How to Start or Grow a Small Business
(continued)

Licenses, permits and zoning – oh, my! 
Same advice here as with the business plan:  Do not skip this step!  Depending on the type of business you have, you may be required to obtain a business license.  Be sure to investigate all of the following, and make sure you understand which regulations apply to you and which do not.

The only small businesses required to obtain a federal license or permit are those involved in:  rendering investment advice; preparing meat products; selling alcohol, tobacco and firearms; producing drugs or biological products or operating radio or television stations and/or common carriers.  To determine whether or not your type of business requires a federal license, contact the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Many more businesses are required to obtain state licenses.  North Carolina has more than 700 business-related license requirements.  To determine whether or not your type of business will need a state license, contact the Business ServiCenter.

All businesses operating within Charlotte are required to obtain a Privilege License from the Office of the City/County Tax Collector.  Depending on the type of business you are operating, you may need to secure additional licenses.

Zoning is a local issue.  To find out if you are allowed to run a certain type of business in your area, contact the county’s zoning department.  Also, check with your Homeowners Association if you are planning to operate your business at your residence.

Business owners need to stay abreast of current environmental regulations.

All proprietorships or partnerships in North Carolina must officially register their business name at the county level.  To register a business name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Register of Deeds Office in each county where you will do business.  There is no statewide registration for proprietorships or partnerships.

Business names for corporations, limited partnerships, LLCs and  LLPs must register with the Corporations Division of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State.

Although registering a trademark is voluntary, the Secretary of State recommends that you do so in order to protect your mark.  Trademarks can be registered at both the federal and state levels.

The elusive finish line
Once you have successfully launched your business, you may get to catch your breath, but the race never really ends for most business owners.  You will need to stay abreast of changes in the market, in technology and in society in general, in order to sustain and grow your business.  Lucky for you, there are tremendous resources available to you—many of which are free for the asking—to guide you through every phase of growth for your business.