Small Business means Big Business in Gainesville-Hall County
The Greater Hall Chamber recently announced plans to pursue the state’s designation as an “Entrepreneurial Friendly Community,” by joining over 50 other communities in the initiative coordinated through the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
“Small business has always been big business in Hall County,” said Kit Dunlap, President/CEO of the Greater Hall Chamber. “This program will strengthen our ties with local entrepreneurs, while helping us to streamline the process for new business start-ups.”
Creating the program in 2004, Governor Sonny Perdue said, “By encouraging and supporting small businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for local communities and the state as a whole.”
The purpose is for state and federal resource providers to work cooperatively to improve access to entrepreneur and small business resources. Individual communities are tasked with finding, creating, and marketing resources specific to their area. The program establishes a coordinated process of interviewing small business owners to identify obstacles in starting or growing a business. Then, tools, such as a “How to start a business in Hall County” brochure, are created and made available to potential entrepreneurs.
“I think this program is a great fit for our community,” said Ron Simmons, director of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Gainesville. “There are so many services for small business in our area; it will be great to have even more coordinated access to resources.”
Dunlap is excited about the timing with other local efforts. “This program will be an excellent complement to our business incubator, the Manufacturing Development Center in the Featherbone Center,” she said.
This program continues the Greater Hall Chamber’s tradition of working with small business leaders. The Chamber kicks off its monthly Small Business Seminars, with the next meeting set to discuss Building a Website for Your Business on Tuesday, September 18 at 8:00 a.m. the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 230 E.E. Butler Parkway in Gainesville.
All agree that the real beneficiaries are those who are considering starting their own business in Gainesville-Hall County. Now, they will be able to find all of the county’s resources listed in a one-stop shopping location.
For more information on Gainesville-Hall County’s Entrepreneurial Friendly Initiative or upcoming Small Business Seminars, contact Chris Adams, Economic Development Project Coordinator, Greater Hall Chamber, 770-532-6206. Email: chris@ghcc.com