Business Licenses

Every person engaged or intending to engage in any calling, business, occupation or profession or maintaining an office(s) within the city limits of Greenwood is required to pay a fee and obtain a business license. License fees are based upon the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and the gross income earned. Download the City of Greenwood Business License Rate Schedule Here.  Each annual license shall expire December 31st of the calendar year issued and is renewable without penalty from January 1st until April 15th of the following year unless stated otherwise. To obtain additional information on the City’s Business License call (864) 942-8420.

If you are a business located outside the city limits and will be performing work within the city limits, a business license is still required. Once an application is filled out, we can issue a business license.

Business License Calculator

With your appropriate rate code and prior year’s gross receipts, you can calculate your license fee.  If your business is located in the city limits of Greenwood, click here.  If your business is based outside of the city limits, please click here to determine your business license fee.  Your rate code can be found on the business license form mailed to your organization every year.  If you require assistance determining your rate code, or if you have been open for less than three years, please call (864) 942-8419.  The license calculator is designed to assist businesses with license fee planning.

Contractors Requesting a Business License By the Job
For contractors wishing to obtain a business license by the job, please complete a one-job license.

New Business Instructions
All new businesses located within Greenwood County must have a completed Code Clearance Form approved by the appropriate agencies. Once this form has been completed, please contact the Building Inspection Department to receive a Certificate of Occupancy. Please submit a copy of the certificate, code clearance form and a business license application to the Finance Department for approval of your business license request.

Change of Address

Any business that moves to a new location within Greenwood County must obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.).  In order to obtain a new C.O., complete the Code Clearance Form and then contact the Building Inspection Department.  You will need to then submit the C.O. to the Finance Department along with your current business license to receive an updated license.

Change of Ownership

If the majority ownership of your business has changed, you will need to obtain a new business license as licenses are non transferable.  Please review the New Business Instructions above for procedures.

For assistance with starting a new small business in Greenwood, please contact the following:

South Carolina Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Upper Savannah Area Office
600 Monument Street, Suite 106
PO Box 246
Greenwood, SC, 29648
(864) 943-8028