Getting started– The state of North Carolina has a website about starting a business in North Carolina here: http://www.blnc.gov/start-your-business

1. Register your painting business name.

Find out more about registering a business name in North Carolina here: http://www.blnc.gov/start-your-business/business-forms

If you need help selecting a name for your painting business: Choosing a Painting Business Name

2. Select a business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Many small business owners start out as sole-proprietors.  Find out more here: http://www.blnc.gov/start-your-business/selecting-a-business-structure

3.  North Carolina Business Registration.

You can register your new painting business with the state of North Carolina here: http://www.dornc.com/electronic/registration/

4.  Business Checking Account.

Talk to your bank about a checking account for your new painting business.

5. North Carolina Business Taxes.

You may want to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.dornc.com/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business

6.  Get Liability Insurance.

We work with Contractors Liability because they’re the one-stop-shop for Painting Contractor Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get a Free Quote Now >

Find out more about liability insurance here: Painting Business Liability Insurance

7.  Register as a Contractor.

You will most likely not need to register in North Carolina.  If you want to be sure, you can find out more about contractor registration here: http://www.nclbgc.org/ .

8. Worker’s Compensation.

The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this.  You don’t need Worker’s Compensation unless you have employees. Get a Free Quote Now >

9. Health Insurance.

Unless you already have insurance, you will need to get your own if you are self-employed.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

10. Find out if you need a City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to operate your painting business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.