Question 1

Where do I start if I want to open a business?

Accepted Answer

Start by researching your idea before signing a lease or purchasing property. Ask yourself:Who is my customer?What problem does my business solve?Is there demand for my product or service?What will it cost to start and operate?How much funding do I need?What makes my business different?Before investing significant money, consider creating a business plan and talking with local business support organizations.

Question 2

Do I need a business plan?

Accepted Answer

A business plan is strongly recommended. A business plan can help you:Secure fundingUnderstand startup costsCreate financial projectionsDevelop a marketing strategyPlan for future growthThe Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College can help you create one at no cost.

Question 3

Where can I get free business counseling and training?

Accepted Answer

Wilkes Community College Small Business CenterThe Small Business Center provides free assistance to current and prospective business owners throughout Wilkes County.Services include:One-on-one business counselingStartup planningBusiness plan developmentMarketing assistanceFinancial planningWorkshops and seminarsResource referrals The Small Business Center has been helping entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses since 1984 and offers all services free of charge. Contact:	Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, Director 		Phone: 336-838-6166		Email: lsbrintle336@wilkescc.eduMain Street America’s Small Business HubSmall businesses can create a free account on the Main Street America Small Business Hub to access a virtual platform that helps small businesses start, grow, and thrive.  With a free account, you'll have access to:Immersive learning journeysFacilitated virtual workshopsExpert-led coursesPeer-to-peer networking and connectionsAn ever-growing resource library

Question 4

How do I legally register my business?

Accepted Answer

Most businesses should begin by registering with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Business structures include:Sole ProprietorshipLLC (Limited Liability Company)PartnershipCorporationYou may also need:Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)North Carolina Department of Revenue registrationSales tax registrationPayroll tax

Question 5

Should I hire an accountant or bookkeeper?

Accepted Answer

An accountant or bookkeeper can help with:Startup budgetingTax planningPayroll setupSales tax reportingCash flow managementFinancial forecastingMany successful businesses establish accounting systems before opening their doors. Popular software options include:QuickBooksXeroWave Accounting
Accountants in Downtown	Barnes & Barnes Certified Public Accountants		313 Main Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659		Phone (336) 667-4128	Benson, Blevins, and Associates PLLC		302 9th Street North Wilkesboro, NC 28659		Phone: (336) 838-3175	Insightful Financials LLC		Phone: (828) 851-7652	Zera Accounting and Tax Preparation		709 Cherry St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659		Phone: (336) 990-9365

Question 6

Who should I contact before opening a business downtown?

Accepted Answer

The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership is one of the best places to start. The Partnership can help connect you with:Available downtown propertiesBusiness resourcesCommunity partnersGrant opportunitiesMerchants AssociationLocal networking opportunities Contact:	Taylor Berry		Executive Director, Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership Community Development 		Community Development Director, Town of North Wilkesboro			336-667-7129 Ext. 3021			downtown@northwilkesboronc.gov			208 9th Street, Suite 302, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659Taylor serves as Executive Director of the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership and works directly with downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives. Town of North Wilkesboro Planning & Inspections Department Before signing a lease or beginning renovations, contact Planning & Inspections. They can assist with:Zoning verificationSign permitsBuilding permitsChange-of-use approvalsOccupancy requirementsSite improvementsBuilding inspectionsTown of North Wilkesboro Planning and Inspection Department 	832 Main Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659	Contacts:		Joseph Kamperman, Planning Director			(336) 667-7129 Ext. 3011			planning@northwilkesboronc.gov		Curt Hayes, Building Inspector			(336) 667-7129 Ext. 3009			inspections@northwilkesboronc.govThe department oversees zoning, permitting, inspections, and development approvals throughout the Town of North Wilkesboro.Wilkes EDCThe Wilkes EDC supports business recruitment, retention, expansion, entrepreneurship, and economic growth throughout Wilkes County.The EDC can assist with:Site selectionBusiness expansionWorkforce resourcesIncentive informationEconomic development programsCommunity connectionsWilkes Economic Development Corporation 	213 9th St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659	Contact:		LeeAnn Nixon, President			(336) 838-1501			lnixon@wilkesedc.com		The Small Business Center at Wilkes Community CollegeThe Small Business Center provides free assistance to current and prospective business owners throughout Wilkes County.Services include:One-on-one business counselingStartup planningBusiness plan developmentMarketing assistanceFinancial planningWorkshops and seminarsResource referrals The Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College 	1328 S Collegiate Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697		Contact:		Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, Director 			(336) 838-6166			labrintle336@wilkescc.eduThe Small Business Center has been helping entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses since 1984 and offers all services free of charge.

Question 7

Who handles zoning, permits, inspections, and construction approvals?

Accepted Answer

Town of North Wilkesboro Planning & Inspections Department Before signing a lease or beginning renovations, contact Planning & Inspections. They can assist with:Zoning verificationSign permitsBuilding permitsChange-of-use approvalsOccupancy requirementsSite improvementsBuilding inspections Town of North Wilkesboro Planning and Inspection Department 	832 Main Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659	Contacts:		Joseph Kamperman, Planning Director			(336) 667-7129 Ext. 3011			planning@northwilkesboronc.gov		Curt Hayes, Building Inspector			(336) 667-7129 Ext. 3009			inspections@northwilkesboronc.govThe department oversees zoning, permitting, inspections, and development approvals throughout the Town of North Wilkesboro.

Question 8

I’m opening a restaurant. Who should I contact?

Accepted Answer

Restaurant owners should contact several agencies before beginning construction. Potential approvals may include:Health Department ReviewFire InspectionBuilding InspectionOccupancy ApprovalGrease Trap RequirementsFood Service PermitsABC Permits (if serving alcohol) Recommended Contacts:Wilkes County Health DepartmentNorth Wilkesboro Planning & InspectionsFire MarshalDowntown North Wilkesboro Partnership
Starting these conversations early can save significant time and money.

Question 9

Should I talk to other business owners before opening?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.Many of the best insights come from business owners already operating downtown. Consider connecting with:Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchants AssociationDowntown North Wilkesboro PartnershipExisting business ownersCommunity leadersEvent organizersBuilding relationships early often leads to stronger long-term success.

Question 10

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchants Association?

Accepted Answer

The Merchants Association is a group of downtown business owners who collaborate to:Promote downtown businessesSupport community eventsShare marketing opportunitiesStrengthen the local business communityThe best way to get involved is through the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership.

Question 11

What should I do before my grand opening?

Accepted Answer

Recommended checklist:Register your businessObtain all permits and approvalsSet up accounting and bookkeeping systemsOpen a business bank accountClaim your Google Business ProfileLaunch your websiteCreate social media accountsJoin the Merchants AssociationMeet neighboring businessesDevelop a marketing planSchedule a ribbon cuttingPlan your grand opening event

Question 12

What are the most important contacts for a new business owner?

Accepted Answer

Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership	Taylor Berry		336-667-7129 Ext. 3021		downtown@northwilkesboronc.govWilkes Community College Small Business Center 	Laurie Brintle-Jarvis		336-838-6166		lsbrintle336@wilkescc.eduTown of North Wilkesboro Planning & Inspections 	Joseph Kamperman 				336-667-7129 Ext. 3011		planning@northwilkesboronc.govWilkes Economic Development Corporation 	NC Department of Revenue IRS Small Business Resources North Carolina Secretary of State

Question 13

Still Have Questions?

Accepted Answer

Opening a business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone.The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership, Small Business Center, Town of North Wilkesboro, and Wilkes Economic Development Corporation are all committed to helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses and contribute to a thriving downtown.

Question 14

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership?

Accepted Answer

The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership (DNWP) is a nonprofit organization and North Carolina Main Street program dedicated to strengthening, promoting, and revitalizing Downtown North Wilkesboro. The organization serves as the primary resource for downtown business development, historic preservation, economic vitality, promotions, and community engagement.The Partnership’s mission is to cultivate culture, community, and success within the downtown district by supporting locally owned businesses, encouraging investment, preserving historic character, and creating opportunities for growth.As North Wilkesboro’s designated Main Street organization, the Partnership administers the Main Street program locally and works under the nationally recognized Main Street America Four-Point Approach:Economic Vitality – Supporting business growth, entrepreneurship, recruitment, and investmentDesign – Enhancing the appearance and preservation of downtown buildings and public spacesPromotion – Marketing downtown through events, campaigns, and tourism initiativesOrganization – Building partnerships, volunteers, and community support for downtown revitalizationThe Partnership works closely with business owners, property owners, investors, community organizations, local government, and volunteers to create a thriving downtown environment that benefits both residents and visitors. Its efforts help attract new businesses, support existing businesses, increase tourism, improve downtown properties, and strengthen the overall economy of Wilkes County.The organization also coordinates and supports numerous downtown initiatives, including:Business recruitment and retentionEntrepreneur support and referralsDowntown beautification projectsFacade improvement programsCommunity events and festivalsVolunteer opportunitiesMerchant engagementGrant and funding opportunitiesHistoric preservation effortsTourism promotion

Question 15

Why should I contact the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership before opening a business?

Accepted Answer

The Partnership can help connect you with the right people and resources before you make costly decisions.They can assist with:Understanding the downtown marketAvailable commercial propertiesConnections to property owners and RealtorsInformation about grants and incentivesIntroductions to other business ownersConnections to the Small Business CenterReferrals to permitting and planning staffDowntown events and marketing opportunitiesMerchant Association membership and networking opportunitiesMany entrepreneurs find that speaking with the Downtown Partnership early in the planning process helps them save time, avoid common mistakes, and build valuable community relationships before opening their doors.Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership Executive Director	Taylor Berry 		Community Development Director, Town of North Wilkesboro		Executive Director, Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership 			Phone: (336) 667-7129 Ext. 3021			Email: downtown@northwilkesboronc.gov			Office Address: 208 9th Street, Suite 302, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Question 16

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership’s vision for downtown?

Accepted Answer

The Partnership’s vision is for Downtown North Wilkesboro to be the region’s leading destination for locally owned businesses, artisans, craftsmen, entertainers, dining, shopping, and community experiences. Their work focuses on creating a vibrant downtown where culture and community converge while supporting long-term economic growth and investment.

Business

RESOURCES

Doing Business in North Wilkesboro

Why Downtown North Wilkesboro?

Opening a Business

Business Resources

Promotional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start if I want to open a business?

Do I need a business plan?

Where can I get free business counseling and training?

How do I legally register my business?

Should I hire an accountant or bookkeeper?

Who should I contact before opening a business downtown?

Who handles zoning, permits, inspections, and construction approvals?

I’m opening a restaurant. Who should I contact?

Should I talk to other business owners before opening?

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchants Association?

What should I do before my grand opening?

What are the most important contacts for a new business owner?

Still Have Questions?

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership?

Why should I contact the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership before opening a business?

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership’s vision for downtown?

Business

RESOURCES

Doing Business in North Wilkesboro

Why Downtown North Wilkesboro? ​

Opening a Business

Business Resources

Promotional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I start if I want to open a business?

Do I need a business plan?

Where can I get free business counseling and training?

How do I legally register my business?

Should I hire an accountant or bookkeeper?

Who should I contact before opening a business downtown?

Who handles zoning, permits, inspections, and construction approvals?

I’m opening a restaurant. Who should I contact?

Should I talk to other business owners before opening?

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchants Association?

What should I do before my grand opening?

What are the most important contacts for a new business owner?

Still Have Questions?

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership?

Why should I contact the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership before opening a business?

What is the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership’s vision for downtown?

Why Downtown North Wilkesboro?