial that provides step-by-step instructions on how to file an Annual Report electronically with the NC Department of the Secretary of State.
Maintain your Business	How to file a LLC Annual Report online?	Video Tutorial that provides step-by-step instructions on how to file an Annual Report electronically with the NC Department of the Secretary of State.
Maintain your Business	File your Annual Report Online	Businesses in North Carolina are required to file their Annual Report with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State.
Manage Your Business	Leadership and Employee Performance	Are your employees and managers as efficient and productive as they should be? The SBTDC has the experience and tool sets to help you.
Market Research	SBCN offers Market Research services	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.
Market Research	SBTDC offers Marketing & Research Services	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.
Market Research	Marketing Plan	SBTDC has put together a Marketing Plan worksheet to guide you through the writing and organization of an effective marketing plan
Prototyping	Create Prototypes and Proof of Concepts	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.
Register your Business	Is the Business Name Available?	Search your Business Name in the NC Secretary of State Business Registry, to determine if it is available for you to use.
Register your Business	Am I required to Register my Business Entity?	Business Corporations, Nonprofit Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Limited Partnerships (LP), Limited Liability Partnerships(LLP or RLLP), and Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLP) are required to register with the NC Secretary of State’s Office prior to conducting business in North Carolina. For Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership, you may have to file an assumed name certificate with the Register of Deeds Office in the county where your principal office is located.
Register your Business	Questions about Doing Business As (DBA)?	Doing Business As (DBA) Form is also known as Assumed Business Name Form. If you decide to use a DBA name that differs from the legal name of your business, check with the Register of Deeds in the county where your business is located to learn whether you need to register your DBA with their office. For questions about DBA form, call EDPNC Small Business Advisors at 1-800-228-8443
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	SBCN offers Business Seminars and Workshops	Small Business Centers offer year round a wide variety of free seminars and workshops to help small businesses be successful. Some of the topics include: How to Start a Business, How to write a Business Plan, Financing Your Business, Bookkeeping and Taxes, Marketing for Success
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	SBTDC offers Online Training for Businesses	Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) offers free online training to help small businesses be successful. Some of the topics include: Pre-Venture Training Series, SBIR/STTR Grant eligibility and proposal process Training, Government Contracting, Safety and Health Management, Small Business Tax workshop.
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	SBTDC offers Business Seminars and Training Events	Check out upcoming free seminars and workshops offered by Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) to help small businesses be successful. Some of the popular topics include: Business and Income Tax Seminars, Think like a Lender, Kickstart your business in 4 weeks, Supply Chain Management
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	NC DOR offers Business and Income Tax Seminars and Training Events	Check out upcoming events and webinars offered by NC Department of Revenue (NC DOR) that include topics like Business Tax essentials, Withholding Tax basics, Sales & Use Tax Basics, Privilege License Tax Webinar.
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	Entrepreneurship Hub offers 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.
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	Occupational Safety and Health Training Schedule	View and register for upcoming Occupational Health & Safety training events offered by NC Department of Labor (NC DOL)
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	Events at the Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub	Find entrepreneurship events, programs, and seminars at The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub. We offer a broad range of opportunities to develop your start-up and the southeast North Carolina ecosystem.
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	Taking the Leap – Kickstart Your Business in 4 Weeks	SBTDC offers this FREE Startup Accelerator Program. Participants will learn about different aspects of starting a business, including identifying potential markets, writing a business plan, running the finances of a business, and marketing a business. You’ll work with mentors and peers in fun breakout activities designed to help strengthen your business ideas and prepare you for success!
Trainings, Seminars, Workshops & Events	Entrepreneurship Training	Entrepreneurship Training is available at all SBCN locations across the state of North Carolina. SBCN also provides events such as “REAL Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship” and “How to Start a Business".
Validate your Idea	Vet your Business Idea	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.
Hiring	Post Jobs, Recruit Candidates	NCWorks.gov is North Carolina’s official, free job search website that gives employers the ability to search for candidates, post job listings, review potential candidates, find and review resumes, track applicants, and access labor market data
Hiring	Hiring Youth ages 14-17	Understand Youth Employment Rules
Hiring	Grants available to Employers	A skilled workforce is essential to growing our economy and attracting more jobs. North Carolina supports workforce development through a variety of grant programs that benefit workers, employers and communities.
Hiring	Hiring people with Disabilities	Employers can partner with Vocational Rehabilitation to identify qualified, job-ready candidates in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties at no cost.
Hiring	Tax credit for employers	The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from eligible target groups who are qualified for positions but face significant barriers to employment.
Hiring	Employees vs. Independent Contractors	IRS points out that it is important to understand significant differences between employees vs. independent contractors.
Hiring	Tax Benefits for Businesses Who Have Employees with Disabilities	Businesses accommodating people with disabilities may qualify for Disabled Access Credit, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, etc.
Hiring	Data on Wages by Area and Occupation	U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has compiled data to help employers determine salaries and wages for various occupations for the nation as well as the state level.
Hiring	Reporting New Hires	Federal and state law requires employers to report newly hired and re-hired employees in North Carolina to the North Carolina New Hire Directory.
Hiring	Registered apprenticeship	Registered apprenticeship is a training program designed to meet the needs of the employer by providing the employee with structured on-the-job learning, related instruction and a progressive wage scale. Registered apprentices earn state and national credentials certifying their skills. In many cases, the employer may receive grant funding to pay for training expenses.
Counseling	Get Free Advice from Business Experts	SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals.

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