Starting a Business
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Starting a new business requires careful planning and involves making many important decisions.
The Orange County Small Business Resource Guide (pdf) is an excellent guide to help with many of your first business decisions. It provides general information for new business owners, serves as a reference and directory for established businesses of all sizes, is searchable and printable.
Business Link North Carolina can help you start, grow and support your business in North Carolina. Business Link North Carolina offers a central source for consultations, information and referrals.
Business Licensing & Permitting
The Durham Technical Community College Small Business Center is part of the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina and provides small business owners with information they need for success. The following services are offered at little or no cost:
- Confidential counseling to help you deal with your business needs;
- Training and technical assistance in starting your business;
- Business skill seminars, workshops, and courses;
- Resource and referral services - your one stop entrepreneurs shop ; and
- A library with small business publications and literature.
The Small Business Center is located in the SOUTHBank Building, (Third Floor) at
400 West Main Street. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Please call
919-536-7241 for more information. Preregistration is required for all SBC courses
but they are not required for all seminars.
The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is The University of North Carolina’s business and technology extension service. The SBTDC is administered by NC State University on behalf of The University of North Carolina System, and is operated in partnership with the US Small Business Administration. The SBTDC is North Carolina’s leading resource for growing and developing businesses.
SBTDC: Business Start-Up Resource Guide
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a national non-profit organization that focuses on entrepreneurial education. The counselors of SCORE Chapel Hill are experienced business owners and managers who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business owners and potential small business owners achieve success.
Additional Resources:
Business Notes: A Comprehensive Guide To Doing Business in North Carolina
Navigating Business Services in North Carolina: Your “Where to Go for What” Guide
Fueling Your Business in North Carolina: A Guide to Financing for Small Businesses
How to Develop a Business Plan: A Guide for Established Businesses