Small Business represents the heart of the economy and a dominant source of job creation. 93% of the Greater Hall Chamber’s members 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
- The 2020 Milken Institute Report named the Gainesville-Hall County Metro Area as the “Top Small Metro Area in Georgia” and Top Ten in the Nation for “Best Performing Small Metros”
- Site Selection named Georgia the “#1 State for Business” for the eighth consecutive year and named Gainesville-Hall County one of the “Top Performing Small Metro Areas in Georgia”
- Gainesville-Hall County was ranked one of the 2020 Best Cities in the U.S. for Small Businesses by ChamberofCommerce.org
- Area Development also rated Gainesville-Hall County among its cities for “Year-After-Year Growth” with Georgia named the “#1 Place for Business” for seven years in a row
- CoStar Group named Gainesville-Hall County the #1 Metro Area in Georgia for Year-Over-Year Job Growth in 2020
Small Business in Hall County
99.6% categorized as small, using the Small Business Administration’s definition of fewer than 500 employees
97.1% employ <100
93.6% employ <50
73.7% employ <10
*Georgia Department of Labor / 2nd Quarter 2020
Chamber CERTIFIED Small Business Partners

Thirty (30) businesses became CERTIFIED Small Business Partners in 2020. Businesses can become part of the initiative by attending six (6) Small Business Seminars in a year. Partners Receive:
• Certificate of Completion
• Business Door Decal
• Recognition by Chamber Board
• Announcement in the Chamber’s Business Link Newsletter
Link here to see current Certified Small Business Partners and the 2021 Program Schedule.
Small Business Seminars are sponsored by AccessWDUN, Caldwell Electrical Contractors, Gainesville Mechanical and The Times and are free for Chamber members. Visit the CHAMBER CALENDAR to stay informed on upcoming Small Business Seminars and to register online. Contact Ellie Parker for details: (770) 532-6206 x 111 or email.
South Hall Business Coalition

The Chamber’s South Hall Business Coalition meets monthly on issues and topics of interest to business in South Hall County. Meetings are well attended and sponsored by AccessWDUN, Halski Systems, Milton Martin Honda, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, Signs by Tomorrow, South Hall Rotary and Store More Self Storage. Meetings are $5 for Chamber members or $15 for non-members and include a light breakfast. Visit the CHAMBER CALENDAR for upcoming South Hall Business Coalition meetings and to register or contact Kara Tate, VP Membership Events, for details: (770) 532-6206 x 103 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
- 2020-2021: Papa Jack’s Country Kitchen and Willis Investment Counsel
2019-2020: 2 Dog Restaurant and Occasions Florist
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: Gainesville 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
- 2020-2021: Cochran Brothers Electric and Three D Cleaners
2019-2020: The Collegiate Grill and Tipton Construction
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 Farms
- 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
2021 Small Business of the Month
January: Bluefin Hibachi and Sushi
February: The Spa on Green Street
March: Alpha Gyro Grill
April: The Trophy Case
May: Seńor Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
June: Sherry’s Bait & Barbecue
July: Inman Perk Coffee
August: Buford Corn Maze
September: The Coffee Shop at Lawrence Pharmacy
October: Locos Grill & Pub
2020 Small Business of the Month
January: Nichols Body Shop
February: The Collegiate Grill
March: Another Collins Group
April: Alliance Prosthetics and Orthotics
May: Easy B’s Kitchen
June: A Good Look Home Inspection
July: The Fresh Bloom
August: Trigger Time Gun Range
September: The Inn Between Deli
October: Citizens Pharmacy
November: Avocados Restaurant
December: Left Nut Brewing Company, Inc.
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 Ellie Parker: (770) 532-6206 x 111 or email.