How to Start a Business in Pitt County

How to Start a Business in Pitt County

If you are interested in starting a business in Pitt County, please follow these steps and contact the Pitt County Development Commission if you have any further questions:

1. Develop a Solid Business Plan

A business plan is crucial to starting a new business. Please see the following resources below to assist you in developing a solid business plan.

Helpful Agencies

Small Business Center (SBC), Pitt Community College
(252) 493-7541, www.pittcc.edu/continuing-education/programs/small-business-center/

Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
(252) 737-1385, www.sbtdc.org

Helpful Publications

Business Start-Up & Resource Guide, SBTDC
www.sbtdc.org/pdf/startup.pdf

Business Notes, NC Department of Commerce
www.blnc.gov

2. Secure Necessary Financing

Funding is another crucial element for any business to get off the ground and thrive.

Helpful Agencies

Local Banks
http://locateincarolina.com/financial-services/financial-institutions-in-pitt-county/

Entrepreneurial Initiative, East Carolina University
(252) 737-1345, www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/rds/ei/

Self-Help
(252) 752-8866, www.self-help.org

Helpful Publications

Business Start-Up & Resource Guide, SBTDC
www.sbtdc.org/pdf/startup.pdf

Business Notes, NC Department of Commerce
www.blnc.gov

3. Find a Business Location

Your business will need to a place to set up shop.

Helpful Agencies

Commercial/Industrial Realtors

Pitt County Development Commission
(252) 758-1989, www.locateincarolina.com

Helpful Websites

State of NC Site & Building Database http://thrivenc.com/accessnc/search

4. Check Your Zoning Designation

Make sure your type of business is allowed by law at your business location. If your use is allowed at the site, then ask to receive a certificate of Zoning Compliance. If your type of use is not allowed, you can search for another location or apply to change the zoning designation.

Helpful Agencies

For any area located outside of any city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Planning Department
(252) 902-3250, www.pittcountync.gov/depts/planning/

For any locations inside the Greenville city limits or ETJ
City of Greenville Planning Department
(252) 329-4504, www.greenvillenc.gov/departments/community_development/information/default.aspx?id=3316

For any locations inside the Ayden city limits or ETJ
(252) 746-7077, www.ayden.com/ayden-planning-gis.html

For any locations inside the Bethel city limits or ETJ
Town of Bethel
(252) 825-6191, www.bethelnc.org

For any locations inside the Farmville city limits or ETJ
Town of Farmville Planning Department
(252) 753-5921, www.farmville-nc.com/departments_planningcodes.htm

For any locations inside the Falkland city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Planning Department
(252) 902-3250, www.pittcountync.gov/depts/planning/

For any locations inside the Fountain city limits or ETJ
Town of Fountain
(252) 749-2881

For any locations inside the Grimesland city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Planning Department
(252) 902-3250, www.pittcountync.gov/depts/planning/

For any locations inside the Simpson city limits or ETJ
Village of Simpson
(252) 757-1430

For any locations inside the Winterville city limits or ETJ
(252) 756-7875, www.wintervillenc.com

5. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

Depending on the type of improvements needed at your potential business location, you need to apply for a building permit.

For any area located outside of any city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Inspections Department
(252) 902-3150

For any locations inside the Greenville city limits or ETJ
City of Greenville Planning Department
(252) 329-4466, www.greenvillenc.gov/departments/public_works_dept/information/default.aspx?id=96

For any locations inside the Ayden city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Inspections Department
(252) 902-3150

For any locations inside the Bethel city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Inspections Department
(252) 902-3150

For any locations inside the Farmville city limits or ETJ
Town of Farmville Planning Department
(252) 753-5921, www.farmville-nc.com/departments_planningcodes.htm

For any locations inside the Falkland city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Inspections Department
(252) 902-3190

For any locations inside the Fountain city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Inspections Department
(252) 902-3190

For any locations inside the Grimesland city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Inspections Department
(252) 902-3190

For any locations inside the Simpson city limits or ETJ
Pitt County Inspections Department
(252) 902-3190

For any locations inside the Winterville city limits or ETJ
(252) 756-7875, www.wintervillenc.com

6. File Your Business Structure and/or Register the Name of Your Business

For:
Corporation
LLC
LLP
Limited Partnership

Contact:
Corporations Division, Secretary of Sate office
(919) 807-2225, www.sosnc.com

For:
Sole Proprietorship
General Partnership
Limited Partnership

Contact:
Pitt County Register of Deeds
(252) 902-1650

Helpful Agencies

Business Servi-Center, NC Department of Commerce
800-228-8443, www.blnc.gov

7. Get other Necessary Licenses and Permits

For:
Contractor’s Class A, B, and C State License and Contractor’s Worker’s Compensation Certification:

Contact:
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
(919) 571-4183, www.nclbgc.org

For:
Health Permits:

Contact:
Pitt County Health Department
(252) 902-2305, www.pittcountync.gov/depts/health/

8. Get a State and Federal Identification Number

NC Department of Revenue
877-252-3052, www.dornc.com

IRS
800-829-1040, www.irs.gov

9. Other Legal Considerations
There are other legal considerations to explore before opening your business. Examples include employer requirements and worker’s compensation. Please refer to the following resources for more information.

Helpful Agencies

Business Servi-Center, NC Department of Commerce
800-228-8443, www.blnc.gov

Helpful Publications

Business Start-Up & Resource Guide, SBTDC
www.sbtdc.org/pdf/startup.pdf

Business Notes, NC Department of Commerce
www.blnc.gov

10. Open for Business

Enjoy the wonderful business community in Pitt County

Network

Networking is an important part of helping a business grow. Please contact the following agencies below to learn about networking opportunities in your area.

Helpful Agencies

Pitt-Greenville Chamber of Commerce
(252) 752-4101, www.greenvillenc.org

Ayden Chamber of Commerce
(252) 746-2266, www.aydenchamber.com

Farmville Chamber of Commerce
(252) 753-4670, www.farmvillencchamber.org

Grifton Chamber of Commerce
(252) 524-5168

11. Continue to Learn

The following organizations offers helpful seminars and workshops to help you sustain and grow your business

Helpful Agencies

Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce
(252) 752-4101, www.greenvillenc.org

Small Business Center (SBC), Pitt Community College
(252) 493-7541, www.pittcc.edu/continuing-education/programs/small-business-center/

Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
(252) 737-1385, www.sbtdc.org

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