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NEW BUSINESS CHECKLIST
Welcome to Oxford,
and thanks for choosing us as the location of your new business! Now that you
have made all your plans, identified vendors, chosen a site and physical layout,
talked to service companies, picked out colors and a name, etc. here’s a
checklist of things you need to do before you actually proceed to set up your
business. The people listed below work for a variety of agencies at the city,
county and state level, and all should be able to provide you with good
professional service as you work through the process. While you should ask for
these individuals by name, in some cases several individuals within the same
department may be able to help you.
1.
Director of Economic Development - Linda Sigmon (603-1116)
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The reason to start here is that Ms. Sigmon will be able to assist
you as you plan your business, make suggestions and give you an introduction to
Oxford if you are new to the area. She can also put you in contact with other
members of the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation.
2.
Business accountant (your choice)
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Make this selection early and choose someone whom you like and
trust. Your accountant can start the process of applying for federal and state
employer identification numbers that are required for all businesses, as well as
inform you about the issues surrounding incorporation, should you be considering
this option. Processing and forms can take several weeks, so you want to start
the process early.
3. City Planning
Director - Cheryl Hart (603-1117)
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Ms. Hart can tell you if the business you propose is within the
guidelines of the zoning ordinances, and whether any proposed alterations to
your building are appropriate. She can also inform you about parking
ordinances.
4. County
Planning Director - (603-1331)
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Director has jurisdiction over county ordinances similar to the city
level.
5. North
Carolina Department of Revenue (693-6611)
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The Oxford hours of this office are limited to 8:00 a.m. - 12:00
noon on the first and second Wednesdays of the month. The phone message gives
other times and locations for assistance. This office registers a business for
N.C. sales tax.
6. City Finance
Department – Phyllis Blackwell (603-1191)
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Ms.
Blackwell will register you as a business within the city for the
purposes of water, sewer and garbage service and issue you a privilege license
for the conduct of business
7. County Tax
Collections Department - (693-7714)
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This
department issues the county privilege license.
8. Health
Inspector – Peter Lambert (693-2688)
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Mr. Lambert will advise you and inspect your facility if you will
be serving food in your business.
9. Director of
Development Services – Scott Phillips (603-1326)
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Mr. Phillips will inspect your facility and advise you of any ways
that your building does not meet building code specifications.
10. Fire
Department - Chief Lanny Dillehay (603-1140)
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The Oxford Fire Department will advise you of the services
available to you from the Fire Department, as well as inform you of fire code as
it relates to any building alterations.
11. Police
Department – Chief John Wolford (693-3161)
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Chief Wolford will advise you of the protection and other services
afforded you by the Oxford Police Department. The Police Department has
recently implemented a number of programs designed to ensure a high quality of
life in Oxford, and you as a businessperson will want to know about these
important community efforts.
12. Alcohol
Enforcement Officer - Leonard Overton (693-3213)
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Mr. Overton will issue you a permit if appropriate should you plan
to sell beer and wine at your place of business.
13. Progress Energy
(1-800-452-2777)
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Progress Energy is the provider of electrical power for the City
of Oxford. The business office can put you in contact with a local agent if
necessary.
14. Public Service Gas Company
(877-776-2427)
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All businesses in the downtown business district have access to
natural gas lines and most other areas in the City also have access.
15. Financing through Kerr-Tar
Regional Council of Governments - Rick Seekins (492-8561)
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In addition to conventional bank financing, the Kerr-Tar COG
maintains a revolving loan fund which offers small businesses financing at very
affordable rates. Mr. Seekins can provide you with full details.
16. Director of Small Business Center, Vance-Granville
Community College - (492-2061)
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If you are going into business for the first time, or if you are
starting a new business that you have never undertaken before, or if you simply
need to acquire new skills because of advancing technology or methods, VGCC
Small Business Center can let you know what courses are available to assist you.
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