Winston-Salem, NC Business License Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no‑nonsense guide to getting legal in Winston‑Salem. It walks you through what the City actually requires (and what it doesn’t), how to register with North Carolina and the IRS, the permits that trip people up, timelines, fees where available, and who to call when you’re stuck. All claims and facts link to official sources. No fluff.

Quick help box

How licensing really works in Winston‑Salem

Most people expect a one‑stop “business license.” North Carolina changed that model years ago. Today:

  • There is no general “city business license” in Winston‑Salem. The old privilege license was restricted by state law in 2015, and Winston‑Salem no longer requires a general license for most businesses. You still must comply with zoning, building, fire, and specific activity permits (for example, food, alcohol, mobile vending, peddlers). Source: North Carolina General Assembly – S.L. 2014-3 (Privilege License Reform), and City guidance via City of Winston‑Salem (official site).
  • The “license” you actually need depends on what you do and where you do it. Typical stack: state business registration + IRS EIN + local zoning/occupancy + activity permits (health, ABC, etc.) + tax accounts (sales tax, withholding, unemployment) + any state professional/trade license.
  • Expect sequencing. You often need zoning approval before a Certificate of Occupancy; a Certificate of Occupancy before a health inspection; and local sign permits after zoning approves signage locations.
  • Reality check: timelines vary. A home‑based online shop can be legal in a few days. A food truck or bar can take weeks to months (site plan, inspections, health plan review, ABC approvals).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’re unsure which office goes first, call 311 or 336‑727‑8000 and ask for Planning & Development Services for zoning/occupancy triage, or Inspections for permitting order. Use the City’s site: City of Winston‑Salem – Planning & Development Services. For multi‑agency projects (restaurant, brewery), ask CityLink to connect you to a pre‑application meeting with Planning, Inspections, Fire, and Environmental Health.

Fast‑track overview (what most businesses actually need)

Table 1. Snapshot: common business types and the first permit to tackle

Business type First step in Winston‑Salem Key local/state approvals Official starting point
Home‑based online seller (no foot traffic) Confirm zoning allows home occupation; get any required home occupation clearance NC SOS registration (if LLC/corp), IRS EIN, NCDOR sales/use tax (if taxable); business personal property listing City of Winston‑Salem – Planning & Development Services and NCDOR – Sales & Use Tax
Retail shop or office (tenant upfit) Zoning verification for the address; building/inspections for upfit permits Certificate of Occupancy; sign permit; sales tax registration City of Winston‑Salem – Inspections and NCDOR – Register a business
Restaurant/cafe Zoning and building/inspections; submit health plan review Health department permit; Certificate of Occupancy; sales tax; possible ABC permits Forsyth County Public Health – Environmental Health and NC ABC Commission
Food truck City mobile food vending/site approvals; health permit Fire safety, commissary agreement, zoning for operating locations City of Winston‑Salem – Mobile Food Vending and Forsyth County Environmental Health
Bar/brewery Zoning; inspections; ABC prework ABC permits; local beer/wine privilege taxes (where applicable); health (if serving food) NC ABC Commission – Permits
General contractor State license if projects ≥ $40,000; local permits per job NCLBGC license; trade permits; inspections NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
Short‑term rental (whole home/room) Zoning rules for STRs; occupancy Possible local registration/permit depending on ordinance; lodging taxes if applicable City of Winston‑Salem – Planning and Forsyth County Government
Notes:

  • Table links point to official portals or top‑level pages because subpages change; use their search or contact tools for the exact application and checklist.
  • Always verify whether your specific activity triggers a special permit (peddler/solicitor, taxi/for‑hire, massage/bodywork, hazardous materials, etc.) with CityLink 311 or 336‑727‑8000.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your type isn’t listed or seems to straddle categories, ask for a multi‑department consult via CityLink. For state‑licensed professions, start with your licensing board (see “Professional and trade licenses” below).

Step 1: Confirm you do or do not need a city “business license”

Action first: Check whether your activity needs a City‑issued license or permit.

  • North Carolina law largely ended municipal privilege licenses in 2015, so Winston‑Salem does not require a general business license for most businesses. Some categories still have specific local permits (for example, mobile food, peddlers/solicitors, certain vehicle‑for‑hire, signs). See: North Carolina General Assembly – Privilege License Reform (S.L. 2014‑3) and City of Winston‑Salem – Official Site.
  • Retail alcohol (beer/wine) can still involve a local privilege tax in addition to state ABC permits. Confirm with the City’s Revenue/Tax office through CityLink 311 or 336‑727‑8000 and the NC ABC Commission: NC ABC – Local Government Guidance.
  • If you will vend in public spaces or door‑to‑door, ask about local permits for:
    • Mobile food vending
    • Peddlers/solicitors
    • Special events / temporary uses
    • Street or sidewalk use

    Start at the City’s site: City of Winston‑Salem and request the specific program via CityLink.

What you’ll likely need to provide:

  • Description of your business activity
  • Proposed address(es) and hours
  • Whether you will sell food or alcohol
  • Whether you will have employees, vehicles for hire, or temporary structures/signs

Reality checks:

  • “No general business license” does not mean “no permits.” Zoning, fire, building, health, and state licenses still apply.
  • If you operate in unincorporated Forsyth County (outside city limits), different rules can apply. Confirm jurisdiction using the county GIS: Forsyth County GIS.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you get conflicting answers, ask CityLink for a callback from Planning & Development Services and the Revenue Division together. Document the name/department that provided guidance.

Step 2: Choose your structure and register with North Carolina

Action first: Register your entity (if not a sole proprietor) and get a federal EIN.

  • File with the NC Secretary of State:
    • LLC: Articles of Organization. The filing fee is $125 (per the Secretary’s posted schedule). Source: NC Secretary of State – Business Registration.
    • Corporation (C or S election happens later with IRS): Articles of Incorporation.
    • Nonprofit: Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation.
  • Annual reports are required for most entities (LLCs, corporations). Due dates and fees differ by entity type. See: NC SOS – Annual Reports.
  • Get your EIN (employer identification number) from the IRS. It’s free when you apply online: IRS – Apply for an EIN.
  • If you will operate under a name different from your legal name (DBA), file an assumed business name certificate with the Forsyth County Register of Deeds. NC uses a statewide assumed name database, but filings happen with the county. Start here: NC SOS – Assumed Business Name and Forsyth County Register of Deeds.

Required documents:

  • Organizer/incorporator details, registered agent, principal office
  • Company name (check availability at the SOS site)
  • For EIN: responsible party’s SSN/ITIN, business structure
  • For assumed name: the exact trade name, principal county

Timelines:

  • Online SOS filings are often processed within a few business days, but allow extra time during peak seasons.
  • EIN is typically issued immediately online.

Reality checks:

  • If you plan to lease space, landlords often require proof of entity formation and EIN before executing a lease.
  • Name approval at the SOS doesn’t approve trademark rights. Consider USPTO searches if brand protection matters.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If filings are rejected, the SOS email will explain the fix. For help, use the SOS contact page: NC SOS – Contact. For naming conflicts, use a different name or file an assumed name for branding.

Step 3: Zoning, location, and occupancy (Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County)

Action first: Verify zoning for your address before signing a lease or renovating.

  • Check the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) use tables and your site’s zoning district. Use the City/County Planning portal or contact Planning staff through CityLink 311 or 336‑727‑8000. Start at: City of Winston‑Salem – Planning & Development Services and Forsyth County Government – Planning.
  • For home‑based businesses, confirm “home occupation” rules. Some activities (for example, onsite retail, employees visiting, high traffic, certain equipment) may be limited or prohibited in residential zones under the UDO.
  • If your use is allowed, you may still need:
    • Zoning Use/Compliance review
    • Building permits (for upfits)
    • Fire safety review
    • Sign permits
    • A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) before opening to the public
  • For new tenants or changes in use, the Inspections Division will determine permit needs and CO requirements. Start here: City of Winston‑Salem – Inspections (Permits/CO).

Required documents:

  • Site address and parcel number (use county GIS: Forsyth County GIS)
  • Floor plans/site plan (even sketches may help early review)
  • Scope of work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
  • Proposed signage size/location (for separate sign permits)

Timelines:

  • Zoning reviews can be quick for straightforward uses and longer for conditional uses or variances.
  • CO issuance depends on completion of construction and final inspections.

Reality checks:

  • Don’t order signs or fixtures until zoning and building officials confirm your plan.
  • If you’re in a historic district or special overlay, additional approvals may apply.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your use isn’t allowed by right, ask Planning about alternatives:
    • Find a different zoning district/location
    • Apply for a special use/variance (longer timeline)
    • Adjust your business plan (for example, no onsite customers)

Step 4: Health permits (food, drink) and ABC permits (alcohol)

Action first: If you handle food or beverages, start a conversation with Environmental Health early—often before your upfit design is final.

  • Food service establishments (restaurants, caterers, food trucks, commissaries) require plan review and inspection by Forsyth County Environmental Health. See the county’s public health portal: Forsyth County Public Health – Environmental Health.
  • Expect plan review, equipment specs, a pre‑opening inspection, and ongoing grading/inspections after opening. NC uses standard statewide food code rules via the NC Department of Health and Human Services, enforced locally.
  • Alcohol sales require state ABC permits from the NC ABC Commission. Permit types vary (on‑premises beer/wine, mixed beverages, brewery/winery/distillery). Start at: NC ABC Commission – Permits. Some ABC permits also require local pre‑approvals and may involve local privilege taxes for beer/wine—confirm with the City’s revenue office via CityLink 311 or 336‑727‑8000.

Required documents:

  • Food: floor plan, equipment list/specs, menu, water/sewer verification, waste/grease plans, commissary agreement (for mobile operations)
  • Alcohol: corporate documents, lease/deed, diagram of premises, background checks, local government forms

Timelines:

  • Food plan review and build‑out can take weeks to months depending on complexity.
  • ABC permitting timelines vary by permit type and background checks; allow several weeks minimum after you submit a complete application.

Reality checks:

  • Grease interceptors and ventilation are common cost drivers and sources of delay for restaurants.
  • Health departments will not approve shortcuts on refrigeration, hot holding, or handwashing facilities.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask Environmental Health for a pre‑submittal meeting to reduce redesigns. For ABC, call the ABC Commission licensing staff for guidance on the correct permit set and local forms.

Step 5: Mobile food, peddlers/solicitors, special events, signs

Action first: If you will sell in temporary locations or on the move, confirm the specific City permits you need.

  • Mobile food vending: Winston‑Salem regulates where and how food trucks can operate. You’ll need both health approval and zoning/site permissions. Start at the City’s main site (search “Mobile Food Vending”) and call CityLink 311 or 336‑727‑8000 for the current application and rules: City of Winston‑Salem.
  • Peddlers/solicitors: Door‑to‑door sales or temporary roadside sales may require a City permit and compliance with location/time restrictions. Ask CityLink for the peddler/solicitor permit office.
  • Special events: Temporary uses (markets, festivals, sidewalk sales) often need City event permits and police/fire review. Start at the City’s events/permits information via City of Winston‑Salem.
  • Signs: Most new or changed signs require a sign permit under the UDO. Confirm sign type, size, and placement with Planning/Inspections before fabrication: City of Winston‑Salem – Planning & Inspections.

Required documents:

  • For mobile food: proof of commissary, vehicle equipment, fire suppression where required, site permissions
  • For peddlers/solicitors: ID checks, description of goods, locations/dates
  • For signs: drawings with dimensions, site/placement map, contractor info

Timelines:

  • Mobile vending and event permits can often be reviewed within days to weeks; earlier is better if multiple departments must sign off.
  • Sign permits vary by complexity; standard wall/monument signs are quicker than large/illuminated or multi‑tenant projects.

Reality checks:

  • Operating on private property usually requires written permission from the owner.
  • Expect fire safety checks for mobile cooking equipment.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you can’t meet restrictions for on‑street vending, look for private lots or event partnerships that meet zoning and safety requirements.

Step 6: Professional and trade licenses (state boards)

Action first: If your work requires a professional license in North Carolina, get that started early. Many boards require exams and background checks.

Common boards:

Required documents:

  • Vary by board: education, experience, exams, insurance/bonding, financial statements (for contractors), background checks

Timelines:

  • Weeks to months depending on exams and board schedules

Reality checks:

  • Local building permits will require state license numbers where applicable. Don’t bid or pull permits outside your license scope.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask the board about provisional, technician, or limited classifications as a bridge while you build experience.

Step 7: Taxes and employer accounts

Action first: Register for the taxes you must collect or pay before you start making sales or hiring.

  • NC sales and use tax (retail and some services): Register your account with NCDOR. NC’s state rate is 4.75%; counties add local rates. Use the DOR’s rate charts/locator for Forsyth County’s current combined rate and situs rules. File and pay on the schedule assigned to you. See: NCDOR – Sales & Use Tax and NCDOR – Local Sales Tax Rates.
  • NC employer withholding (payroll): Register with NCDOR if you have employees and withhold NC income tax. See: NCDOR – Withholding Tax.
  • NC unemployment insurance (UI): Register with the Division of Employment Security (DES). New employers receive a tax rate and must file quarterly reports on taxable wages. See: DES – Unemployment Insurance Tax for Employers.
  • Business personal property tax (equipment, furniture, machinery): In Forsyth County, businesses must list taxable personal property annually with the county tax office. The listing is typically due by January 31 for property owned as of January 1, and North Carolina law provides a 10% late listing penalty. Start at: Forsyth County Tax Administration.
  • Federal taxes: Get your EIN, set up payroll withholding and deposits, and understand your federal income/self‑employment obligations. See: IRS – Small Business and Self‑Employed.

Table 2. Core tax accounts, deadlines, and where to register

Tax/account Who needs it Key deadlines Where to register
Sales & Use Tax Anyone selling taxable goods/services in NC Returns typically due by the 20th of the month after the period (monthly/quarterly/annual as assigned) NCDOR – Business Registration
Employer Withholding Employers paying wages to NC employees Deposit/return schedules vary (monthly/quarterly) based on liability NCDOR – Withholding
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Employers with covered employees Quarterly wage reports and contributions due after quarter end DES – Employer UI
Business Personal Property All businesses with taxable personal property in Forsyth County Annual listing due January 31; late listing penalty 10% Forsyth County Tax Administration
Reality checks:

  • NC sales tax situs rules can be origin‑ or destination‑based depending on the sale. Use NCDOR’s rate tools and bulletins for accuracy.
  • UI and withholding frequencies change if your payroll grows.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your DOR/DES accounts or PINs aren’t arriving, contact the agency’s business support numbers found on the respective sites. If you’re unsure what’s taxable, use NCDOR’s guidance requests.

Step 8: Insurance, safety, and HR basics

Action first: Protect your people and meet mandatory coverage.

  • Workers’ compensation: In North Carolina, most employers with 3 or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Source: NC Industrial Commission – Employer FAQs.
  • Unemployment insurance: Required for covered employers; see DES above.
  • E‑Verify: North Carolina requires private employers with 25 or more employees to use E‑Verify to confirm work authorization, with additional rules for certain public contracts. See: NC Department of Labor – E‑Verify and related statutes (G.S. 64‑26 et seq.).
  • Fire and life safety: The Winston‑Salem Fire Marshal enforces fire code requirements, including occupancy limits, extinguishers, alarms/sprinklers where required, and inspections. Coordinate through CityLink 311 or 336‑727‑8000 to reach the Fire Department.
  • General liability and property insurance: Not required by the City for most businesses but often required by landlords and contracts.

Required documents:

  • Worker counts and payroll to quote workers’ comp
  • Site plans/occupant loads for fire approvals

Timelines:

  • Workers’ comp policies can start quickly once quoted.
  • Fire inspection scheduling varies; coordinate before opening to avoid delays.

Reality checks:

  • Volunteers, contractors, and family members can blur worker counts. Confirm with the NC Industrial Commission how your situation is counted.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you can’t secure workers’ comp in the voluntary market, ask your broker about the assigned risk pool for NC.

Real‑world examples (Winston‑Salem scenarios)

Example 1: Small coffee shop in a neighborhood center

  • Sequence:
  • Watch‑outs:
    • Grease interceptor size/location surprises
    • Electric service capacity for espresso equipment
    • Sign permit size limits under the UDO
  • Timeline reality:
    • 8–12 weeks is common from lease to open if upfit is moderate and plan review is clean.

Example 2: Home‑based Etsy seller

Example 3: Food truck

  • Sequence:
  • Watch‑outs:
    • Generator noise and placement
    • Private property permission letters
    • Commissary distance and hours

Example 4: General contractor starting up

  • Sequence:
    • Apply for NCLBGC license if you’ll bid $40,000+ projects.
      Source: NCLBGC
    • Obtain workers’ comp if 3+ employees.
      Source: NC Industrial Commission
    • City permits per job; trade licenses as required.
  • Watch‑outs:
    • Don’t use another contractor’s license number.
    • Keep subcontractor licenses and insurance on file.

Local permits and approvals at a glance

Table 3. City/county permits and who to contact

Permit/approval When you need it Office to contact Where to start
Zoning/use check Any new business location or change of use Planning & Development Services City of Winston‑Salem – Planning or call 311 / 336‑727‑8000
Building/Upfit permits Any structural/electrical/plumbing/mechanical work Inspections Division City of Winston‑Salem – Inspections
Certificate of Occupancy Before opening to public after build‑out/change of use Inspections Division City of Winston‑Salem – Inspections
Health (Food) permits Restaurants, caterers, food trucks, markets Forsyth County Environmental Health Forsyth County Public Health
ABC permits On‑ or off‑premises alcohol sales NC ABC Commission NC ABC – Permits
Mobile Food Vending Food trucks operating in City limits City (Planning/Permitting + Fire) City of Winston‑Salem
Peddlers/Solicitors Door‑to‑door or roadside sales City permitting/police admin City of Winston‑Salem
Sign permit New or changed signs Planning/Inspections City of Winston‑Salem – Planning
Business Personal Property listing Equipment, furniture, machinery Forsyth County Tax Administration Forsyth County Tax
What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask CityLink to route you to the specific permit unit and request the latest checklists and forms by email.

State registrations, fees, and filings

Table 4. State/federal registrations you’ll likely need

Registration Who needs it Cost/fee (if published) Where to apply
Articles of Organization (LLC) LLCs $125 filing fee (per NC SOS fee schedule) NC SOS – Business Registration
Articles of Incorporation Corporations See fee schedule NC SOS – Business Registration
Annual Report LLCs, corporations (most) See schedule by entity type NC SOS – Annual Reports
EIN Any entity hiring or opening bank accounts Free IRS – EIN
Sales & Use Tax Account Sellers of taxable goods/services No fee to register (per NCDOR) NCDOR – Business Registration
Employer Withholding Employers with NC wages No fee to register NCDOR – Withholding
Unemployment Insurance Employers with covered employees No fee to register DES – Employer UI
Notes:

  • Fee amounts not shown here vary by form and can change. Always verify on the linked fee pages before you file.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If the online portals give errors, use the “Contact” links on each agency’s site or call their business hotline. Screenshots help support staff resolve issues.

Filing calendars and practical timelines

Table 5. Typical timelines from idea to open (varies by project)

Step Light‑touch (home‑based) Moderate (office/retail) Heavy (restaurant/bar)
NC SOS formation + EIN 1–3 business days 1–3 business days 1–3 business days
Zoning/use check 1–5 days 1–2 weeks 2–4+ weeks (overlays/historic can add time)
Building permits N/A 1–3 weeks (minor upfit) 3–8+ weeks (design review, MEPs)
Health plan review N/A N/A 2–8+ weeks (depends on completeness)
ABC permits N/A N/A 4–8+ weeks (varies by permit/background)
Certificate of Occupancy N/A After final inspections After final inspections
Reality checks:

  • The critical path is usually design → permits → inspections. Incomplete submissions cause most delays.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Schedule a pre‑submittal meeting with Planning, Inspections, Fire, and Environmental Health to align requirements and reduce rework.

Compliance pitfalls: Common mistakes to avoid

  • Signing a lease before checking zoning and required upgrades (fire, ADA, grease).
  • Skipping the Certificate of Occupancy after a change in use.
  • Ordering signs without a sign permit (wrong size, placement, lighting).
  • Assuming “no business license” means no health, ABC, peddler, or mobile vending permits.
  • Forgetting the Forsyth County business personal property listing by January 31 and getting hit with a 10% penalty.
  • Not collecting sales tax on taxable sales or using the wrong local rate; failing to file by the 20th.
  • Hiring employees without setting up withholding, UI, and workers’ comp (3+ employees).
  • Using a contractor or trade professional who is not properly licensed or insured.
  • Skipping a pre‑inspection walkthrough—failing on final inspection day.
  • Waiting to apply for ABC until after build‑out—start earlier to align with opening.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’ve already mis‑sequenced something, talk to the agency before proceeding. Agencies will usually help you create a corrective plan if you’re upfront and show you’re fixing the issue.

Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources in North Carolina

Action first: If you qualify as a diverse business, look into certifications and support—some can help you win contracts or access targeted funding and training.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If certification seems overwhelming, start with HUB (state) and meet with your local Small Business Center (SBC) at Forsyth Tech for one‑on‑one help. See: NC Small Business Center Network.

FAQs (North Carolina and Winston‑Salem specific)

  • Do I need a general City of Winston‑Salem business license?
    • Usually no. The municipal privilege license was largely repealed by state law in 2015. Some activities still need specific permits (food, alcohol, mobile vending, peddlers, etc.). Source: NCGA – S.L. 2014‑3 and City of Winston‑Salem.
  • What is the sales tax rate in Winston‑Salem?
    • NC’s state rate is 4.75% plus Forsyth County’s local rate. Use NCDOR’s rate lookup for the current combined rate. Source: NCDOR – Sales & Use Tax Rates.
  • When are NC sales tax returns due?
    • Typically by the 20th of the month following the reporting period (monthly/quarterly/annual). Your filing frequency is assigned by NCDOR. Source: NCDOR – Sales & Use Tax.
  • When is the Forsyth County business personal property listing due?
  • I’m opening a bar. What permits do I need?
  • Are food trucks allowed in Winston‑Salem?
  • Do I need workers’ compensation insurance?
  • Do I need a license to be a general contractor?
    • Yes, if any project you undertake is $40,000 or more, you need a state contractor license. Source: NCLBGC.
  • Where do I file a DBA (assumed business name)?
  • Who do I call for City permitting questions?

Required documents: quick checklist by scenario

Table 6. What to gather before you apply

Scenario Documents to have ready
Any new business Entity formation (or owner ID if sole prop), EIN, proposed address, business plan summary
Lease/upfit Draft floor plan, scope of work, contractor info, landlord approval
Restaurant/food truck Menu, equipment specs, plumbing/ventilation details, commissary agreement, waste/grease plan
Alcohol sales Site diagram, corporate docs, lease/deed, owner/officer IDs for background checks, local forms
Home‑based Confirmation of home occupation rules, HOA approvals if applicable
Hiring staff Workers’ comp quote (if 3+ employees), withholding/UI registrations, I‑9/E‑Verify plan (if 25+ employees)
What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Ask each agency for its “submittal checklist.” Using the agency’s own list prevents missing pieces.

Realities, difficulties, and tips

  • Landlord‑tenant build‑out: Many “white box” spaces still need power upgrades, ventilation, or ADA fixes—budget time and money.
  • Supply chain and inspections: Order long‑lead equipment early and verify installed equipment matches plan review submittals (serial numbers, capacities).
  • Multi‑jurisdiction surprises: If you serve customers both inside and outside city limits or at events, check each jurisdiction’s vendor rules.
  • Seasonality: Permit queues grow before holidays and summer.
  • Paperwork drift: Using old forms from a web search can lead to rejection. Always download the latest form from the official site that day.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you hit a wall, request a coordination call with the relevant departments. A 20‑minute call can save weeks.

Contacts and where to start

What to do if something falls through (Plan B menu)

  • Can’t use your chosen address? Ask Planning for allowed uses by district and request help finding districts that fit. Use brokers familiar with code.
  • Budget too tight for required upgrades? Consider a shared commercial kitchen, a smaller footprint, or starting with catering/pop‑ups to build capital.
  • ABC delays? Open as a dry restaurant first if the concept allows; add alcohol when the permit clears.
  • Health plan changes mid‑build? Call your reviewer early; don’t install equipment that deviates from the approved plan without an OK.
  • Sales tax complexity? Ask NCDOR for written guidance or use their telephone support to confirm your classification.

About This Guide

  • Purpose: Provide a practical, Winston‑Salem‑specific path to legally start and operate a business, with emphasis on real steps, real contacts, and official sources.
  • Scope: Focuses on licensing, permits, and registrations most small/medium businesses face in Winston‑Salem and Forsyth County, with statewide rules where they apply.
  • Sources: Only official sources (City of Winston‑Salem, Forsyth County, State of North Carolina agencies, and federal agencies) and established statewide bodies are referenced. Where exact fees or timelines change often, we link directly to the authoritative page and avoid guessing.
  • Currency: We aimed for the most accurate information as of September 2025 using stable statutory rules and official portals. Agencies update forms and fees; always verify on the linked page before filing.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or professional advice. Laws, fees, forms, and agency procedures change. Always confirm requirements, amounts, and deadlines with the relevant agency using the official links and contacts provided here. If you have specific questions about your situation, consult the agency directly or speak with a qualified attorney, accountant, or licensed professional.

Source links (official, descriptive)