Business Licenses

Effective January 1, 2022, all new business license applications must be received prior to 4:45 PM for the license to be issued the same day.

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 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and the gross income earned. Download the City of Greenwood Business License Rate Schedule Here. Each annual license shall expire April 30th of the calendar year issued and is renewable without penalty from January 1st until April 30th of the following year unless stated otherwise. To obtain additional information on the City’s Business License call (864) 942-8419 or send an email to license@gwdcity.com.

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 application. If you are not working under a licensed General Contractor, you may be required to have a license through the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Please visit their website for more information: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/

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 (942-8424). 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 more information see the City's Business License Ordinance.

Gross Income Defined

Starting a New Small Business

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

Greenwood Area Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
USCOG Building
430 Helix Road
Greenwood, SC, 29646
(864) 941-8092
Contact: Matthew Dean mcdean@clemson.edu