Gainesville-Hall County Named “Entrepreneur Friendly”
Gainesville-Hall County was named one of the state’s “Entrepreneur Friendly” communities by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The designation reflects the community’s mission to develop an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety-one percent of Hall County’s 6,539 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 encouraging and supporting these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for our communities.”
To earn the designation, Gainesville-Hall County completed Georgia’s Entrepreneur Friendly program and analyzed its entrepreneurial and small business environment and developed strategies to help foster the growth of this critical business segment. Gainesville-Hall County also underwent a full-day assessment by a review team.
Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Hall County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help give them a competitive edge. Gainesville-Hall County is also eligible for an Entrepreneur-Friendly Implementation Fund grant to help it implement specific, long-term programs that support their entrepreneurs and small businesses and also have a regional impact. The grant must be matched 50% in dollars or in-kind value by the community.
“Small business is important to Gainesville-Hall County; we now know what services to provide to help them succeed,” said Kit Dunlap, President and CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.
“The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce offers an array of services, seminars and networking opportunities to assist our small business owners. We are proud to partner with the State of Georgia to grow our small businesses in Gainesville-Hall County.”