Welcome to Georgia "Entrepreneur Friendly" Communities

Fayette County: or www.fayettechamber.org
1) Developed “How To” ESB Resource Guide
2) Capture more metrics from ribbon cuttings making a mini survey of key growth and impact information a pseudo ‘requirement’ to conduct ribbon cuttings

Floyd County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Forsyth County: http://www.cummingforsythchamber.org or
1) Small Business Services Center, volunteer group within the chamber, oversees the entrepreneur and small business support programs and initiatives.
2) Liaison program engaging representative from civic and business organizations who will share SBSC highlights at each meeting
3) Survey Monkey for constant input and connection
4) Customized training classes per “EF” survey results

Franklin County: www.franklin-county.com
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Gilmer County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Glynn County: www.brunswickgeorgia.net/dda or
1) "Enterprise Glynn", housed within the Downtown Development Authority, oversees entrepreneur and small business programs and initiatives
2) "Jump Start" – in partnership with the Glynn County Development Authority, provides critical start-up resources to new businesses opening in downtown Brunswick. ‘Jump Start’ is a direct result of the “EF” survey data that showed that start up capital is one of the biggest hurdles that small businesses face.

Gordon County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Gwinnett County: www.gwinnettchamber.org and phone 770-232-3000
1) Revised former Small Business Academy into Entrepreneurial Development Certificate Program with UGA. Added a Fall course to complement sold-out Spring course.
2) Launched "Partnership Gwinnett: A Shared Vision for the Future" at www.partnershipgwinnett.com ; the foundation of a long-term strategic community and economic development program with focus areas on nurturing entrepreneurship.
3) Implemented two new Executive Roundtable programs to include a focus on marketing managers in small to mid size firms.

Habersham County: or
http://www.habershamchamber.com
1) Leads Networking Clubs
2) Monday Morning Chamber e-mail newsletter
3) Semi-monthly e-mail ads
4) Free web site listing & membership labels
5) Women in Business Breakfasts/Seminars
6) Kids in Business in school
7) Lifestyles & Business Expo
8) Small Business Resource Fair & small business seminars
9) Guide to Starting & Growing a Business in Habersham County – Revamping website to provide easier access and tracking (EFIF Award Recipient)
10) Small business consulting services
11) Small business referrals; tourism referrals

Hall County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Haralson County: or www.Haralson.org
1) Professional Round Table Program
2) Team Haralson Community and Business Expo
3) Ongoing Business Seminars
4) New Business Center on website with “New Business Guide”

Harris County: www.harriscountychamber.org
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide
2) Follow up with surveyed and growth companies
3) Develop a two-page resource handout; promote and build greater relationships among governments, leadership in all municipalities
4) Chamber to host and promote monthly meetings on what SBDC offers

Hart County: www.hartcountyga.org/entrepcomm.htm or
1) Planning town hall meeting for elected officials and business owners to discuss issues and change "big business" way of thinking to recognize the entrepreneur and small business community as critical to the local economy

Heard County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Henry County: www.henrycounty.com or
1) Plans are to provide the business environment with all the resources they need to grow successful businesses

Houston County: or 478.987.1234
1) Building Hands-On Entrepreneur Resource Center (EFIF Award Recipient)
2) Chamber contracts with members to provide business service support for one year
3) Hosting Business Expo
4) Lunch and Learn with SBDC
5) Software for retail recruitment

Irwin County: 229-468-9114
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Jasper County: www.monticelloga.org
1) Develop community marketing plan
2) Small business workshops with focus on marketing
3) Market Fest includes youth entrepreneurs
4) Family Connections has E Camp for At Risk youth

Jefferson County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Jenkins County: or
1) Buy local campaign
2) Guide to Starting and Growing a Business
3) Entrepreneur Resource Center at the Chamber

Jones County: www.jonescounty.org
1) Small business workshops
2) ESB resource guide soon to be on website

Laurens County: Katy Edwards at or www.dublin-georgia.com
1) Chamber provides mini web page development for business members
2) Lunch ‘n Learns; 1-2 speakers per meeting
3) County Extension hosting Agri-Tourism seminar for land owners and farmers to discuss potential economic impact and possibilities. Future plans include developing a marketing plan to promote local food products, site visits and “Made in Laurens” program.

Lee County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Liberty County: or www.libertycounty.org
1) Develop work ethics program in high school
2) Present entrepreneur opportunities to military base retirees, transitionals and family members
3) Develop customer service program with city
4) Small business workshops

Lincoln County: www.lincolncountyga.org or
1) Developed ESB “How To” Guide and will place on website
2) Provide an ESB resource area at the chamber
3) Follow up with surveyed and growing companies
4) ESB Resource Fair to become annual event

Lowndes County: www.valdostachamber.com or (229) 247-8100
1) For an aggressive approach for retail recruitment: RLTrac.com – area realtors
pull up retailers interested in coming to your area
2) Business plan contest: winner commits to hiring local college or tech
graduates; produced a CD of project to replicate (Download contest sample packet - right click on link and select "Save Target As")
3) S.E.E.D.S. (Sowing Entrepreneur & Economic Development Successes)
Center
4) Economic Gardening: regional approach including GIS (EFIF Award Recipient)
5) Regional Governor's Mentor Protege Program called Corporate Coaches; tailored to regional size/resources with 'mentoring' from state ESB Office/GMPP
6) Second annual business plan contest; first prize is $10K with over $40,000 of in-kind services and advertising, and a $5K second prize has been added; also new this year is to have Lowndes' Coaches to help guide the contestants. In 2008, the contest grand prize will $15K and include $50,000 of internal services.
7) Has initiated three outstanding radio ads targeted to small businesses and marketing the SEEDS Center. The SEEDS Center serves the regional area, so the ads are benefitting several counties.
8) Host annual Entrepreneur Extravaganza, a tradeshow and resource fair for potential and existing entrepreneurs.

Lumpkin County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Macon County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Madison County: or www.madisoncountyga.org
1) Web-based business start-up kit
2) Entrepreneur mentor program
3) Customized business training classes
4) Chamber's Youth Leadership program includes 30% At Risk Youth and will include an entrepreneurship component

McDuffie County: or www.thomson-mcduffie.net
1) Developed metrics to track impact on job and new business creation, expansions and investment
2) Customized training with focus on marketing
3) Continue contact with surveyed companies and growing companies
4) Place “How to” guide on website and develop a two-page resource guide for handouts and at business licensing offices
5) YOOTS: Youth Overcoming Obstacles to Success – targeting at risk youth to inspire and motivate with encouragement and positive energy

Meriwether County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Miller County:
1) Arts incubator – coined “artrepreneur,” funded by HUD - rent free RLF
2) Professional services support directory
3) Assessment on what businesses are needed in community (EFIF Award Recipient)
4) Small business forums and award program
5) Study/plan to look at community's dependence on agriculture
6) Planning 'C' grade level summer youth camp; tuition assist

Mitchell County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Morgan County: or www.madisonga.org
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide
2) Quarterly “12 at 12” sessions with surveyed companies
3) Continue surveys annually with brief version of EF survey
4) Develop tracking system
5) Create Small Business Academy focusing on survey needs
6) Create ESB Resource Center at library; no room at chamber

Newton County: www.newtonchamber.com or
1) Lunch and Learn provides education
2) Lunch and Link provides networking opportunities
3) Coffee Call is held at a business
4) Newton A.M. is a breakfast networking and educational opportunity
5) Strengthening ESB infrastructure: partnering with city and county government to provide online government services, each linking to the other for seamless entry

Muscogee County: www.columbusgachamber.com or or
1) Resource Guide
2) Outreach to educational institutions
3) Chamber has had small business programs in place for many years; Entrepreneur Committee identified more areas in which to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses

Oconee County: www.occoc.org
1.) Developed an ESB "How To" Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide.

Oglethorpe County: or www.oglethorpecofc.org
1) Implemented web-based guide on starting and growing a business
2) Expanded Work Ready Certification to include entrepreneurial curriculum in high school
3) Improvements to County’s Employment Center infrastructure
4) Branding and regional partnerships now include tourism and hospitality industry businesses
5) Agri-Business Expo in partnership with chamber, Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Bureau, school system

Paulding County: or www.pauldingcountygeorgia.com
1) Business park development
2) First Thursday Forum
3) Paulding Career Women
4) Leads Group Monthly Meeting
5) President's Quarterly Luncheons
6) “How To” Guide
7) Customized training workshops
8) Improve metrics and tracking methods

Pickens County:
1) Quarterly small business workshops
2) Experts panel / workshop focusing on top four issues identified in surveys
3) Steering Committee and PR/Marketing Committee through which ESB activity is to be funneled and promoted to generate community awareness of ESB resources and activity
4) Professional Businesses Expo to tout local resources and provide mentoring

Polk County: or www.polk.ofgeorgia.org
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide
2) “Wednesday’s Wisdom” – a small business tips forum; replaces Business After Hours
3) Develop tracking system and metrics, follow up for ribbon cuttings
4) Provide more web-based support by cross linking and frequent promotion of website, resources, successes
5) Chamber and banks to become ‘front door’ to ESB assistance
6) Promote library’s ESB resource center
7) Entrepreneurship component to be included in Leadership Programs

Pulaski County: http://hawkinsvillechamber.org or
1) Plans are to make access to resources and services simpler than ever

Putnam County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Rabun County: www.gamountains.com
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Richmond County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Rockdale County: www.conyers-rockdale.com or 770-483-7049 or
1) O.P.E.N. for Business ... Opportunities for Promoting Entrepreneurship & Networking is designed for the small business entrepreneur. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, O.P.E.N. has something for you. Experienced business people who have "been there, tried that" share their experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and be better prepared to position your business for growth and prosperity

Schley County: www.ellavillega.com/chamber_of_commerce/index.htm or

1) “EF” process gave us the opportunity to focus the right kind of attention on supporting our local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Plans are to provide resources more efficiently and create awareness of those resource

Screven County:
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

Spalding County: or www.griffinchamber.com
1) Renaissance Griffin: to restore and fill downtown – buildings for lease, requires business management courses prior to opening; out of county cars get ticketed with a ‘thank your for shopping here’ and discount card for Renaissance merchants; branding; signage
2) Stronger focus on resource awareness via targeted business segment focus groups; website, PR, partner website links
3) Annual Power Partners Entrepreneur Expo (EFIF Award Recipient)
4) Mentor Program
5) Start Up Guide
6) Achieving Maximum Marketing in partnership with SBDC (EFIF Award Recipient))
7) Regional ESB resource website (EFIF Award Recipient)
8) Conducting an Alternative Agriculture Business Plan Basics class in partnership with University of GA Griffin campus

Stephens County: or www.toccoagachamber.com
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide with broader distribution
2) Chamber to become ‘one stop’ for ESBs
3) Build ESB Committee within chamber
4) Host annual Resource Fair
5) Develop tracking system and metrics, follow up for ribbon cuttings
6) Become familiar and build relationships with alternate financing resource providers

Sumter County: or
1) Resource Guide both hard copy and web accessed
2) Resource awareness at local level – marketing the resources
3) Semi-annual retreats for better focus on strategy development and continue to flesh out “EF” survey needs, assess progress and measure outcomes
4) Mentor program
5) Uniform Business Resource Guide to include all municipalities (EFIF Award Recipient)
6) Youth Entrepreneur and Leadership Training Program (EFIF Award Recipient)
7) Host “Achieving Maximum Marketing” course, a comprehensive understanding of marketing and market plan development, in partnership with SBDC (EFIF Award Recipient)

Tift County: www.tiftonchamber.org
1) “How To Start a Business” Guide in elementary, middle and high school libraries
2) “Blue Devil Block” is a high school mentoring and job shadowing program where the mentor stays with the student throughout high school; community will also use this venue to include work ethics and Eship components
3) Partnering with Dept. of Labor Employer Committee and Chamber, “Choices” video is actively utilized to teach ethics to 8th graders
4) Conducting Customer Service training program for the City of Tifton

Toombs, Tattnal & Montgomery Counties (TRI-CREST): www.toombschamber.com or 912-537-4466 or
1) Full time facilitator represents three rural counties in partnership with
local chambers and development authorities. Facilitator housed in and supported by Southeastern Technical College
2) “How to start a business” packet – prior to handing out or downloading, person must complete a contact information sheet; Tri-Crest will track activity and make follow up calls/visits
3) Participate in local Ag Business Committee to identify ag business opportunities
4) Conducting three “Achieving Maximum Marketing” courses, a comprehensive understanding of marketing and marketing plan development for small businesses (EFIF Award Recipient)
5) Developing existing business strategies
6) Entrepreneurship development services provided specifically for ag, agribusiness, and ag tourism enterprises
7) Building three ESB resource centers in each county and an ESB website to serve three counties (EFIF Award Recipient)

Troup County: www.lagrangechamber.com or or 706/884-8671
1) "How to Start a Business" booklet is available on line, at the Chamber and each Business License Department in Troup County.
2) Active SCORE chapter

Turner County: www.turnerchamber.com or
1) Moultrie Technical College developed an Entrepreneur program for youth (76 in dual enrollment)
2) “Game of Real Life for 10th graders
3) Started a community foundation for small business development
4) Two-week middle school bootcamp with a focus on ESB
5) "Adopt a Building" program - Kiwanis and Rotary to renovate; to date, seven buildings have been renovated; significant cost savings
6) Turner County youth entrepreneur featured in the local media - 8/25 article and 9/24 article

Upson County: www.thomastonchamber.com or call Joan Michael at (706) 646-6246
1) Hosted Resource Day; mentors available to talk one-on-one; hosted various business workshops
2) Staffed Small Business Resource Center (EMBARC) at Flint River Technical College; provides workspace and temporary office space for start ups (EFIF Award Recipient)
3) Lunch and Learn; free quarterly workshops for those who received a start-up packet
4) YES (Youth Entrepreneur Spirit) Program: 1-year program working with high school and local newspaper giving students hands-on training in all facets of running a small business. Students will sell, develop and design advertisements for local businesses to be printed in the local newspaper; anticipate ads will cover costs and provide funds for other projects.
5) Entrepreneurial Incentive Program - private donor will reimburse up to $300 toward utility costs for start ups
6) Innovative marketing/resource awareness such as signs in empty downtown storefronts, on roads, buildings, special events information in utility bills
7) Publisher of local paper donating space to EMBARC who sponsors weekly business page.

Walton County: or www.waltonchamber.org
1) Lunch and Learn
2) Speed Networking
3) Monthly Coffee Connections rotated among all municipalities
4) Annual Business Expo
5) Small Business of the Year Award
6) Sustainable Small Business Resource Center; business courses; technical assistance (EFIF Grant Recipient)

Ware County: or
1) Working with Okefenokee Technical College (OTC) to reestablish its entrepreneur program
2) Investigate the potential of opening a small business Development Center in Waycross
3) Aggressively promote the City of Waycross Revolving Loan Fund
4) Promote resources from the US Department of Agriculture
5) Request City and County to designate a small business coordinator to walk small business owner through the multiple local regulations

Warren County: www.warrencountychamber.org/chamber/chamber_links.asp
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide

White County: or www.whitecountychamber.org
1) Quality partnership between White County Economic Development, White County Chamber of Commerce and private sector that emphasizes the enhancement of small business start-up and expansion
2) Small business training for start-ups, business planning, mentoring, continuing education and community data collection
3) Promote local government bidding process and discounts
4) LEADS program, annual business expo
5) Identify and remove small business growth obstacles
6) Improve metrics and tracking methods
7) Hospitality Expo and marketing opportunities in partnership with Development Authority, CVB, N GA Tech
8) Entrepreneur Round Table sessions in partnership with N GA Tech

Whitfield County: www.DaltonGrows.Biz
1) Provides ‘Tips on Starting an Online Business’
2) Produces separate “How To” guide for international business owners
3) ‘Street map’ of small business resources in process
4) “Entrepreneurs Anonymous” Program in process
5) Small business mentoring program in development
6) Developing plans for Eship education and/or certificate program in high school and college
7) Simplifying permitting and other start-up processes in plans
8) Long term: Entrepreneurs in Residence Program

Wilkes County: www.washingtonwilkes.org
1) Developed “How To” Start and Grow a Business and ESB Resource Guide
2) County Extension agent is coordinating rural/agricultural entrepreneur efforts

Wilkinson County: www.wilkinsoncounty.net or
1) “EF” process showed us how we can better support our entrepreneurs and small
businesses.
2) Plans are to become more involved in the educational system, develop a ‘buy local’ program and establish customized training courses as identified by the “EF” survey.

Worth County:
1) “Guide to Starting a Business in Worth County”
2) “One-Stop-Shop” at Chamber
3) “Entrepreneur Centers” at locations where Business Licenses & Permits are obtained
4) “Small Business Development Partnership”
5) Partner with Tift, Turner, Worth, & Cook Joint Development Authority to host regional SBDC classes
6) Invited small businesses to Development Authority’s Worth 2017 meetings to give them awareness of what the Development Authority does and allow input in future decision making for Worth County.