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How to Start a Small Business in Georgia
Local Entrepreneurial Support:
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Access hundreds of free webinars to help you learn how to write a business plan, how to manage your cash flow, and how to market your business among many other invaluable topics that have proven to benefit businesses in Columbus.
3100 Gentian Blvd, Ste 119
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 569-2651
columbus@georgiasbdc.org
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“Score offers to all small business owners: mentors who work alongside entrepreneurs to realize their small business owner’s dreams.” You will also find low-cost or free virtual and/or in person workshops on topics that entrepreneurs have found relevant and useful."
1190 Front Avenue,
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 223-0816
columbus@georgiasbdc.org
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StartUP Columbus is an entrepreneurial support organization and startup incubator.
1190 Front Avenue,
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 569-2651
info@startupcolga.com
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Georgia Crown is a resource to help new and establishes agribusiness grow and thrive. Georgia Crown provides resources such as producers, suppliers, distributors, processors, retailers, and consumers. All Georgia Crown members become certified local producers and get the ability to add their business to a statewide searchable list which helps increase your exposure, customers, partners, and suppliers.
19 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-3680
georgiacrown@agr.georgia.gov
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SUSTA is a program that will help you take your business from local, to global. SUSTA helps companies in the Southern United States promote agriculture and food to foreign markets. They have programs and services to help your business meet your goals.
SUSTA offers webinars, international promotion, trade shows, in-store promotions, and so much more!
701 Poydras St,
New Orleans, LA 70139
(504) 568-5986
susta@susta.org
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Obtain a Business License Muscogee County
- Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy form. All businesses, including home-based businesses in Muscogee County are required to have to have a certificate of occupancy. Forms are filed in person at the Columbus Consolidated Government Center – Inspections & Codes Division, 2nd Floor. 420 10th Street, Columbus, GA (706) 653-4126.
- Apply for your Business License. File in person at the City Services Center, Ground Floor in the Occupational Tax Department, Revenue Division. 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus GA. View Business License Requirements here. Business License renewals are due by April 1 every year.
- Register & Reserve your business name with the Georgia Secretary of State
- Register your business with the Georgia Department of Revenue
- Register with the Georgia Corporations Division
- Register with the Department of Labor (GDOL) – visit Online Employer Tax Registration to see if your business is responsible for paying unemployment insurance taxes.
Selecting a Business Structure
Limited Liability Corporation
AN LLC is a legal entity used to run a business that protects personal assets against tax and debt liability of the LLC.
Limited Partnership (LP)
An LP is a business structure where two or more business owners’ partner together to operate a business.
Sole Proprietorship
A business structure where one person owns and operates the entire business.
Corporation
A corporation is an entity separate from the shareholders.Corporations are normally medium to large businesses.
Make it Easy!
Selecting a business structure is made easier with the assistance of the Small Business Administration. Read the article “Choose a Business Structure” to understand the details of each legal entity.
Scale Your Business
Certify your Business
Certifications are accessible for small businesses owned by women, minorities, LGBTQ+ members, veterans, and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. These certifications can enhance your business's eligibility for federal contracts which can help your business scale faster.
Ethnic Minority Certifications
National Minority Supplier Development Council
Veteran Owned Businesses
Veteran Business Outreach Center Program
U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command
Pursue contracts with the City of Columbus
- Visit the Finance Department’s webpage. Bid Opportunities | Finance Department (columbusga.gov) select the RFB number and scroll down to view all bid requirements and forms.
- Submit a response using DemandStar.
- Register as a Vendor at the Georgia Procurement Registry to receive email notifications when opportunities become available.
- Be sure to have a current Business License, E-Verify Affidavit, W9 2024, and Conflict of Interest Affidavit in addition to posted requirements.
Questions? Feel free to contact bidopportunities@columbusga.org
Pursue Contracts with the State of Georgia & Federal Government
State of Georgia:
Visit the Department of Administrative Services for step-by-step instructions on Working with the State of Georgia
Federal Government:
- Competing for contracts can be an intimidating endeavor, but the potential benefits are substantial. Gain insight into how to position your business for success in securing contracts.
- Georgia Tech’s Apex Accelerator
- The Georgia Tech Apex Accelerator provides training courses to help businesses in Georgia win Government Contracts, at zero costs. They provide one on one counseling, networking events, and free training.
