Information and Facts for Georgia’s Small Businesses

 

Georgia defines a small business as one which is independently owned and operated and has either fewer than 300 employees or less than $30 million in gross receipts per year. Here are a handful of links to resources for small businesses of any size to learn more about being a small business in the state of Georgia.

Small Business Helpful Links

There are hundreds of organizations working to provide crucial information, education, and funding to entrepreneurs. These links provide many resources for small-business owners ranging from economic development to nonprofit assistance and education.

Learn More

 

Business Research 

The Center of Innovation is the strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which provides an array of services for businesses of all sizes. In a globally competitive environment, the companies that continue to adapt, change and innovate are the companies that will be marketplace leaders. No matter what phase of your growth, you can find the resources you need here, like incubators and research connections to technology services.

LEARN More

Get Small Business Certified

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The Cybersecurity EDGE

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Women

We are proud to rank No. 5 in the U.S. for the greatest number of female-owned firms. Explore the resources and opportunities we have specifically for our women entrepreneurs.

Minorities

Get certified as a Minority Business Enterprise, and you’ll open the door to all kinds of new opportunities, resources and services. We’ll direct you to the right partners to begin the process.

Youth

Are you an entrepreneur under the age of 18? Georgia has special resources and opportunities available to help you start, grow and expand your business in the state and beyond.

Veterans

Our veterans are an integral part of Georgia’s businesses and communities. Explore the numerous resources and services available to our men and women in uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started in a business?

Get an overview of starting your own business from the Start-Up Basics pdf (listed below) from the Small Business Development Center program at the University of Georgia.

Try these additional resources:
Start-up Basics
Start My Business
Georgia Small Business Development Center

How can I find a business mentor?

As a Georgia entrepreneur, there are many resources for mentoring and education programs that can help you and your small business. Get a list of options we recommend from the link below.

Try these additional resources:
Mentoring and Education
Connect with women business owners
Connect with minority business owners
Learn about youth-oriented programs

How do I know I have what it takes to own a small business?

The Georgia Small Business Development Center offers a 50-minute webinar that outlines what you need to know to get started in setting up a successful small business.

Try these additional resources:
Watch the webinar video

Where can I go to learn about Georgia small business rules and regulations?

The Office of the Secretary of State now provides an electronic version of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.

Try these additional resources:
Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia

What types of special programs are available for youth entrepreneurs?

School programs or certification courses at Georgia’s technical colleges offer youth entrepreneurship and mentoring programs. You may also check your local chamber of commerce to learn of youth programs within your own community

Try these additional resources:
Youth-oriented resources

How do we create an entrepreneurial culture?

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) provides a community-based program that helps create an entrepreneur environment, building entrepreneur and small business strategy into the community’s overall economic development strategies. These best practices offer more insight into Georgia’s communities’ efforts. 

Try these additional resources:
Community Initiatives Best Practices

How can I set up a strategic planning session for my community?

Strategic planning is facilitated to help create long-term, sustainable small business development programs, and professional development and staying abreast of trends, topical news and B2B opportunities are continuous services provided for the “EF” practitioners.

Try these additional resources:
Key Steps to Becoming "Entrepreneur Friendly"

Do you offer a seminar or class which informs the public on how to conduct business with state government?

New Vendor Orientation from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services features information on how to register, certify and market your business to state government. These seminars are held at 200 Piedmont Avenue, Suite 1816 in the West Tower and are held monthly.

Try these additional resources:
Georgia Department of Administrative Services