Emanuel is state's newest designated 'Entrepreneur Friendly' community

EMANUEL COUNTY IS ENTREPRENEUR FRIENDLY! (Photo by Jacquie Brasher)

Central Georgia's Emanuel 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-two percent of Emanuel County's 807 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 encour- aging and supporting these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for our communities and the state as a whole."

Emanuel County is the 64th community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Previously certified Central Georgia counties include Jenkins, Montgomery, Toombs, and Tattnall. Nearby counties in the progress of designation include Candler, Jefferson, Bulloch and Screven. Laurens County received its certification last month.

To earn the designation, Emanuel County completed the Entrepreneur Friendly program with the assistance of GDEcD's regional representative Adela Kelley. The county analyzed its entrepreneurial and small business environment and developed strategies to help foster the growth of this critical business segment. Emanuel County also underwent full-day assessment by a review team composed of GDEcD staff and representatives from the Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Tech, Small Business Development Center, CSRA Business Lending and SCORE.

Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Emanuel 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, longterm programs that support their entrepreneurs and small businesses. The grant must be matched 50 percent in dollars or inkind value by the community.

"The designation process has been very meaningful to our chamber," said Bill Rogers, executive director of Swainsboro Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce. "The process has given us insight into the problems facing our local small businesses and entrepreneurs. From the information gained in the interviews, we hope to develop a plan of action that truly benefits, assists and encourages our small business owners."

"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 Emanuel County for incorporating small businesses into its strategic plan for growth."

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