• New Business Information

The ACC Economic Development Foundation, in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, the Georgia Small Business Development Center, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Athens Clarke County, and the East Athens Development Corporation, is conducting a survey of Athens small businesses, with fewer than 20 employees, in an effort to learn how we can better help ACC be a good home for your business.  If you are interested in helping, please call us at 706-613-3810.  This survey will be part of helping ACC apply for an Entrepreneur Friendly Designation by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  The Georgia Department of Economic Development has produced a map of communities throughout the State that have participated in this process.

Open Letter to Athens Small Business

Dear Athens Small Business,

Thank you for taking time to answer questions for the Entrepreneur Questionnaire!

Did you know that over 95% of all Georgia businesses have fewer than 50 employees? Georgia's economy relies on the strength and success of small businesses.  In recognition of small business’ impact on the economy, the Governor has charged the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Small Business Office with assisting counties around the state to create “friendly” resources and environments for small businesses. 

Your feedback is important because Athens-Clarke County will use your responses to improve the local business climate.  In doing so, Athens hopes to earn the “Entrepreneur Friendly Designation” granted by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Small Business Office.   This designation will enhance Athens-Clarke County’s ability to work together with the State of Georgia in contracting, procurement, attracting business to the county, and obtaining other benefits to small business.

We appreciate your participation!  All responses will remain confidential.

Sincerely,

Beth Thrasher and Jared Bailey

Co-Chairs, Athens-Clarke County Entrepreneur Friendly Designation Steering Committee

Businesses employing fewer than 50 employees make up over 95% of all Georgia businesses, and in Athens are critical to the quality of life which makes ACC so enjoyable to many.  Locally, there are several organizations geared towards helping business start-ups, financing small businesses, and creating networking opportunities for small businesses.

• Athens Area Chamber of Commerce -- The Chamber of Commerce is the Athens area's premier business network.  The Chamber of Commerce has access to over 7000 businesses throughout the Athens area, hosts numerous annual events such as the Business Expo, and provides exposure for businesses, through its web presence, on a 24/7 basis.

• Georgia Small Business Development Center -- The SBDC provides formal and informal needs assessments for small businesses throughout the State of Georgia.  They also provide services to targeted markets including minority business owners such as Hispanic business owners, women business owners, and community groups interested in business creation and retention as economic development strategies.

• East Athens Development Corporation -- The East Athens Development Corporation, a 501 (c) (3) Community Based Development Organization, was established to revitalize Triangle Plaza and the East Athens target area. The EADC manages a revolving loan fund for small businesses and conducts ongoing training for business development skills.