Georgia's Small Business Resources

This video illustrates how the Georgia Department of Economic Development can help a small business  learn about business licenses, labor laws, taxes and other details for starting a business. Ready to expand? Discover information about tax breaks, academic research and export assistance.

With 99% of Georgia companies employing under 500, and approximately 95% employing under 100, small businesses reflect Georgia's entrepreneurial spirit and fuel job growth, as well as personal pride.

On top of being ranked "America's Top State for Business" by CNBC, and "No. 1  Business Climate in the Nation" by Site Selection, Georgia ranks #2 for states experiencing the largest increases in entrepreneurial activity rates over the past decade.

Here are a few impressive statistics:

• Last year, the department's director of small business, Mary Ellen McClanahan, directly assisted 1,300 companies and advised 150 communities and organizations.
• The Centers of Innovation connected and assisted nearly 4,000 Georgia companies during 2014, up 30 percent from the previous fiscal year.
• And the International Trade division received the Presidential 'E Star' Award, the nation's highest honor for excellence in providing export programs and services. More than 14,500 Georgia companies exported $37.6 billion in goods and services to 230 countries and territories in 2013.

These are just a few of the many reasons why Georgia is consistently ranked as the top state for business.

Visit Georgia.org/SmallBusiness to learn more.