Chattooga County is States Newest Designated 'Entrepreneur Friendly' Community
ATLANTA, July 31, 2008 – Northwest Georgia's Chattooga County is now one of the state's newest 'Entrepreneur Friendly' communities. The designation means the community has developed an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety-two percent of Chattooga County's 646 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. 'The economic activity created by small businesses and entrepreneurs brings prosperity and opportunity to every part of Georgia,' said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. 'By championing these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for communities throughout the state.' Chattooga County is the 121st community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Previously designated Northwest Georgia counties include Walker, Gordon and Floyd. Dade County received its designation earlier this month. With the designation of Chattooga County, the entire Northwest region of Georgia is now 'Entrepreneur Friendly.' To earn its designation, Chattooga 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 its growth. Chattooga County also underwent a full-day assessment by a review team composed of GDEcD staff and representatives from the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Labor and Southeast Industrial Development Association. Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Chattooga County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help them become more competitive. The county is also eligible for an Entrepreneur-Friendly Implementation Fund (EFIF) grant to help it implement programs that support their entrepreneurs and small businesses and have a regional impact. The grant must be matched 50 percent in dollars or in-kind value by the community. "We hope this new initiative will make it easier for small start up businesses to locate in our city and county.,' said Summerville City Manager Grady McCalmon. 'We are grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for their efforts in making it happen." 'Small businesses are the linchpin in all of Georgia's communities. By supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, 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 congratulate Chattooga County for making small businesses part of its strategic plan for growth.' The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm. The agency attracts new business, encourages the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locates new markets for Georgia products. It also markets Georgia to tourists and promotes the state as a location for film, music and digital entertainment projects. For more information, visit www.Georgia.org.