Small Business Growth Opportunities in Georgia

Get Export Assistance

From the export-assistance page, you’ll learn about the International Trade Division, which provides small businesses with connections, customized export assistance and insights to grow their international business.

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Defense Contracting in Georgia

The Georgia Defense Exchange (GDX) is a platform designed to assist the state’s defense-contractor community. They provide access to a suite of tools including training resources, defense-spending data, networking events and a whole host of resources to foster business development, research and collaboration.

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Find Contract Manufacturers

Sometimes entrepreneurs or inventors need someone to build their prototype or manufacture their products. This list of Georgia Contract Manufacturers can provide assistance. Products and services include — but are not limited to — electronic equipment, laser cutting, welding, assembly of automotive machine parts, metal castings and more.

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Expand My Business

Find out how you can expand your business in Georgia using the free, comprehensive business-expansion services provided by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s regional project manager team. Project managers are available in all 12 regions of the state and will work with you one-on-one to provide resources and incentives that align with your strategic goals.

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GROWSMART

GROWSMART  is a dynamic business-growth program run by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Whether you’ve been in business for years or you’re just getting started, you’ll receive a step-by-step evaluation of your company and its market and an array of tools to help your business achieve short- and long-term goals.

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Get A Business License/Professional Business License

Business licenses and sole proprietorships are obtained locally from your city hall or county courthouse. For professional licensing, go to the Secretary of State's website. Note that there are different pages for those registering for a personal license, business or facility license, or charity license.

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Relocate My Business

There are any number of reasons why you may need to relocate a business — a changing market, strict new regulations or burdensome taxes, to name a few. Learn more about the benefits of doing business in Georgia.

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Find A Supplier

Looking for a business in Georgia to help improve your bottom line? The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) wants to help foster Georgia’s business-to-business opportunities by helping companies seek a competitive edge and lower costs through the potential use of local suppliers.

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Get Certified

There are a handful of designations that GA small businesses may qualify for, but there are no required certifications in Georgia.

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Get Small Business Certified

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 that do business in Georgia also must file with the Corporations Division.

Additional Resources

Corporations Division of the Office of the Secretary of State

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.

Additional Resources

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?
How do I get started in a business?

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

Additional Resources

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

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