Business Resources

It is recommended that you contact the following offices for information before opening a business in Gates County: 

Business License

Gates County does not require a county business license to operate a business in Gates County.

Gates County Planning Department

The Planning Department will confirm that your property is zoned correctly and confirm if your business is a. permitted use under the Gates County Zoning Ordinance.  The Planning Department will also provide guidance on any special use permits, rezoning, or variance applications that may need to be submitted.

Zoning Ordinance

Register of Deeds

If you name your business a name other than your own name, complete an Assumed Name Form.  Click the link below to access the form at the business link to the NC Department of Commerce.  For information call 1-800-228-8443 or 919-807-4280, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Complete the form, have it notarized, and take it to the Register of Deeds Office for recording.   Gates County Restiger of Deeds

Gates County Tax Department

All Businesses are required to list all business personal property with the Tax Department during January for county taxes.  Gates County Tax Department

Gates County Customer Service Department

A Beer and/or Wine License must be purchased if your business is going to sell beer and/or wine, for off-premise consumption.  There is a fee for both licenses.

Fire Marshall

Every business is required to be inspected for fire and life safety codes.

Small Business Center for Gates County

SBC Elizabeth City Campus

John Wood Foreman Center

Elizabeth City, NC

Confidential Business Counseling

COA Small Business Center (SBC) is a state-funded organization that is part of the Small Business Center Network.  The SBC provides small business owners with the information they need for success, including advice on marketing, sales, bookkeeping, and management.  We offer, at. no cost, the following services:

• Confidential counseling to help you deal with your business needs
• Training and technical assistance in starting your business
• Business skill seminars, workshops, and courses
  Resource and referral services - your one stop entrepreneur's shop
• A library with small business publications and literature

Business Counseling

Free one-on-one confidential counseling for your small business and start-up venture.  To schedule an appointment please complete and submit a Request for Counseling Form and the Small Business Center Director or Assistant Director will contact you.

Small Business Resources and Business Plan Assistance

The Small Business Center provides a physical resource center located on-site with access to books, videos, and business, planning assistance.  Additional resources can be found at the following:

• Small Business Center Network: SBCN.nc.gov/resources
• NC Department of Commerce: www.blnc.gov or toll-free 1-800-228-8443
  
• As a comprehensive community college, we offer the business owner opportunities to improve customer service or the entrepreneur guidance in developing their dream business.  We assist those individuals who need to earn a high school credential or its equivalent.  We offer career opportunities for individuals who desire to learn a skill or enhance their current knowledge base for job advancement.  We provide an excellent academic pathway for individuals who want to eventually transfer to a four-year university.  We even provide you with the opportunity to take a personal enrichment class - just for fun!  Whatever you aspire to achieve, we know that the opportunity fo learning changes everything.