New/Existing Business Development

Transylvania County is a special location and one that is ideal for starting or expanding a business. We have compiled a list of organizations that can be of great assistance in either process. Below you will also find information on business licenses, local planning departments, plus a few tips on starting a business.

Transylvania Economic Alliance

Whether you’re considering starting a new business, expanding your current operation, or relocating your company, the Transylvania Economic Alliance can provide resources and support throughout the process.

Burton Hodges – Executive Director
burton@transylvaniaalliance.com

147 E Main St #301, Brevard, NC 28712
828-393-4130
transylvaniaalliance.com

Blue Ridge Community College – Small Business Center (BRCC SBC)

BRCC SBC is part of the Small Business Center Network , which is made up of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina. The Network supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information.

Ben SmithDirector, Small Business Center
b_smith@blueridge.edu

45 Oak Park Drive, Brevard, NC 28712
828-883-2520
blueridge.edu

Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

A non-profit organization that promotes the economic well-being of the local business community and is a catalyst for the collaboration of businesses, local government, civic and community organizations in order to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Melissa Driver – Executive Director
melissa@brevardncchamber.org

175 E Main St, Brevard, NC 28712
828-883-3700
brevardncchamber.org

Brevard SCORE

If you’re about to start or expand your business, SCORE, a non-profit organization, has free face-to-face and online resources available to you and can help.

Thomas Sweeny – Branch Manager
brevardscore1@gmail.com
828-693-8702
westernnc.score.org

Heart of Brevard

A non-profit organization whose purpose is to maintain a vital downtown through design, economic restructuring, promotion, and organization.

Nicole BentleyExecutive Director
nicole@brevardnc.org

175 E Main St, 2nd Floor, Brevard, NC 28712
828-884-3278
brevardnc.org

Business Licenses

Transylvania County – Transylvania County does not issue Basic Business Licenses.

City of Brevard – Effective July 1, 2015, privilege (business) licenses are no longer issued by the City of Brevard with the exception of a taxi business and a business that sells beer and/or wine. To obtain a license for a taxi business or for the sale of beer and/or wine, contact the City Clerk’s Office.

North Carolina – The State of North Carolina has no single generic business license that will ensure compliance with all requirements. Some businesses may be subject to several state requirements while others may not be subject to any. If you are starting a business that may require an occupational license, Business Link North Carolina is a free resource capable of helping users understand the state-level process.
Business Link North Carolina

Federal – Most new small businesses are unlikely to require federal permits or licenses, unless you are;

  • Rendering investments advice
  • Preparing meat products
  • Selling alcohol, tobacco or firearms

City of Brevard Planning Department & Zoning Department

The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for a variety of tasks within the City of Brevard and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). These tasks include land development review, zoning and subdivision permission, floodplain development, code enforcement, and all long-range land use and transportation planning.

Paul RayDirector
paul.ray@cityofbrevard.com
Janice PinsonAdministrative Services Manager
janice.pinson@cityofbrevard.com

95 W Main St, Brevard, NC 28712
828-885-5630
cityofbrevard.com

Transylvania County Planning & Community Development Department

This Transylvania County Department oversees all land-use ordinances and provides guidance for property development in Transylvania County, excluding the City of Brevard and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (with the exception of farmers in the ETJ). Administration of county ordinances includes reviewing subdivisions and exemptions; flood plain management; and issuing permits required by ordinances.

Allen McNeill – County Planner
allen.mcneill@transylvaniacounty.org
Darby Terrell – County Planner
darby.terrell@transylvaniacounty.org

106 East Morgan Street, Suite 207, Brevard, NC 28712
828-884-3205
planning.transylvaniacounty.org