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. 

>> Read about a Revolving Loan Fund available to assist new and expanding small businesses in Moore County:  New Revolving Loan Fund to Support Small Businesses 

No matter where you plan to locate your new business in North Carolina, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s EDPNC Small Business Advisors is the place to start.

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.

Business Resources

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.

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.