Entrepreneur Friendly Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Whitfield County, in partnership with its Joint Development Authority and the State of Georgia, implemented an Entrepreneur Friendly Program in 2007. A 78-page booklet entitled “How to Start Your Business in Dalton & Whitfield County” was produced, utilizing information from a number of county departments. Topics include permitting and zoning information, a list of resources for small businesses, details and exercises to help determine start-up costs, suggestions for finding funding, and a checklist for new business owners. A section on “Doing Business Online” was also added. In 2008, the booklet was added to an Entrepreneurs page of the Joint Development Authority’s website and is now downloadable from that site. Since that time approximately 75 hard copies have been presented to small business owners and/or start-up entrepreneurs, in person. As a result, more than 25 entrepreneurs have also been provided with specific technical assistance, market research, grant reviews, and specialist referrals during these face-to-face discussions.