Small Business Resources

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Economic Development Partners
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Georgia Power Resource Center 
South DeKalb Incubator
ICAPP                         
QuickStart

Employment Services / Human Resources
Georgia Department of Labor               
DeKalb WorkForce Center

Labor Letters by Fisher & Phillips – A monthly publication that contains timely updates on legal developments in labor and employment law of general interest to all employers.

Visitor Information
DeKalb County Visitors Bureau  

State and Local Licensing, Start-up, Tax Information and More

DeKalb County Public Library

Local Level Resources and Key Contacts, Business Licenses 

Starting and Operating a Business

Georgia's First Stop Information Center

University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC):
For business consultation and educational opportunities that address human resources, management, technology, business plan and strategy development, capital formation and infrastructure needs.

Business and Professional Licensing

Consumer Protection

Georgia Department of Labor

General Contractor Information


Tax Information  

U.S. Internal Revenue Service (Small Business/Self Employed) or 800.829.4933

Georgia Department of Revenue
Georgia Tax I.D. Number (Georgia Department of Revenue)
404.417.4490

What Georgia employers need to know

Online Business Registration

Procurement/Becoming a Vendor

Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provides many of the state's financial programs as well as some federal programs. Entrepreneurs, in partnership with a local government or authority, can help participants take advantage of a variety of financial programs.

 

Consulting & Education for Start-ups and Growing Companies

University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers business consultation and educational opportunities that address human resources, management, technology, business plan and strategy development, capital formation and infrastructure needs.

Georgia's Department of Education offers entrepreneur curriculum and business programs in many of Georgia's schools. Two popular programs are Global Achievers, which focuses on business creation and international trade in elementary grades through high school, and Georgia REAL Enterprises, which provides high-quality entrepreneurship curriculum and training from elementary grades to post-secondary.

Georgia's Technical College System of Georgia (formerly Department of Technical and Adult Education - DTAE) offers courses and certificates on starting your own business at many of its technical colleges. Click on Community Best Practices for information on individual technical college and community programs. Visit DTAE's website to learn more about Georgia's Technical Colleges.

Georgia's Educational Institutions provides a listing of all Georgia's schools.

Georgia Rural Economic Development Center (GREDC) provides on-site management, technical consultation and workshops to technology-focused entrepreneurs and business start-ups located in rural counties. For more information on the GREDC and its entrepreneur development assistance, visit them online, phone 478.289.2138, or email matt.oxley@edi.gatech.edu.

Georgia Women Entrepreneurs (GWEN) provides technical assistance, sharing and networking opportunities among Georgia women business owners.

The University System of Georgia offers many resources for entrepreneur and small business development. Visit the University System of Georgia's website to learn about the programs at Georgia's 34 institutions of higher education. Also, visit the Intellectual Capital Partnership Program website to learn about access to college-educated talent, access to the latest research and access to business and operational advice.

Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN), a private, non-profit organization, connects entrepreneurs with a network of technical and funding assistance opportunities. A "micro" enterprise is a business that’s owner operated with less than five employees, and has start-up capital needs of less than $35,000 with initial gross revenues under $100,000.

Appalachian Community Enterprises, Inc. (ACE) is a “micro” enterprise lender specializing in financial and training support for the non-traditional entrepreneur and serves several north Georgia counties. Loans under $35,000 are available to qualified small businesses.

The Christian Business Network, Inc., a non-profit organization, was created to assist in the empowerment and financial development of corporate and small businesses, with special emphasis on youth entrepreneur development.

Georgia Center for Nonprofits provides information and resources on how to start and sustain a non-profit organization in Georgia.

The Service Corps of Retired Executives Association (SCORE), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE's 10,500 retired and working volunteers provide free business counseling and advice as a public service. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Edge Connection is a non-profit microenterprise SBA Business Center offering FREE legal, technical or marketing consults, primer/advanced courses for entrepreneurs and seminars (many for FREE), and incubator, to help launch, sustain, or grow your business. The Edge Connection targets low-to-moderate-income individuals, women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. We have business incubators. We are housed on the campus of Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business.


Environmental Assistance

Agriculture Pollution Prevention Program (AgP2 Program) assists farmers on pollution prevention issues and provides technical resources to maximize the benefits of best management practices.

Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD) Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) provides free and confidential assistance to help small businesses comply with Georgia's environmental regulations.

Georgia Environmental Partnership (GEP) is a coalition composed of P²AD, The Engineering Outreach Service (EOS) of the University of Georgia, and the Economic Development Institute (EDI) of Georgia Institute of Technology. The mission of GEP is to leverage the financial and human resources of its members in order to deliver technical assistance that promotes the adoption of waste reduction, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and environmental compliance throughout Georgia businesses.

Georgia Tech Economic Development Institute Energy and Environmental Management Center (EEMC) provides Environmental Management System training and technical assistance to help organizations manage their environmental impacts and improve environmental performance. EEMC also assists industry with a broad array of business and engineering solutions to environmental concerns and issues. Areas of expertise include energy, environmental and safety management systems; environmental compliance; energy efficiency recommendations and assistance, and selection of appropriate environmental technologies.

Georgia’s Pollution Prevention Assistance Division ((P²AD)   - Since 1993, Georgia's Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (P²AD) has provided free, non-regulatory and confidential technical assistance in the areas of pollution prevention, resource conservation, waste reduction, by-product reuse and recycling. In 2004, the P²AD Partnership Program was established to encourage environmental leadership, recognize superior environmental performance and provide technical assistance. 

P²AD Partnership Program has established a partnership program to foster environmental leadership and recognize superior environmental performance. P²AD Partnership is free and open to any business or organization that operates in Georgia. There are four partnership levels to fit the changing goals and efforts of your business or organization.


Exporting

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) provides export assistance to all industries in Georgia excluding agricultural commodities, which is handled by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Export loan guarantee programs are provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

U.S. Department of Commerce

Federal Resources

www.business.gov – the official business link to the U.S. government

Every business needs a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). This EIN is your permanent number and can be used immediately for most of your business needs, including opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail. Every business must apply.

The New Freedom Initiative’s Disability Information is your gateway to the federal government's disability-related information and resources. This user-friendly web portal contains links to information of interest to people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and other community members.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.

The Edge Connection is a non-profit microenterprise SBA Business Center offering FREE legal, technical or marketing consults, primer/advanced courses for entrepreneurs and seminars (many for FREE), and incubator, to help launch, sustain, or grow your business. The Edge Connection targets low-to-moderate-income individuals, women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. We have business incubators. We are housed on the campus of Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business.

Georgia's Business Resource links you to the most common federal resource websites and provides online application for federal tax I.D. numbers.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) provides technical and funding assistance for business start ups. TVA serves 10 North Georgia counties: Catoosa, Chattooga, Fannin, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Towns, Union, Walker and Whitfield.

U.S. Department of Agriculture provides technical assistance and funding opportunities that include loan and grant programs to small and emerging businesses to create and save jobs. They also provide technical assistance to communities.

U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy will help you explore the many options available for starting a business by putting you in touch with the expert resources and financial programs used by over one million new businesses each year.

CobbWorks! provides customized employment, workforce action grants, training and technical assistance through community support for persons with developmental disabilities.

U.S. Internal Revenue Service provides self-employed entrepreneurs, employers and small business customers with answers and guidance on common business tax questions. There are educational products and services available to inform you of your tax obligations and also industry/profession-specific information

To start your FREE subscription to e-News, just go to IRS.gov at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=154826,00.html, type in your e-mail address and submit.

Navigate Government Regulations provides checklists and step-by-step instructions for permits, licenses and forms necessary for 20 different types of businesses. It’s published by The Pioneer Institute.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Georgia Security Division are often involved when any business obtains capital from investors.

U.S. Small Business Administration provides a wealth of valuable business-related information offering a range of assistance to start or grow your business.

Funding

There are no state grants for start up businesses but there are many funding opportunities at the local, state and federal levels that include local banks, credit unions, regional micro lenders, U.S. Small Business Administration loans, U.S. Department of Agriculture grants, etc. Always start with your local banker. Your Small Business Development Center (SBDC) representative can direcct you to funding resources also.

Georgia's Certified Development Corporation

Georgia Cities Foundation was created under the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Georgia Cities Foundation helps revitalize downtown communities by providing partial funding, technical assistance and training.

Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provides many of the state's financial programs that include federal programs as well. Entrepreneurs, in partnership with a local government or authority, can help participants take advantage of a variety of financial programs.

Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN) provides resources for start-up businesses, focusing on those with less than 5 employees. GMEN's members provide training and technical assistance to these "micro" businesses to develop their business plans and implementation of those plans. Some GMEN members also provide micro loans ranging from $500 - $50,000. Just identify your county and contact information for your local resource will be provided.

Georgia's Regional Development Centers (RDCs) offer small business loan assistance, gap financing that may include SBA 504, and 7(a) loans, Revolving Loan Funds, Rural Loan Funds and USDA Business & Industry Loans.

OneGeorgia Authority provides new financial programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses: ESB Loan Guarantee Fund and emerging or development-stage companies within Georgia's targeted stragetic industries.

Angel Network for Communities, with sponsorship from The Kauffman Foundation, has produced "Angel Investment Groups, Networks and Funds: A Guidebook to Developing the Right Angel Organization for Your Community."

Appalachian Community Enterprises, Inc. (ACE) is a Community Development Financial Institution that provides loans and support for entrepreneurs who do not have access to traditional capital. ACE serves many north Georgia counties. Loans from $500 to $50,000 are available to qualified small businesses. On-line application is available in English and Spanish.

Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.

Atlanta Technology Angels (ATA) is a private group, founded in 1998, that actively seeks investments in early stage technology companies based in Atlanta. ATA is an active source of private capital and business experience to local technology entrepreneurs.

Capital Partners is a statewide Certified Development Company providing financing under the U.S. Small Business Administration's 504 Loan Program. This program aids small business owners in the purchase of long-term fixed assets such as land, building, and heavy equipment. For more information, call 404.475.6000

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation focuses on entrepreneurial success at all levels: from elementary students to college students, from aspiring small business owners to high-growth entrepreneurs. It works to accelerate entrepreneurship in America by reaching individuals at all ages through the delivery of entrepreneurship education and development, and the promotion of an entrepreneurial environment. The foundation also offers grant opportunities for community programs.

Export-Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides export loan guarantee programs for agriculture export.

Georgia Small Business Capital is a private, not-for-profit company which was established to administer the SBA 504 Loan Program throughout the state of Georgia. The SBA 504 Loan Program enables small businesses to acquire long-term subordinated debt at below market rates. This program aids small business owners in the purchase of long-term fixed assets such as land, building, and heavy equipment.

Micro lending opportunities - this link provides a list of micro lenders throughout Georgia for small loans up to $35,000, businesses with five or fewer employees, annual sales of less than $100,000 where traditional sources of capital may have been inaccessible.
Georgia Micro Loan Partnership Area Maps
Georgia Micro Enterprise Network Micro Loan Funders


 
Tourism Funding, Marketing and Development in Georgia outlines selected state and federal sources of funding and assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a wealth of valuable business-related information offering a range of assistance to start or grow your business.

U.S. Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) is a specialized, non-profit business development organization licensed by the U. S. Small Business Administration and supported by the City of Savannah and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote economic growth, and offers a number of loan programs for new and existing businesses.

Women and Minority Funding Sources. The University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center's (SBDC) Office of Minority Business Development provides a list of non-traditional funding sources that target women and minorities and offers character-based SBA loans to women, minorities, veterans or anyone located a low income or HUB Zone. The loans are limited to $25,000 for multi-use and high-risk start-up ventures and industries.

 

Healthcare Insurance

One of the biggest issues facing today's entrepreneur is healthcare insurance for the individual and his/her employees. We encourage you to visit your local chamber of commerce to learn more about its support programs.

Plans for Small Business
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Business Health Insurance
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Coventry Health Insurance 
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USA-HealthInsurance.com 
A free service that provides the guaranteed lowest prices available from all major insurance companies so you can shop, compare, and buy affordable health insurance online for individuals, families, and small business owners.

Georgia:
• Aetna
• Assurant
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
• Celtic
• Coventry Health Care of Georgia, Inc.
• United Healthcare
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente

Georgia Health Insurance South East Health Plans
Humana, Blue Cross, Aetna, Kaiser: low rates.

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Georgia Health Insurance
Fill in your zip code above to get an instant online insurance quote for your family ... Georgia Group & Small Business (2-50 employees) Health Insurance.

Leadership Programs

Georgia Academy for Economic Development is a consortium of public and private economic development organizations providing economic development training throughout Georgia.
 
J. W. Fanning Institute for Leadership is dedicated to developing leadership skills for all Georgians of all ages, in all communities and from all walks of life. The Fanning Institute enables Georgian's to realize their full potential and prepares them to identify, address and meet current and future challenges.

Leadership Georgia is one of the nation's oldest and most successful leadership-training programs for young business, civic and community leaders with the desire and potential to work together for a better Georgia.

 

Local & Regional Resources 

Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce provides resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses within the Atlanta Metro area.

Local Level Resources and Key Contacts is a comprehensive county-by-county listing of local govenrment agency and city contacts including health department, county tax office, county clerk's office, chamber of commerce, county zoning office and county web site.

University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has business consultation and educational opportunities that address human resources, management, technology, business plan and strategy development, capital formation, and infrastructure needs.

Regional Development Centers (RDCs)provide technical assistance and funding opportunities for start ups and small businesses. Refer to the individual RDC locations under Funding Opportunities.

The Edge Connection is a non-profit microenterprise SBA Business Center offering FREE legal, technical or marketing consults, primer/advanced courses for entrepreneurs and seminars (many for FREE), and incubator, to help launch, sustain, or grow your business. The Edge Connection target low-to-moderate-income individuals, women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. We have business incubators. We are housed on the campus of Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business.

Georgia Cities Foundation was created under the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and helps revitalize downtown communities by providing partial funding, technical assistance and training.

Office of Secretary of State provides access to your city and county's pertinent telephone numbers such as city clerk, county clerk, chamber of commerce, etc. You’ll need to become familiar with the regulations that may pertain to your business.
 

Procurement 

Georgia Department of Administrative Services provides procurement  assistance through product, service offerings and business solutions for state and local governments, vendors, non-profit organizations, and the general public.

Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center provides marketing and procurement technical assistance to Georgia businesses operating in the government procurement markets at the federal, state and local levels.

U.S. Small Business Administration Business Opportunities provides "learn the basics," insight to selling goods and services to the government.

 

Technology & Incubators

The Entrepreneurs Resource Center (ERC) is an information center for aspiring and current technology entrepreneurs to assist them in their start up activities. The center is run by nationally recognized technology incubator ATDC. The ERC offers a virtual resource center and physical library which is open to the public.

Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), headquartered at Georgia Tech, is a nationally recognized science and technology incubator that helps Georgia entrepreneurs launch and build successful companies. ATDC provides strategic advice and connects its member companies to the people and resources they need to succeed. ATDC serves early-stage companies that are developing products and services based on proprietary technology. In evaluating applicants, they look for management with relevant industry experience who’re using strategies that’ll create a significant competitive advantage and high growth potential. Successful applicants also need a strong business concept that identifies markets, targets customers, and demonstrates a feasible business model. 

ATDC - Biosciences Center is an integral part of a new facility at the heart of Georgia Tech's growing research program in life sciences and environmental engineering. The 87,000-square-foot Ford Environmental Science & Technology Building, which opened in late 2002, houses facilities and programs in such areas as biomedical engineering, earth and atmospheric sciences, clean energy, the environment, sustainable technologies, chemical engineering and biological sciences. The incubator portion of the building, covering 22,000 square feet, includes wet labs, space for new ventures and offices for entrepreneurs. Its goal is to put top research faculty together with entrepreneurs to form new research-driven enterprises.

EmTech Biotechnology Development Corp. (Emtech Bio) offers laboratory space and equipment to start-up and early stage bioscience companies. The 7,000-square- foot facility is located on Emory University's Briarcliff campus. Emtech Bio promotes company interaction by providing common meeting areas and development of business skills by hosting lunch-time seminars featuring speakers with expertise in relevant business fields such as venture capital, public relations and intellectual property management. In addition to laboratory space and business support programs for its affiliated companies, Emtech Bio supports a competitive grant program for Emory and Georgia Tech faculty. This program funds research with realizable commercial potential.

Georgia Centers of Innovation connect innovative companies with state leaders, academic and business experts and government organizations to nurture ideas and forge new relationships. This joint collaboration provides unparalleled opportunities for creating innovative technology solutions to industry-led challenges.

Office of Secretary of State provides local chambers of commerce telephone numbers to help you locate current incubator initiatives at the community level.

Southeast Regional Technology Transfer Center (SERTTC) was established by the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) to facilitate partnerships that can connect industry's technology with NASA's technology solutions. SERTTC is operated by Georgia Tech.

Resources for Growing Companies provides access to national resources such as a growth capital guide, an executive level overview of the private capital raising process and 'best of'' links to other useful resources. Regional resources are also provided through a 'Connect Atlanta' resource that provides useful links to enterprise resources, angel investors, incubators, investment banks and venture capital firms.

AeA - Advancing the Business of Technology is the nation's largest high-tech trade association, representing nearly 3,000 companies with 1.8 million employees. AeA's primary purpose is to help its member companies make money and save money. 

The Edge Connection is a non-profit microenterprise SBA Business Center offering FREE legal, technical or marketing consults, primer/advanced courses for entrepreneurs and seminars (many for FREE), and incubator, to help launch, sustain, or grow your business. The Edge Connection target low-to-moderate-income individuals, women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities. We have business incubators. We are housed on the campus of Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business. As found under: Consultation/Education

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of the state's technology industry, and provides leadership in driving initiatives in the areas of policy, capital, education and giving. TAG also brings the technology community together through events, initiative programs and networking opportunities.
  

Women & Minorities

Below are organizations that can provide you with assistance in small and minority business development.

Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia is the governing body of Georgia's public colleges and universities. They ensure that small and minority business enterprises have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the purchasing process. The Board of Regents encourages both small and minority business enterprises to compete for and receive contracts for goods and services with the Board of Regents and with other contractors doing business with the Board of Regents. For more information, please contact the Office of Business Development at BusinessDevelopment@usg.edu

Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) is a corporate member-based organization to foster and expand economic opportunities between Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), corporations and government entities within Georgia.

Georgia Statewide Minority Business Development Center (GMBDC) works with all Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to improve access to capital, make a business more profitable, create jobs and make MBEs sustainable. Services include business assessment, access to capital and finance management, access to markets, strategic business consulting and business process improvement.

Georgia Women Entrepreneurs (GWEN) provides technical assistance, sharing and networking opportunities among Georgia women business owners.

The Greater Women's Business Council (GWBC) for women business owners intersted in promoting, developing and maintaining business relationships with major corporations, governmental agencies and other women business owners.

The Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) is a special initiative of the University of Georgia Business Outreach Services and Small Business Development Center. It was created to provide special attention to the needs of minority entrepreneurs by identifying procurement opportunities, locating sources of capital and supporting outreach efforts of minority business people around the state.

Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN) is a private, non-profit organization that connects entrepreneurs with a network of technical and funding assistance opportunities.

Hispanic American Center for Economic Development (HACED). Established by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, HACED provides assistance to advance the formation and growth of Hispanic businesses throughout Georgia.

National Association of Chinese-Americans (NACA) is dedicated to the advancement of cordial relationships between the United States and China. The Atlanta Chapter of NACA organizes and sponsors activities that bring together Chinese dignitaries, local Georgia government officials and community and business leaders. NACA's mission has been to work as a facilitator to promote cultural, educational, scientific and business relationships.

UIDA Consulting Group, Inc. is a subsidiary of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development solely dedicated to developing American Indian economic self-sufficiency through business ownership. For more information, email uida@uida.org 

Women's Economic Development Agency - Founded in 1992 as the Women's Entrepreneurial Center, a program of the Metropolitan Atlanta Coalition of 100 Black Women, WEDA became an independent 501(c)(3) corporation in 1996. WEDA has assisted more than 10,000 Atlanta-area residents through a variety of economic development programs. Although WEDA is a women-centric organization, it does not discriminate and serves an ethnically- and gender-diverse clientele. 

Women and Minority Funding Sources. The University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center's (SBDC) Minority Business Development Center provides a list of non-traditional funding sources that target women and minorities and offers character-based SBA loans to women, minorities, veterans, or anyone located a low income or HUB Zone. The loans are limited to $25,000 for multi use and high risk start-up ventures and industries.