About Mecklenburg County

Getting Started
You’ve come up with the perfect name for your business; now you just need to register it. Contact the Register of Deeds and learn more about an Assumed Name Certificate in Mecklenburg County.

• Small Business Concierge Program: Designed by Mecklenburg County, the Small Business Concierge program is a FREE mentoring-based service that helps entrepreneurs connect to local resources that will help them start a business from scratch in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. To learn more, email Mark Stewart or call 980.314.2987.
• Business Lending & Credit Coaching: Looking for help with loans and credit for getting your business off the ground? Mecklenburg County provides free small business lending and credit coaching! To learn more contact Fred Atiemo via email or 980-314-2757.

Tax Information
When it comes to taxes, Mecklenburg County is here to make sure all of your questions are answered. For instance, did you know that the Privilege License Tax was repealed in North Carolina in 2015? Mecklenburg County knows everything there is to know about taxes in Charlotte; visit them today!

Commercial and Personal Property
Certain licenses and permits are required to own commercial and personal property in Charlotte, and Mecklenburg County can guide you through the process.

• Business Personal Property: Business personal property refers to all the personal property, income producing property, supplies and leasehold improvements owned by a business or used by an individual for income purposes. Make sure your property is listed with the County Assessor’s Office!
• Commercial Property Services: The County offers a variety of commercial property services, including information about the Commercial Technical Assistance Center, as well as the County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Food, Beverage and Special Events
If you’re thinking about opening a food and beverage business or hosting a special event in Mecklenburg County, MECKNC.gov can help you with the permits you need!

Visit Mecklenburg County online for resources and learn more about:

• Food and Beverage Permits
• Food and Beverage Taxes
• Obtaining an Alcohol License
• Operating a Food Truck or Push Cart
• Hosting a Special Event

Childcare Permits
If you’re hoping to open a daycare in Charlotte, there are some things you need to know before you can start. Start by making sure that you’ve provided the proper forms and applications, and make sure to schedule an inspection with Mecklenburg County. Visit Mecklenburg County online for more information!

Mecklenburg County is helping growing businesses by giving them the tools they need to grow successfully. If you’re looking for information on growing your business, find out how the County can help!

• Small Business Concierge Program: Designed by Mecklenburg County, the Small Business Concierge program is a FREE mentoring-based service that helps entrepreneurs connect to local resources that will help them grow a business in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. To learn more, email Mark Stewart or call 980.314.2987.
• Existing Industry – Retention & Expansion: Mecklenburg County can connect you with incentives, grants, and training resources to make your existing industry business more competitive locally and globally. Find out more by contacting Gretchen Carson by email, or at 980.314.2758.
• Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprise Program (MWSBE): Are you interested in doing business with Mecklenburg County, obtaining certifications, and/or building your business’s capacity and competitive advantage?  If so, email Jamila R. Davis or call 980.314.2940 to learn more.

Tools to Green Your Business
It’s time to green your business! And with Mecklenburg County’s Business Recycling Resource Center, you can find out how to start a business recycling program in Charlotte. You can make a difference!

Real Estate Search
You know what your business is, but where should it go? With Mecklenburg County’s Property Ownership and Land Records Information System (POLARIS), entrepreneurs can search properties by parcel or address to obtain ownership, sales and tax information. Also, check out Site One, a mapping system that allows you to find vacant land and leasable building space!

Zoning
There are some exciting opportunities for those looking to invest in up-and-coming areas for their business! Recently passed federal tax legislation, known as The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act offers qualifying investors tax benefits when they invest in lower income areas. For more information on North Carolina Opportunity Zones, please visit https://public.nccommerce.com/oz/.

Local Lending Programs

Mecklenburg County, in partnership with Carolina Small Business Development Fund, launched a Small Business Loan Program, offering up to $75,000 with prime +2% fixed interest rates to small businesses in Mecklenburg County. For more information about the program and how to qualify,  click here, or visit CarolinaSmallBusiness.org.

Counseling and Training

Do you have questions about loans and credit? Mecklenburg County provides free small business lending and credit coaching! To learn more contact Fred Atiemo via email or 980-314-2757.

Opportunities
Find current contracting opportunities offered by Mecklenburg County at the North Carolina Interactive Purchasing System (NC IPS) website. View all Mecklenburg County Bids here!

Vendor Registration
MECKProcure Vendor Self-Service is the vendor gateway to doing business with the County. Once registered, vendors can respond to County business opportunities, view purchase orders and research payment information. Check out our site for vendor resources and instructions on how to register as a vendor with Mecklenburg County!

Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprise Program (MWSBE): Are you interested in doing business with Mecklenburg County, obtaining certifications, and/or building your business’s capacity and competitive advantage?  If so, email Jamila R. Davis or call 980.314.2940 to learn more.