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How to Start a Small Business in Georgia

 

If you’ve been wondering how to start a small business in Georgia, you’re in the right place. From getting your Georgia business license, to learning about labor laws and permits, to figuring out the best tax structure for your new enterprise -- Georgia directs you to the right resource for help.

Start-Up Basics

This startup guide will help you answer questions and ensure you’re on the right track to business success.

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Technical Assistance and Consulting

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Georgia offers technical assistance and one-on-one consulting for small-business owners and entrepreneurs.

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Registration

To incorporate your business, you will need to register with the Georgia Corporations Division.

To get your small business off the ground, you will need to register with the Georgia Department of Revenue.

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Federal Tax I.D. Information

A Federal Tax I.D., also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is used by the IRS to identify a business. Follow the steps on the page below to determine your eligibility for an EIN, learn how to fill out the application, and receive your EIN confirmation notice.

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Georgia Specific Business Info

Decide the right legal structure for your small business and determine if your business needs a license and what kind. You should also get familiar with Georgia’s tax requirements, labor laws, and permits within this guide. If you have any questions about labor laws, reach out to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL).

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Get Small Business Certified

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Certification

The Cybersecurity EDGE

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Women

We are proud to rank No. 5 in the U.S. for the greatest number of female-owned firms. Explore the resources and opportunities we have specifically for our women entrepreneurs.

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Minorities

Get certified as a Minority Business Enterprise, and you’ll open the door to all kinds of new opportunities, resources and services. We’ll direct you to the right partners to begin the process.

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Youth

Are you an entrepreneur under the age of 18? Georgia has special resources and opportunities available to help you start, grow and expand your business in the state and beyond.

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Veterans

Our veterans are an integral part of Georgia’s businesses and communities. Explore the numerous resources and services available to our men and women in uniform.

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Quick Links

Small Business FAQs
Women-owned Small Businesses
Minority-owned Small Businesses
Youth-oriented Resources
Small Business QuickFacts
View All Quick Links

Resources

International? Start a Small Business in Georgia
Learn about Federal Tax IDs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I incorporate my business?

Corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships in Georgia are formed by filing with the Corporations Division of the Secretary of State. Some foreign (out-of-state) entities which do business in Georgia also must file with the Corporations Division.

http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/corporations

How do I get a small business loan?

While there aren’t typically any state grants available for small business startups, there are many lending opportunities including your local banks. Below is Georgia’s list of traditional and alternative funding as well as federal loans and grants.

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Micro Loans/CDFI
City of Atlanta Loan Programs
Green Loans
Innovative Entrepreneurs
Rural Business Loans
Federal Grants & Loans
Foundations in Georgia
Commercial Cash Flow Management

How do I get a small business grant?

The U.S. government offers several financial aid opportunities for small business owners.

Early Stage Innovation Fund
Georgia’s Regional Commissions

How do I get started in a business?

Get an overview of starting your own business from the Start-Up Basics pdf (listed below) from the Small Business Development Center program at the University of Georgia.

Try these additional resources:

Start-up Basics
Start My Business
Georgia Small Business Development Center

How do I get a business license in Georgia?

Every business needs an operating license, which is obtained from the county or city in which the business resides. Please contact your local business licensing office which is generally housed within city hall. Does my business need a professional license? Licensing is an issue where other state and federal agencies come into play – for instance, day-care centers, USDA for certain food issues, etc. It will depend on the specific business.

Try these additional resources:
Office of the Secretary of State
Start My Small Business

How and why do I develop a business plan?

The business plan provides focus and direction, sets goals, anticipates actions, keeps score, and helps to sustain the business’s profitability and competitiveness in the  marketplace. The Georgia Small Business Development Center offers a StartSmart program that helps you learn to plan and analyze your vision by creating a researched and tested business plan.

Try these additional resources:
Georgia Small Business Development Center
Take a Self-Assessment

How do I start a franchise?

FranNet provides resources for everything franchise and can help expand your business through franchising, one of the most profitable business models in the world.

Try these additional resources:
FranNet
Grow My Small Business

How do I choose a legal business structure?

The State Bar of Georgia offers an overview of which legal entity is right for your business, but we recommend that you consult a lawyer and/or tax professional in making the decision. Once you've decided, the staff of the Corporations Division of the Secretary of State can assist with the process of formation.

Try these additional resources:
Which Legal Entity Is Right for Your Business?
Corporations Division of the Secretary of State

How do I know I have what it takes to own a small business?

The Georgia Small Business Development Center offers a 50-minute webinar that outlines what you need to know to get started in setting up a successful small business.

Try these additional resources:
Watch the webinar video
 

Where can I go to learn about Georgia small business rules and regulations?

The Office of the Secretary of State now provides an electronic version of the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia.

Try these additional resources:
Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia

How can I learn more about insurance for small businesses?

The Georgia Small Business Development Center offers a Guide to Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses that explains important facts about health insurance, the basics, alternatives to traditional insurance, and federal and state health insurance regulations.

Try these additional resources:
Guide to Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses

How can I set up a strategic planning session for my community?

Strategic planning is facilitated to help create long-term, sustainable small business development programs, and professional development and staying abreast of trends, topical news and B2B opportunities are continuous services provided for the “EF” practitioners.

Try these additional resources:
Key Steps to Becoming "Entrepreneur Friendly"

How can I market my business to state government?

The Georgia Procurement Registry offers a list of Agency Procurement Officers (APOs). You may also contact the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) Vendor Relations Administrator at 404-657-6000.

Try these additional resources:
List of Agency Procurement Officers (APOs) 

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