Macon County is states newest designated Entrepreneur Friendly community
ATLANTA, March 31, 2008 – Central Georgia's Macon County is one of the state's newest 'Entrepreneur Friendly' communities. The designation indicates the community has worked to develop an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety-three percent of Macon County's 394 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
'Small businesses and entrepreneurs create the kind of economic activity that is integral to ensuring prosperity and opportunity throughout Georgia,' said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. 'By encouraging and supporting these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for our communities and the state as a whole.'
Macon County is the 90th community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Previously designated Middle Georgia counties include Schley, Sumter, Houston, Crisp and Pulaski. Nearby counties in the process of designation include Dooly, Peach and Wilcox.
To earn the designation, Macon County completed the Entrepreneur Friendly program with the assistance of GDEcD's regional representative Candice Scott. The county analyzed its entrepreneurial and small business environment and developed strategies to help foster the growth of this critical business segment. Macon County also underwent a full-day assessment by a review team composed of GDEcD staff from the Small Business & Innovation team, International Trade and Existing Industry & Recruitment.
Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Macon County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help give them a competitive edge.
The county is also eligible for an Entrepreneur-Friendly Implementation Fund (EFIF) grant to help it implement specific, long-term programs that support their entrepreneurs and small businesses. The grant must be matched 50 percent in dollars or in-kind value by the community.
'We are indeed proud to be recognized as a business-friendly county. We have worked hard to create a business friendly atmosphere. Businesses provide jobs and services that enhance the quality of life for our citizens,' said Jimmy Davis, executive director, Macon County Chamber of Commerce/Development Authority. 'We want to thank our staff, volunteers and especially our friends at the State for working as partners to make this happen.'
'Small businesses are the backbone of Georgia communities. By helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, 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 applaud Macon County for incorporating small businesses into its strategic plan for growth.'
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.