Bleckley County is States Newest Designated 'Entrepreneur Friendly' Community
ATLANTA, August 4, 2008 – Central Georgia's Bleckley County is now one of the state's newest 'Entrepreneur Friendly' communities. The designation means the community has developed an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety-three percent of Bleckley County's 344 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. 'The economic activity created by small businesses and entrepreneurs brings prosperity and opportunity to every part of Georgia,' said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. 'By championing these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for communities throughout the state.' Bleckley County is the 122nd community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Previously designated Central Georgia counties include Houston, Pulaski and Macon. Nearby Dooly County will be designated later this week. Peach County received its designation last month. To earn its designation, Bleckley County completed the Entrepreneur Friendly program with the assistance of GDEcD's regional representative Candice Scott. The county analyzed its entrepreneurial and small business environment and developed strategies to help foster its growth. Bleckley County also underwent a full-day assessment by a review team composed of GDEcD staff and representatives from the Fort Valley University Rural Development Center and Small Business Development Center. Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Bleckley County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help them become more competitive. The county is also eligible for an Entrepreneur-Friendly Implementation Fund (EFIF) grant to help it implement programs that support their entrepreneurs and small businesses and have a regional impact. The grant must be matched 50 percent in dollars or in-kind value by the community. 'This program truly enhances relationships with state and federal resource providers for our local businesses and educates the community about the benefits of supporting local businesses,' said Bleckley County Commissioner Mike Polsky. 'Through this initiative our existing businesses are embraced and potential businesses are encouraged.' 'Small businesses are the linchpin in all of Georgia's communities. By supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, we help Georgia grow,' said Heidi Green, chairman of the Georgia Entrepreneur and Small Business Coordinating Network and GDEcD's deputy commissioner for Global Commerce. 'We congratulate Bleckley County for making small businesses part of its strategic plan for growth.' The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm. The agency attracts new business, encourages the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locates new markets for Georgia products. It also markets Georgia to tourists and promotes the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects. For more information, visit www.Georgia.org.