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Starting and Owning a Local Business

The City of Hickory's Office of Business Development is committed to assisting startup and existing businesses by connecting them to partner resources and helping them navigate through the process of opening, maintaining, or expanding a business in Hickory. If you are starting a business or already have a business and want to connect with resources in the community, below are links to resources for both starting and owning a business.  Hickory has an entrepreneurial spirit and the City, in conjunction with local partners, wants to make starting a business and business ownership as simple as possible. City staff is available to answer questions about City processes and available programs for new and existing businesses. Please contact Business and Community Development Manager Dave Leonetti at (828) 261-2227 or dleonetti@hickorync.gov to schedule an appointment or request information about starting or operating a business in Hickory. 
 

State and Local Resources:

The Chamber of Catawba County

Catawba County Economic Development Corporation

North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center

NC Works Career Center


Higher Education Resources:

Catawba Valley Community College - Small Business Center

Catawba Valley Community College - Manufacturing Solutions Center

Lenoir-Rhyne University - Center for Commercial and Social Entrepreneurship

 

Permit Center Information:

If you are ready to open a new business or are looking at making changes to your existing business location, contact the Permit Center at (828) 323-7410 to discuss what steps and permits are necessary to move forward with your plans. More resources relevant to opening and operating a business in the City of Hickory can be found below:

New Commercial Development

Occupying Existing Buildings

Sign Permit Information