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

Step 1

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

Business Link North Carolina 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 Business Link North Carolina can help. These services are free.

Contact a Business Link NC counselor 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

The Small Business Center at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst is an excellent resource for assistance in starting or operating a small business. It is part of a statewide network of centers designed to support existing and prospective owners and employees of small businesses by providing seminars, references, and confidential consultations at no charge. The Center is also the place to get assistance with creating a Business Plan.

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

The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) assists entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses in North Carolina by providing such services as counseling for new start-ups and for growing companies, government procurement, customized market research, and manufacturing & technology counseling. The SBTDC also helps clients identify grants, loans and venture capital opportunities. Most of its services are free of charge, and all services are confidential. The regional office in Fayetteville covers Moore County.

SCORE

Sandhills Area SCORE – Chapter 0364
Phone: (910) 420-0121
Email: scorestaffing0364@gmail.com

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a national non-profit association composed of experienced, business-savvy volunteers who offer free and confidential business counseling to entrepreneurs and small business owners. SCORE provides its mentoring services one-on-one and through low-cost business workshops and seminars. Moore County is served by the Sandhills SCORE office.

MOORE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Moore County Chamber of Commerce
1295 Old US Highway 1 South, Suite B
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.