Resources for Starting a Company

There are many resources at your disposal, some required, for assisting you with setting up your own company, whether it will be a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Limited Liability Company (LLC), S Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, non-profit organization, or some other arrangement.

North Carolina - A better place...to do Business [2] is a state webpage that provides links for starting a business, relocating a business, operating a business, and closing a business. This website also includes general business information.

The NC Department of Commerce [3] operates Business Link North Carolina! (BLNC [4] or "blink") along wth a 1-800 number to be your "one-stop source for answers. BLNC "is your starting point to access an extensive newtork of experts who can help your business succeed" including classes, webinars, seminars, and events.

The NC Small Business and Technology Development Center [5] (SBTDC) is "committed to providing knowledge, education and other supportive  resources that enable existing small and mid-sized businesses, emerging entrepreneurs and local/state leaders to innovate and succeed." For those interested in Starting a Business [6], SBTDC provides many resources, seminars & workshops, counseling services, and specialized resources for technology start-ups.

North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State [7]: The Corporations Division [8] is "responsible for the examination, custody and maintenance of the legal documents filed by more than 400,000 corporations, limited partnerships and limited liability companies. The duty of the Secretary of State is to ensure uniform compliance with the statutes governing the creation of these entities, record the information required to be kept as a public record, and provide that information to the public."

The Small Business Center Network (SBCN) [9] is a part of the NC Community College System and is "uniquely positioned to assist you in starting your own business." SBCN provides business counseling, conducts training, maintains a resource center, and provides contacts for establishing business alliances.

U.S. Small Business Administration: North Carolina District Office [10]The NC SBA District Office provides free counseling and information on starting and growing a busines. The SBA can also provide financial assistance through various loan programs.

As mentioned in the disclosure to this section, the services of a legal professional is recommended. Such professionals can help navigate the often complicated process of setting up a company while remaining compliant with many federal, state, and local laws and tax regulations. The American Bar Association [11] has an online "Lawyer Locator [12]" service for locating a local legal professional who specializes in business, corporate, commercial, and intellectual property law.