State of Georgia designates Catoosa County 'Entrepreneur Friendly'

ATLANTA, April 25, 2008 – Northwest Georgia's Catoosa County is one of the state's newest 'Entrepreneur Friendly' communities. The designation indicates the community has worked to develop an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety percent of Catoosa County's 1,615 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. 'Small businesses and entrepreneurs create the kind of economic activity that is integral to ensuring prosperity and opportunity throughout Georgia,' said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. 'By encouraging and supporting these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for our communities and the state as a whole.' Catoosa County is the 99th community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Previously designated Northwest Georgia counties include Whitfield, Gordon and Floyd. Nearby counties in the process of designation include Walker, Dade and Chatooga. Gilmer County received its designation earlier this month. To earn the designation, Catoosa County completed the Entrepreneur Friendly program with the assistance of GDEcD's regional representative Dawn Townsend. The county analyzed its entrepreneurial and small business environment and developed strategies to help foster the growth of this critical business segment. Catoosa County also underwent a full-day assessment by a review team composed of GDEcD staff and representatives from the Department of Community Affairs, Southeast Women's Business Center, Small Business Development Center, Mainstreet Program and Georgia Tech. Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Catoosa County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help give them a competitive edge. "I am grateful to the Catoosa Chamber of Commerce for leading the way to obtain the Entrepreneur Friendly designation and for their continued support and dedication to the business community of Catoosa County,' said Chairman William H.H. Clark of the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners. 'Small businesses are the backbone of Georgia communities. By helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, 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 applaud Catoosa County for incorporating small businesses into its strategic plan for growth.' The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.