Contact GDEcD

For help with small business resources, contact Mary Ellen McClanahan, Director, Entrepreneur & Small Business Development at 404-962-4820, or email memcclanahan@georgia.org.

Small Business Defined

Georgia defines a small business as one which is independently owned and operated and must have either fewer than 300 employees or less than $30 million in gross receipts per year. Also, the Governor's Office of Workforce Development (GOWD) was created to improve the job training and marketability of Georgia's workforce and drive future economic growth for the state. These programs are built to assist small, medium and large companies throughout Georgia. Visit Georgia Work Ready to learn more ▶

Entrepreneur Friendly Communities

For communities wanting to create and sustain entrepreneurial activity locally, the “Entrepreneur Friendly” Initiative helps them incorporate small businesses into their long-term development strategies. Learn more about Entrepreneur Friendly Communities ▶

Fortune Favors the Peach

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Start a Small Business 

Starting a small business in Georgia is easy with the right resources. There are some questions to answer before you get started, like what kind of a business license do you need, do you need to register your business with the state, what tax structure is best for your small business, and other questions. Also, you should learn about labor laws and where you go to obtain the proper permits for your type of business.

GET STARTED