Starting a Local Business

• How to Open a Business in the Lowcountry
  Business license requirements for City of Charleston, North Charleston, Goose Creek, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville.
• How to Legitimize a Business in the Lowcountry
  Vital steps you should take to make your business legitimate.
• 25 Steps to Starting a New Business
  Before you start your new business, here are 25 tasks to check off on your startup to-do list.
• City of North Charleston: How to do business with us! 
  Learn how to complete your business license process, vendor application and more.
• How to Choose the Best Form of Business Ownership
  Use this as a starting point for research when choosing the best form of business ownership or structure.
• Center for Business Empowerment
  Bank of America's sources for information and inspiration, whether you’re launching a new business or running an established one. 
• SC Department of Commerce’s Business Development Platform
  The website helps connect companies – large and small, new and existing – with funding, local resources, buyers, data and analytics to guide smart and efficient business decisions.
• Charleston County Public Library – Business Resources
  Whether you want to start, improve or grow a small business, CCPL offers resources to help you achieve your goals. All library branches offer affordable printing, copying, and scanning services. Adult Services staff are available at all branch reference desks and can provide basic assistance with business questions. You can also book a one-on-one meeting with the Business Librarian.
• Charleston County Public Library — Business Research Databases
  Use the free tools available to research consumer and competitor demographic and trends information.
• Workforce Resources
  Browse a list of job posting sites, training opportunities and other business resources aimed at helping local businesses find and keep happy employees. 

Looking for funding, workforce and other resources? Join Lowcountry Local First as a member business to gain full access.

Questions? Let us know!

Thank you to our Local Economic Ambassador municipality members who believe in the power of their local-independent businesses and support our work year-round: