Starting A New Business
Starting a new business is an exciting step toward building your future and contributing to our local economy. This page is designed to guide you through the process — from laying the groundwork to registering your company and finding essential community resources. Here, you’ll find links to helpful agencies, licensing information, and tools to get your business up and running in Cabarrus County and beyond. Let’s turn your idea into a thriving success!
Start Here
Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, but having a clear roadmap makes all the difference. NC.gov has a great step-by-step guide that walks you through the essential actions to take:
Helpful Hints
- Use our chamber membership directory to find a CPA or Attorney if you would like help choosing your business structure and registering your business.
- Make sure your legal business name is consistent across all documents, leases, permits, and utility accounts.
- Register with the NC Secretary of State:
- LLCs’ file Articles of Organization
- Corporations file Articles of Incorporation
- Nonprofits file Articles of Incorporation (Nonprofit)
- Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships may need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds
- Use our chamber membership directory to find a local insurance agent to help with general liability, workers’ compensation, health insurance, and other insurance needs.
- Some businesses and industries may be subject to additional requirements. Search your business, industry, or occupational license requirements here: https://www.ncbold.com/license
- If you are hiring employees, check out the NC Department of Labor’s employer responsibilities information: https://www.labor.nc.gov/workplace-rights/employer-responsibilities
Your Business Location
Decide where your business will operate — from a home office or a commercial space.
Before signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to lease, review the location-specific guidelines for your chosen area. These resources will help ensure your business setup aligns with local zoning, permitting, and regulatory requirements.
- City of Concord
- City of Kannapolis – Coming Soon
- Town of Harrisburg – Coming Soon
- Town of Mount Pleasant – Coming Soon
- Town of Midland – Coming Soon
Restaurant, Bar, and Packaged Foods
- NC ABC Commission: https://www.abc.nc.gov/
- Contact for permit questions: 919-948-7941 or Contact@ABC.NC.gov
- Successfully obtaining a North Carolina retail permit requires strict adherence to the ABC Commission’s established sequence of steps. Work with the ABC Commission to obtain your retail sales permit by selecting the application packet for your business structure and completing every checklist item exactly as written. Maintaining a highly organized file of your documents is essential for a seamless submission and review process. Follow the ABC commission’s checklist here: How to Apply for an Alcohol Sales Retail Permit
- Cabarrus Health Alliance: Environmental Health Department (Food Preparation Permit)
- Utilize links in the Rules and Applications sections
- https://www.cabarrushealth.org/131/Food-Lodging
- Contact for permit questions: 704-920-1207
- North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/food-drug-protection/food-program
