--- title: "How We Verify Local Businesses (4-Tier Standard) | Support New Bern" canonical_url: "https://supportnewbern.com/how-we-verify/" meta_description: "See Support New Bern's 4-tier Craven County verification checklist: NC state license checks, owner verification, locally vetted pros, and sponsored disclosures." --- # How Support New Bern Verifies & Vets Local Businesses - **Canonical URL:** https://supportnewbern.com/how-we-verify/ - **Meta Description:** See Support New Bern's 4-tier Craven County verification checklist: NC state license checks, owner verification, locally vetted pros, and sponsored disclosures. --- πŸ›‘οΈ Public Vetting & Trust Methodology ## How Support New Bern Vets & Verifies Local Businesses Every badge on SupportNewBern.com corresponds to a specific, auditable verification checklist β€” never a hidden pay-to-play score. Here is exactly what each status means and how we separate independent Craven County research from paid sponsorships. ## Our 4-Tier Craven County Verification Checklist Tier 1 Β· $0 Community Record ### πŸ“ Community Listed - Confirmed physical storefront or active mobile service area in **Craven, Pamlico, or Carteret County, NC**. - Working local telephone or official website verified against public municipal/chamber records. - 100% free forever ([Add a free listing](https://supportnewbern.com/submit-listing/)). Tier 2 Β· Ownership Confirmed ### βœ“ Verified Business Owner - Owner identity verified via official business domain email or direct `(252)` phone callback. - Cross-checked against **NC Secretary of State** entity registration or municipal business records. - Authorized to update hours, upload original storefront photos, and respond to neighbor reviews. Tier 3 Β· Merit & License Checked ### πŸ… Locally Vetted Pro - **State License Check** for regulated trades (NCLBGC General Contractors, NCBEEC Electrical, NC Plumbing/Heating Board, NC State Bar, or NC Dental/Medical Boards). - Minimum **4.0 / 5.0** public/neighbor reputation standing with zero unresolved pattern complaints. - Confirmed local service accountability across New Bern, Trent Woods, River Bend, James City, or Havelock. Tier 4 Β· Clearly Disclosed Sponsorship ### β˜… Sponsored Featured Partner - Optional `$49/mo` promotional tier supporting free community journalism & local tools. - Always labeled **Sponsored Β· Featured Partner** with `rel="sponsored"` on external links. - **Strict Firewall:** Sponsors must pass local verification and *cannot* buy organic review stars or alter editorial evaluations. ## Primary Public Registries We Check Before labeling a regulated contractor, healthcare clinic, or attorney as Locally Vetted, our New Bern research desk cross-checks official North Carolina public boards: [NC Secretary of State β†—](https://www.sosnc.gov/) [NC General Contractors Board β†—](https://nclbgc.org/) [NC Electrical Board (NCBEEC) β†—](https://www.ncbeec.org/) [NC Plumbing & Heating Board β†—](https://nclicensing.org/) [North Carolina State Bar β†—](https://www.ncbar.gov/) [NC Dental Board β†—](https://www.ncdentalboard.org/) [Better Business Bureau (Eastern NC) β†—](https://www.bbb.org/us/nc/new-bern/profile/directory-advertising/support-new-bern-0593-90359541) Craven County Expert Advisory Network ## Apply to Peer-Review a Local Guide (Free Official Attribution) Are you a licensed dentist, physician, attorney, CPA, Realtor, or NC-licensed contractor practicing in New Bern or Craven County? Help keep our community guides accurate and earn a verified **β€œLocally Peer-Reviewed By”** byline, credential badge, and direct link to your directory profile.