Start a Business
Starting & Growing Your Business
Moore County is a great place to start your business. We welcome entrepreneurs and new business owners.
An exceptional quality of life, a pro-business environment, low property taxes, and access to entrepreneurial resources are just a few of the many reasons it makes sense to start your business here.
Step 1

EDPNC Small Business Advisors is a one-stop website that provides guidance through all of the processes, permits and licenses, forms and other requirements for starting a new business, as well as access to helpful resources and services for growing an existing business. Registering your business’ name, establishing a business structure (corporation, LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.), getting the required state licenses and permits, addressing tax requirements and employer issues are among the areas where EDPNC Small Business Advisors can help. These services are free.
Contact EDPNC Small Business Advisors toll-free: 800-228-8443.
Establishing Your Business in Moore County
To open a business anywhere in Moore County, you’ll need to register the name of your business with the County, possibly obtain a Privilege License, and register your tangible business property.
1- Business Name Registration:
The name of your business must be registered through the Moore County Register of Deeds Office (scroll down to “Assumed Name Information”), (910) 947-6370.
2- Privilege License:
Only specific types of businesses are required to have a privilege license to operate in Moore County. Restaurants that serve alcohol are required to have a beer and wine license. Contact: Moore County Tax Collections Office (scroll down to “Licenses” section), (910) 947-4116.
3- Registration of Tangible Property:
All tangible, income-generating business personal property must be listed at the Moore County Tax Office, (910) 947-2255.
4- Zoning Ordinances:
Moore County has zoning ordinances that govern the physical locations where businesses can locate and operate. The County’s Zoning Map shows the zoning district assigned to each land parcel in the unincorporated areas of the County. The code for each zoning district can be found in the Table of Uses that specifies the type of business activities permitted in each zone. Contact the Moore County Planning Department at 910-947-5010.
Opening a Business in Selected Municipalities
Southern Pines
Southern Pines does not require a business license to operate a business within its town limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ); however, it is recommended that new business owners contact the Town’s Planning & Inspections Department to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances that govern the physical locations where businesses can locate and operate, and sign ordinances that specify signage requirements. Contact the Planning & Inspections Department, 180 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines. Phone: (910) 692-4003.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen does not require a business license to operate a business within its town limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ); however, it is recommended that new business owners contact the Town’s Planning & Inspections Department to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances that govern the physical locations where businesses can locate and operate, and sign ordinances that specify signage requirements. Contact the Planning & Inspections Department, 115 N. Poplar Street, Aberdeen. Phone: (910) 944-4507.
Pinehurst
The Village of Pinehurst has created a convenient Guide to Doing Business in Pinehurst to help prospective business owners navigate the requirements for establishing a new business in Pinehurst. The Village does not require a business license, but there are zoning ordinances that govern the physical locations where businesses can locate and operate, and sign ordinances that specify signage requirements. Contact the Pinehurst Planning & Inspections Department, 395 Magnolia Road, Pinehurst. Phone: (910) 295-2581.
Carthage
Prospective business owners should contact Carthage’s Town Hall for information about all of the requirements to establish a business within the town limits. The Town requires the completion of a Business Registration form. Contact the Planning Department at Town Hall, 4396 US 15-501 Hwy, Carthage. Phone: (910) 947-2331.
Robbins
Robbins does not require a business license to operate a business within its town limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ); however, it is recommended that new business owners contact the Town Clerk to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances that govern the physical locations where businesses can locate and operate, and sign ordinances that specify signage requirements. For more information, contact Town Hall, 101 N. Middleton Street, Robbins. Phone: (910) 948-2431.
Business Resources
SMALL BUSINESS CENTER
Small Business Center
Teresa Reynolds, Director
Sandhills Community College
3395 Airport Road – 101A Van Dusen Hall
Pinehurst, NC 28374
Phone: (910) 695-3938
Email: reynoldst@sandhills.edu

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CERTIFICATE
Entrepreneurship Certificate Program
Sarah Bumgarner, Professor
Management & Business Technologies Department
Sandhills Community College
3395 Airport Road – 212D Stone Hall
Pinehurst, NC 28374
Phone: (910) 695-3751
Email: bumgarners@sandhills.edu
Sandhills Community College also offers an Entrepreneurship Certificate program for potential and existing entrepreneurs to provide these students with the skills, experience and networks necessary to start new businesses and be successful business owners. Students in this curriculum work closely with SCC’s Small Business Center and community business leaders to become entrepreneurial thinkers.

SBTDC
SBTDC – Fayetteville State University
1200 Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28302
Phone: 910-672-1727
Email: fsu@sbtdc.org


MOORE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Moore County Chamber of Commerce
160 W. New York Avenue, Unit 3
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Phone: (910) 692-3926
Email: info@moorecountychamber.com
Joining and becoming involved in the Moore County Chamber of Commerce is a great way to promote your business to residents and visitors throughout Moore County. The Chamber can assist with a wide variety of opportunities to market your business, connect to potential clients, build your professional network, and become involved in the community.