Georgia Small Business Guide

Green Business Resources in Georgia

Learn how to lower energy costs and protect the environment.

• Energy Management Program
• Financial Incentives for Renewables and Energy Efficiency
• Rules and Laws
• Green City: Atlanta

Starting a Business

If you are thinking of starting a small business, or already own a small business, several free counseling and training programs are available to help you get started and expand your operations. Services cover all aspects of starting and running a business, from getting loans and financing for starting or expanding to developing business plans and marketing strategies.

• Georgia Small Business Development Centers
  Provides free start-up advice, training and counseling services to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Georgia District Office
  Offers business development counseling and training programs and information on SBA loan programs.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives Association) is a nonprofit organization and SBA resource partner dedicated to helping small business growth through free mentoring and business counseling and low-cost workshops. Contact your local SCORE for small business development programs in your area:

• Atlanta - Atlanta SCORE
• Augusta - Augusta SCORE
• Columbus - SCORE Columbus
• Savannah - Savannah SCORE

There are also a number of local small business centers sponsored or partially funded by SBA that help women and minorities with start-up counseling and financial assistance:

• Georgia Minority Business Enterprise Centers
  Provides free business consulting services and financial management advice to minority-owned businesses in the state. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
• Edge Connection Women's Business Center
  Offers programs to aid micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners in their efforts to launch, sustain, and expand businesses.
• WEDA/Metropolitan Atlanta Women's Business Center
  Offers training, business consulting, specialized workshops, SBA loan guarantee assistance, and mentoring to help the entrepreneur grow her business.

Doing Business in Georgia

From getting a business license to filing your taxes, the following sites provides resources you need to start and manage a business in Georgia.

• Georgia Business Portal
  Resources you need to start and operate a business in Georgia, file your business taxes, get a business license and much more.
• First Stop Business Information Center
  Provides small business owners and entrepreneurs with information on how to comply with state regulatory requirements for operating a small business.