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Starting a small business is a daunting challenge. Georgia attempts to make the process less intimidating by offering a variety of streamlined services and incentives. Georgia's hospitable business climate earned it CNBC's top ranked state for business in 2014. Despite its pro-business enthusiasm, obtain the appropriate Georgia licenses for your business to avoid unwanted surprises.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number
Georgia Licenses and Permits
Georgia Business Taxes
Recruiting Employees
The Georgia Department of Labor offers a variety of services and resources to identify and recruit qualified workers with the skills you require. Contact GDOL to learn more about the specific services and resources it can provide to staff your new business.
Once you hire new employees, GDOL provides online reporting through its Georgia New Hire Reporting Program. By law, you must report all new hires or rehires who live or work in Georgia to GDOL within 10 days of hiring.
Business Incentives
Georgia offers several incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to start small businesses. The Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Loan Guarantee Program provides financing between $35,000 and $250,000 to start ups and small businesses located in rural Georgia counties. Qualified investors can claim Georgia income tax credits of up to $50,000 per year. Georgia also offers a variety of other income tax credits. You can find detailed information about Georgia's business incentives on the Georgia Department of Economic Development website.
Free Personalized Consulting
You can leverage specialized knowledge and experience in areas of business where you lack experience by getting help from the University of Georgia's statewide network of Georgia Small Business Development Centers. Georgia SBDCs offer a wide range of free consulting services in a variety of areas. Visit the Georgia SBDC website to learn how its services can advance your goals and to locate an office close to you.
References
Resources
- IRS.gov.:Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online
- Ga.gov.: First Stop Business Guide
- Georgia Secretary of State: Online Licensure Applications
- The University of Georgia, Georgia SBDC: Georgia Small Business Development Center
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Tax Registration
- Georgia Department of Labor: Welcome to the Georgia New Hire Reporting Program
Writer Bio
George Boykin started writing in 2009 after retiring from a career in marketing management spanning 35 years, including several years as CMO for two consumer products national advertisers and as VP for an AAAA consumer products advertising agency. Boykin mainly writes about advertising and marketing for SMBs.