Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

In February, 2004, the Georgia Entrepreneur & Small Business Coordinating Network was created by Executive Order by Governor Sonny Perdue in order for all state and federal resource providers to work cooperatively to enhance and improve knowledge and access to entrepreneur and small business resources.

At the same time, the Georgia Department of Economic Development expanded its mission to include entrepreneur and small business development as a critical piece to its statewide economic development strategy. To guide these efforts, the department created the Small Business & Innovation Division, under which are key initiatives and programs:

Governor’s Entrepreneur & Small Business Office:

• Georgia Entrepreneur & Small Business Coordinating Network
• Governor’s Mentor Protégé Program
• “Entrepreneur Friendly” Phase II – strategic planning facilitation
• Entrepreneur & Small Business Resource Website
• Small Business Regulatory Reform Initiative
• Minority Partners Outreach - resource awareness and networking

Regional Entrepreneur and Small Business Program: 

• “Entrepreneur Friendly” Initiative
• Small Business Call Program 

Innovation & Technology Office:

• Centers of Innovation

For more information, contact:

Greg Torre
Director, Small Business & Innovation Division 
 
404.962.4173

Mary Ellen McClanahan
Director, Governor's Entrepreneur & Small Business Office

404.962.4820

Dara Barwick
Director, Entrepreneur & Small Business Regional Program

229.735.5343