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Starting a Business in York County

In York County, we welcome small business and understand the important role they play in our local economy. Below are answers to commonly asked questions and links to the many resources available within York County which enable innovative and productive businesses of all sizes to grow and remain sustainable. Addtionally, you will find stories highlighting the thriving businesses and communities throughtout York County. 

Business Licenses

York County does not require a business license, however businesses locating or operating inside municipal limits are often required to pay an annual license fee.  Please use the links below to contact your respective York County municipality for an application.

While York County does not require a business license, it is important to note that for some home-based occupations, a Home Occupation Permit may be required.  Contact the York County Zoning Division or the local municipality in which you live for more information.

If you do not know if your address is located inside city or town limits, you can enter it at the York County GIS address search to confirm. 

Municipal Business License Links


Registering with the SC Secretary of State and DBA Filings

The Secretary of State’s Office does not register DBA (Doing Business As) or trade names. The Secretary of State’s Office only keeps a registry of legal names of business entities that are organized under the laws of South Carolina or have authority to transact business in the state of South Carolina. 

Sole Proprietorships or General Partnerships do not have to file with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office. Business corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships and limited liability companies are the only business entities that must file with the Secretary of State’s Office. 

https://sos.sc.gov/online-filings

York County does not require DBA (Doing Business As) information, but some banks or other institutions do require this filing in order to establish a business account or to receive money.  In order to meet this requirement, as a courtesy, the York County Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds Office will file a DBA document on your behalf.

The document is called an Assumed Name Certificate. This form can be here:  https://www.yorkcountygov.com/540/Documents

Please contact the York County Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds Office at (803) 684-8510 for more information.


SizeUpSC is an easy-to-use business intelligence platform developed by the South Carolina Department of Commerce that allows you to receive data to help your company make better decisions around competitive benchmarking, customers, suppliers, even marketing and advertising.

 

Resources

Thriving (Small) Business Tells the Story