Small Business represents the heart of the economy and a dominant source of job creation. Over 90% of the Greater Hall Chamber’s membership are small businesses. The Chamber provides a wide range of services to small business owners and potential entrepreneurs, working to grow business and strengthen the economy. Check the calendar for monthly small business events.
Rankings
- Forbes Magazine rated Gainesville-Hall County among the “Best Small Places for Business & Careers” for the last six years
- The 2019 Milken Institute Report rated the Gainesville-Hall County Metro Area as the “Top Small Metro Area in Georgia” and #3 in the Nation for “Best Performing Small Metros”
- Georgia has been named the “#1 State for Business” for six consecutive years and Gainesville-Hall County ranks as a “Top Performing Small Metro Area in Georgia” (Site Selection, 11/2018)
- Area Development also included Gainesville-Hall County among its 2018 cities for “Year-After-Year Growth”
Small Business in Hall County
99.5% categorized as small, using the Small Business Administration’s definition of fewer than 500 employees
96.5% employ <100
92.5% employ <50
70.2% employ <10
*Georgia Department of Labor Fourth Quarter 2018
CERTIFIED Small Business Partners
In 2018, 23 businesses became CERTIFIED Small Business Partners. Businesses can become part of the initiative by attending six (6) Small Business Seminars in a year. Partners Receive:
• Certificate of Completion
• Certified Small Business Door Decal
• Recognition at a Chamber Board Meeting
• Announcement in the Chamber’s Business Link Newsletter
Link here to see current Certified Small Business Partners and the 2019 Program Schedule.
Small Business Seminars are sponsored by AccessWDUN, Caldwell Electrical Contractors, Gainesville Mechanical and Signs by Tomorrow and are free for Chamber members. Programs are subject to change. Stay informed on upcoming Small Business Seminars and register online: CHAMBER CALENDAR. Contact Amanda Lewis for details: 770-532-6206 x 111 or email.
Chamber Programs & Networking Opportunities
The Chamber seeks to recognize and promote outstanding small businesses in the community and spotlights a Small Business of the Month, Small Business of the Year and Family Business of the Year.
Small Business of the Year
- 2018-2019 BGW Dental Group and M&R Equipment Rental & Sales
2017-2018 Green’s Grocery and Millie’s Drapery & Decorating - 2016-2017 Forum Communications and Liberty Candy Company
- 2015-2016 ABAviation and North Georgia Canopy Tours
2014-2015 The Little Ladybug and Caldwell Electrical Contractors - 2013-2014 Cotton Eyed Joe’s
- 2012-2013 Budget Carpet Outlet / Gainesville Paint Design Center and Signs by Tomorrow
- 2011-2012 Highland Mountain Beverage
- 2010-2011 Rushton & Company
- 2009-2010 Scott’s on the Square
Family Business of the Year
- 2018-2019 Riverside Pharmacy and WDUN
2017-2018 Duplicating Products and The Norton Agency - 2016-2017 Harrison Oil & Tire and Truelove Dairy
- 2015-2016 Clipper Petroleum and Chestnut Mountain Egg Farm
- 2014-2015 Duncan Exterminating and Georgia Chair Company
- 2013-2014 McGarity’s Business Products
- 2012-2013 Carroll Daniel Construction
- 2011-2012 J & J Foods
- 2010-2011 Milton Martin Toyota
- 2009-2010 Citisco
2019 Small Business of the Month
2019
January: McEver Road Self Storage
February: Limestone Shirt Factory
March: Lanier Flight Center
April: Cochran Brother’s Electric
May: Runners Fit
June: Papa Jack’s Country Kitchen
July: Kona Ice of Greater Gainesville
August: Gee Heating and Air
September: Highland Mountain Beverage Service, Inc.
October: Master’s Apparel
November: Scott’s Downtown
December: Nichols Body Shop
Links for small business success:
Small Business Access Partners
Northeast Georgia SCORE
Small Business Administration
University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
State of Georgia
Business Incubator at Brenau University
Contact Amanda Lewis: 770-532-6206 x 111 or email.