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BUSINESS
SMALL
GEORGIA
RESOURCE
Meet
SBA 100
page 29
PAGE
Counseling 8
PAGE
Capital 16
PAGE
Contracting 30
www.SBA.gov • connect with us @ facebook.com/SBAgov twitter.com/sbagov youtube.com/sba
contents
SMALL BUSINESS
P R
ublishing
eni
Publishers of Small Business Resource
Advertising
Phone: 863-294-2812 • 800-274-2812
Fax: 863-299-3909 • www.sbaguides.com
Staff
President/CEO
Joe Jensen jjensen@reni.net
2012 GEORGIA
FEATURES English Small Business Resource Advertising
Nicky Harvey
Martha Theriault
nharvey@reni.net
mtheriault@reni.net
4 Introduction 34 Disaster
Kenna Rogers krogers@reni.net
4 Administrator’s Letter Knowing the types of assistance Production
6 Director’s Message available for recovery. Diane Traylor dtraylor@reni.net
8 Counseling 35 Advocacy and Ombudsman
SBA’s Marketing Office:
Getting help to start up, market and Watching out for small business
The Small Business Resource Guide is published
manage your business. interests. under the direction of SBA’s Office of Marketing and
Customer Service.
8 SBA Resource Partners
12 SBA’s Online Tools and Training 36 Additional Resources Director of Marketing
13 Reaching Underserved Taking care of start up logistics. Paula Panissidi
Communities 41 Business Organization: paula.panissidi@sba.gov
14 Are You Right for Small Choosing your Structure
Editorial Content
Business Ownership?
15 Writing a Business Plan 42 Other Assistance
marketinghq@sba.gov
Graphic Design
16 Capital
46 Lender Listing Gary
Shellehamer gary.shellehamer@sba.gov
Financing options to start or grow
your business. SBA’s participation in this publication is not an
16 SBA Business Loans endorsement of the views, opinions, products or
services of the contractor or any advertiser or other
18 What to Take to the Lender participant appearing herein. All SBA programs
25 Small Business Investment and services are extended to the public on a
Company Program nondiscriminatory basis.
25 Small Business Innovation
Research Program Printed in the United States of America
26 Small Business Technology
While every reasonable effort has been made
Transfer Program to ensure that the information contained herein
26 Surety Bond Guarantee was accurate as of the date of publication, the
Program information is subject to change without notice.
27 SBA Loan Program Chart Neither the contractor, the federal government,
or agents thereof shall be held liable for any
damages arising from the use of or reliance on the
29 Feature: Meet the SBA 100 information contained in this publication.
30 Contracting
Applying for Government
“Everything you need to know SBA Publication # MCS-0018
This publication is provided under SBA Contract
Contracts.
about setting up, marketing # SBAHQ11C0005.
30 How Government Contracting and managing the revenue of
Works
31 SBA Contracting Programs
33 Getting Started in Contracting
your business. ”
2 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
The U.S. Small Business Administration
F R O M T HE ADM I NI STRATOR
Over the past two years, I’ve Americans own or work for a small business,
met dozens of entrepreneurs and two of every three new jobs are created by
who used the tools in this small businesses.
guide – information on capital,
contracts, counseling, and more In addition to the great information in this
– to build their companies and guide, check out our online tools. For example,
create thousands of good jobs. at www.sba.gov/direct you can type in your zip
You can read similar success code and a few details about yourself and your
stories in the back of this issue business, and you’ll immediately get information
as part of the SBA 100, which on SBA resources and contacts in your local
we rolled out in August. area. Also, you can quickly get local permit
and licensing information for various types of
Since the credit crisis hit in 2008, the SBA has businesses at www.sba.gov/permits.
supported over $50 billion in lending to small
businesses through programs like 7(a) and 504, America’s small businesses are gearing
our top two loan programs. During that same up to expand and hire once again. Our
time, SBA counselors have helped more than 2 commitment at SBA and throughout the Obama
million entrepreneurs and small business owners Administration is to make sure they have the
through networks such as our Small Business tools they need to stay on that path. Please
Development Centers, Women’s Business feel free to contact your local SBA office if you
Centers, and our SCORE volunteers. And, have any questions. We stand ready to help in
we’ve helped deliver nearly $100 billion each whatever way we can.
year in federal contracts into the hands of small
business owners. Warm regards,
Today, we continue to empower America’s job
creators with highly-targeted programs and
initiatives aimed at helping both Main Street Karen G. Mills
small businesses and high-growth small firms. Administrator
This work is crucial, because half of working Small Business Administration
About the SBA
www.sba.gov
Your Small Business Resource
Every year, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its nationwide • Contracting
network of partners help millions of potential and current small • Disaster Assistance
business owners start, grow and succeed. • Advocacy and the Ombudsman
Resources and programs targeting small businesses provide an Visit SBA online at www.sba.gov for 24/7 access to small business
advantage necessary to help small businesses compete effectively in news, information and training for entrepreneurs.
the marketplace and strengthen the overall U.S. economy.
All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory
SBA offers help in the following areas: basis.
• Counseling
• Capital
4 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
Message From The District Director
GEORGIA
SBA Staff Listing
Rules For Success
www.sba.gov/ga Like today’s small businesses, large corporate success stories
started with only an entrepreneur and a dream.
404-331-0100 • 404-331-0101 Fax
W
District Director Ext. 212
Deputy District Director Ext. 213
elcome to the 2012 edition of Finally, if you have not done so, please check
Public Information Officer Ext. 215
the Georgia Small Business out the SBA’s revamped and enhanced
Business Opportunity 8(a) Ext. 504 Resource Guide. Brought website at www.sba.gov. The centerpiece of
Lender Relations Ext. 603 to you by the Georgia the improved website is the web tool SBA
Surety Bond Guarantees 206-553-0961 Direct. This tool allows visitors to personalize
District Office of the U.S.
Economic Development Ext. 411 their browsing experience according to their
SCORE Office 404-331-0121 Small Business Administration (SBA) and
business type, geography and needs. SBA
RENI Publishing, this Resource Guide
Direct then delivers relevant and targeted
Government Contracting 404-331-7587 is built around the “three Cs” of business
U.S. Export Assistance 404-897-6089 information on all aspects of running a
development — counseling, capital and business such as the steps involved in getting
SBA Disaster Assistance 800-659-2955
contracts. It provides you with an array of started, business growth strategies, and how
valuable information on starting, growing and to stay compliant with current laws and
innovating your business. Topics covered in regulations. Other features of the website
We Welcome Your this publication include: include an improved small business search
Questions • Are you right for small business engine; consolidated access to federal
ownership? government-wide business information,
For extra copies of this publication or • Writing a business plan programs, and resources; and interactive maps
questions please contact: • SBA’s online tools and training that allow users to locate the SBA resources in
• What information and documents to take their area.
Georgia District Office to a lender
233 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 1900 • SBA business loan and surety bond Whether you are in the beginning stages of
Atlanta, GA 30303 guaranty programs developing a business idea, just opening your
• Getting started in government doors for business, or seeking to take your
Tel.: 404-331-0100 Fax: 404-331-0101 contracting business to next level, the SBA has resources
• Government contracting programs and to assist you.
Website: www.sba.gov/ga certifications
• Other business resources and assistance Sincerely,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
Disaster Assistance the advertisers in this year’s guide. With
their support, we are able to provide this Terri L. Denison
The U.S. Small Business Administration publication to you free of charge and without
is the federal disaster bank in the wake the use of public funds. District Director of
of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes SBA’s Georgia District Office
and other physical disasters. After the The Georgia Small Business Resource Guide
President or the SBA Administrator is also available online in PDF format at www.
declares a disaster, homeowners, renters sbaguides.com/magazine.
and businesses may apply for low-
interest SBA disaster loans. The agency’s
Disaster Service Center can be reached
at 800-659-2955. SBA has placed its
disaster business loan application and
related forms online at www.sba.gov/
disaster. Further details on SBA disaster
assistance are in this guide.
6 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
The SBA helps business
owners grow and expand
Doing Business in Georgia their businesses every day.
THE GEORGIA OFFICE SCORE volunteers, the 17 Small Business “Publications” to bring up the 180-page
The Georgia District Office is responsible Development Centers, and two Women’s Economic Development Finance Packet
for the delivery of SBA programs and Business Centers. These SBA Resource offered by the Georgia Department of
services to all 159 counties in Georgia. Partners conduct workshops throughout Community Affairs. Go to
The District Director is Terri L. Denison. the District. Some require a nominal www.sba.gov/women for the SBA’s “My
The District Office is located in Atlanta’s registration fee. BIZ for Women” section.The Small
downtown Peachtree Center Complex Business Development Center site, at
at 233 Peachtree Street N.E., Harris A Women’s Business Ownership www.georgiasbdc.org, offers “SmallBizU,”
Tower, Suite 1900. Office hours are Representative helps women business a free business training program with
from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday owners. Charlotte Johnson is the SBA’s over 20 free online courses. A state site, at
through Friday. SCORE counseling is by Women’s Business Representative www.georgia.org/business, offers a wealth
appointment only. For more information for Georgia and conducts specialized of information on starting a business in
and to schedule a meeting with a SCORE workshops for women entrepreneurs. Georgia with online registration for state
Mentor, go to www.atlanta.score.org. You an reach her at 404-331-0100 ext. 405 contracting opportunities. The Technical
or e-mail: charlotte.johnson2@sba.gov. College System of Georgia has a web site,
SERVICES AVAILABLE A Veterans Affairs Officer is available to
www.gvtac.org that offers various business
Financial assistance is provided for new courses and workforce training programs.
assist veterans. Contact Jorge Valentin-
or existing small businesses through The web site for the University System of
Stone at 404-331-0100 ext. 609 or e-mail:
guaranteed SBA loans made by area Georgia, www.usg.edu, offers information
jorge.valentin-stone@sba.gov.
banks and non-bank lenders. These resources for small business as well as
loans range up to $5.5 million. Five SBA The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development a “Georgia OnmyLine” link to online
microlenders in Georgia offer loans up Program provides assistance, including college courses. Another state web site,
to $50,000. SBA also offers a Surety Bond federal contracting opportunities, to www.regs4ga.org, offers small business
Guaranty Program for small contractors. businesses owned by socially and a list of all state rules and regulations.
economically disadvantaged individuals. The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office
Special SBA loan programs are available For information, call 404-331-0100 has a 33-page online “First Stop Business
for businesses involved in exporting or ext. 504. Guide” at www.sos.georgia.gov/firststop.
other international trade. Please contact It is listed under “Business Resources
Ray Gibeau at 404-897-6089 or email at and Information” and contains state and
raymond.gibeau@sba.gov. WEBSITES federal regulatory requirements for a new
This guide offers numerous web sites business along with other information for
Free counseling and information on for small business assistance. One of the a start-up company in the state.
starting, improving or expanding a more extensive is www.dca.state.ga.us
small business is available through where you click on “Financing” and
Like other cattlemen in Georgia, Harris would As he planned both management and
SUCCESS STORY start his cattle on chemically treated pastures
and when they were big enough, ship them
production changes, Harris received consulting
services from the University of Georgia Small
White Oak Pastures in to confined animal feeding operations in the Business Development Center (SBDC) for over
Bluffton Midwest where they would be finished on grain six years.
supplemented with antibiotics and growth
Will Harris III, President hormones. Harris plants 500 white oaks every year on his
Georgia’s 2011 Small Business farm. They provide shade for the cows and are
Person of the Year Harris felt a growing dissatisfaction with the aesthetically pleasing. Harris owns 1,000 acres
business. But, at that time, there was no market of farmland and leases another 1,500 acres to
for healthy, grass-fed beef. Later he read support his livestock.
Will Harris III has taken his family cattle farm scientific studies that showed grass-fed beef to
in Early County, Georgia, passed down over be healthier and more nutritious than its corn- There have been other challenges, as Harris
five generations, and coupled it with modern fed counterpart. And as consumers became more diversified his farm to new ways of producing its
technology and the wise ways of his ancestors to aware of risks associated with “factory-farmed” beef. As demand was growing for his grass-fed
meet the growing demand for grass-fed beef. cattle, Harris began to believe he could find a beef, Harris was using valuable time and money
market for free-range, grass-fed beef. to transport his cattle to a processing plant 100
Harris, in fact, is a true role model for miles away. His solution to this issue was a huge
agribusiness entrepreneurs who are finding In the mid-nineties, Harris began the conversion. gamble—he built a $2 million, 5,300 square foot
ways to convert conventional farming into He stopped using chemicals. He stopped state-of-the-art processing facility that opened on
organic, all natural operations that meet the shipping his cattle halfway across the country, his farm in June 2008. Fortunately, the gamble
demand for healthy foods while increasing and he started focusing on the land. Harris even has paid off. Now Harris saves on transportation
revenue streams and profitability on the farm. brought in sheep to take care of bothersome costs, and his cattle do not have to endure the
weeds that were sprouting after he eliminated stress caused by loading and hauling.
Harris was raised on his family’s farm, known herbicides on his land. Harris recalled that
as White Oak Pastures, and went to college at as a child, his family used goats for the same Today, White Oak Pastures employs 40 non-
the University of Georgia where he received a purpose. “I can’t tell you how many times a day family members. It is the largest USDA Certified
degree in Animal Science. He later worked for I stop and say to myself, how did we used to do Organic farm in Georgia. Its grass-fed beef is
several companies but soon returned to the farm that?” said Harris. available in natural food market stores from
and the cattle business. Miami to Princeton, N.J. It is also offered in a
continued on page 10
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 7
COUNSELING
Getting Help to Start Up, Market and Manage Your Business
as a business owner. In fiscal year
2010, SCORE served over 400,000
clients through individual counseling,
workshops and online sessions by
leveraging the expertise and experience
of nearly 14,000 business mentors.
For 24/7 access to advice and online
webinars on topics such as starting,
growing, marketing and e-commerce for
small business, visit SCORE online at
www.score.org or call 1-800-624-0245 for
the office nearest you.
Atlanta SCORE Chapter
233 Peachtree St. N.E.
Harris Tower, Ste. 1900
E
Atlanta, GA 30303
very year, the U.S. Small
Business Administration
SCORE 404-331-0121
office@scoreatlanta.org
and its nationwide network SCORE is a national network of www.scoreatlanta.org
of resource partners help nearly14,000 entrepreneurs, business
leaders and executives who volunteer as Albany SCORE Branch
millions of potential and 225 W. Broad Ave.
mentors to America’s small businesses.
existing small business owners start, Albany, GA 31701
SCORE has helped more than 8.5
grow and succeed. 229-434-8700
million entrepreneurs nationwide by
Whether your target market is global jcollins@albanyga.com
leveraging decades of expertise from
or just your neighborhood, the SBA and seasoned business professionals to
its resource partners can help at every Augusta SCORE Chapter
help entrepreneurs start businesses, 3140 Augusta Tech Dr.
stage of turning your entrepreneurial grow companies and create jobs in local Augusta, GA 30906
dream into a thriving business. communities. 706-793-9998
If you’re just starting, the SBA and With more than 370 offices Score48@hotmail.com
its resources can help you with loans throughout the country, SCORE
and business management skills. If matches you with a mentor whose Carrollton SCORE Branch
you’re already in business, you can use personality, experience, and skills Burson Center Bldg.
the SBA’s resources to help manage are a good fit for your business needs. 500 Old Bremen Rd., Ste. 100
and expand your business, obtain Carrollton, GA 30117
Whether you are a start-up business
government contracts, recover from 678-890-2333
or growing company, SCORE mentors
disaster, find foreign markets, and offer free and confidential advice. As Cobb/Marietta SCORE Branch
make your voice heard in the federal members of your community, SCORE Cobb Chamber of Commerce
government. mentors understand local business 240 Interstate N. Pkwy. N.W.
You can access SBA information licensing rules, economic conditions Marietta, GA 30339
online 24 hours a day at www.sba. and lending standards. SCORE also 770-859-2321
gov or visit one of our local offices for offers local small business workshops office@scoreatlanta.org
assistance. at modest fees on popular topics such
as increasing sales, managing cash flow Columbus SCORE Chapter
Wachovia Bank Bldg.
SBA’S RESOURCE and marketing your business.
You can count on SCORE as a trusted
101 13th St.
PARTNERS
Columbus, GA 31901
resource to offer in-depth mentoring, 706-596-8331
sound advice and guidance, and tools score671@bellsouth.net
In addition to our district offices which and resources that can help you succeed www.scorecolumbusga.org
serve every state and territory, SBA
COUNSELING
works with a variety of local resource
partners to meet your small business
needs. These professionals can help • You get to be your own boss.
with writing a formal business plan, ON THE UPSIDE • Hard work and long hours directly benefit you,
locating sources of financial assistance, rather than increasing profits for someone else.
managing and expanding your business, It’s true, there are a lot of
finding opportunities to sell your goods reasons not to start your • Earnings and growth potential are unlimited.
or services to the government, and own business. But for the
right person, the advantages • Running a business will provide endless
recovering from disaster. To find your
variety, challenges and opportunities to learn.
local district office or SBA resource of business ownership far
partner, visit www.sba.gov/sba-direct. outweigh the risks.
8 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
Fayetteville SCORE Branch National SCORE Office During the past thirty years, through
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce 409 3rd St. S.W., 6th Fl. a unique mix of federal, state and
200 Courthouse Sq. Washington, DC 20024 private sector resources, the SBDC
Fayetteville, GA 30214 800-634-0245 program has increased its return on
770-461-9983 www.score.org investment. Through federal grants,
SBDCs in every state and territory
Forsyth County SCORE Branch
West Maple Office Park SMALL BUSINESS provide the foundation for the economic
growth of small businesses. These small
514 W. Maple St., #100
Cumming, GA 30040
DEVELOPMENT CENTERS businesses, in turn, advance local and
404-405-5219 The Small Business Development regional economic development through
Center (SBDC) program has been vital the generation of business revenues, job
Gwinnett SCORE Branch to SBA’s entrepreneurial outreach for creation and job retention. This return
Georgia Trust Bank Bldg. more than 30 years. It has become one of on investment is demonstrated by fiscal
2725 Mall of Georgia Blvd. the largest professional small business 2010 outcomes, where SBDCs:
Buford, GA 30519 management and technical assistance • Assisted more than 13,600
770-614-7644 ext. 145 networks in the nation. With nearly entrepreneurs to start new businesses
office@scoreatlanta.org 900 locations across the country, SBDCs – an estimated 37 new business starts
offer free one-on-one expert business per day.
Henry/McDonough SCORE Branch • Provided counseling services to over
Henry County Library advice and low-cost training by qualified
small business professionals to existing 107,000 emerging entrepreneurs and
1001 Florence McGarity Blvd. nearly 102,000 existing businesses.
McDonough, GA 30252 and future entrepreneurs.
• Provided training services to
770-954-0021 The SBDC program includes special
approximately 380,000 clients.
focus areas such as, green business
technology, disaster recovery and The efficacy of the SBDC program
Macon SCORE Branch
Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce preparedness, import and export has been validated by a nationwide
305 Coliseum Dr. assistance, veterans assistance, impact study. Of the clients surveyed,
Macon, GA 31202 electronic commerce, technology transfer more than 80 percent reported that the
478-621-2000 and regulatory compliance. A number business assistance they received from
of SBDC networks have specialized the SBDC counselor was worthwhile.
Newnan SCORE Branch programs or centers dedicated to these Similarly, more than 50 percent reported
Coweta/Newnan Chamber of Commerce
23 Bullsboro Dr.
focus areas. that SBDC guidance was beneficial in
Newnan, GA 30263
770-253-2270 ext. 31
North Fulton SCORE Branch
North Atlanta Bank
10500 Old Alabama Connector
Alpharetta, GA 30022-8273
678-277-8437
office@scoreatlanta.org
Rockdale/Conyers Branch
Rockdale Conyers Chamber
1186 Scott St.
Conyers, GA 30012
770-483-7049
Savannah SCORE Chapter
111 E. Liberty St., Ste. 103
Savannah, GA 31401
912-652-4335
info@scoresav.org
www.SCOREsav.org
St. Marys Branch
400 Osborne St.
St. Marys, GA 31558
912-882-8111
Spalding County SCORE Branch
First National Bank Bldg.
318 South Hill St.
Griffin, GA 30224
770-227-2251
Warner Robins SCORE Branch
Warner Robins Area Chamber
1228 Watson Blvd.
Warner Robins, GA 31093
478-922-8585
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 9
making the decision to start a business. Augusta Office Gainesville Office
More than 40 percent of long-term Susan Caldwell, Area Director Ron Simmons, Area Director
clients, those receiving 5 hours or more The University of Georgia - SBDC The University of Georgia
of counseling, reported an increase 1450 Greene St., Ste. 3500 Small Business Development Center
in sales and 38 percent reported an Augusta, GA 30901 The Featherbone Center, 999A Chestnut St.
706-721-4545 • 706-731-7937 Fax Gainesville, GA 30501
increase in profit margins. scaldwell@georgiasbdc.org 770-531-5681 • 770-531-5684 Fax
For information on the SBDC rsimmons@georgiasbdc.org
program, visit www.sba.gov/sbdc. Brunswick Office
State Office David Lewis, Area Director Gwinnett Office
Allan Adams, State Director The University of Georgia - SBDC Robert Andoh, Area Director
The University of Georgia - SBDC 501 Gloucester St., Ste. 200 The University of Georgia - SBDC
Chicopee Complex Brunswick, GA 31520-7014 2530 Sever Rd., Ste. 202
1180 E. Broad St. 912-264-7343 • 912-262-3095 Fax Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Athens, GA 30602-5412 dlewis@georgiasbdc.org 678-985-6820 • 678-985-6819 Fax
706-542-6762 • 706-542-7935 Fax randoh@georgiasbdc.org
aadams@georgiasbdc.org Carrollton Office
Donna Robinson, Area Director Kennesaw Office
Albany Office University of West Georgia - SBDC Drew Tonsmeire, Area Director
Debra Finney, Area Director 105 Adamson Hall Kennesaw State University - SBDC
The University of Georgia - SBDC Carrollton, GA 30118-4130 KSU Center, Ste. 500
125 Pine Ave., Ste. 142 678-839-5082 • 678-839-5083 Fax 3333 Busbee Dr.
Albany, GA 31701 drobinson@georgiasbdc.org Kennesaw, GA 30144
229-420-1144 • 229-430-3933 Fax 770-423-6450 • 770-423-6564 Fax
dfinney@georgiasbdc.org Columbus Office dtonsmeire@georgiasbdc.org
Lori Auten, Area Director
Athens Office The University of Georgia - SBDC Macon Office
Carol McDonell, Area Director Cunningham Conference Center Area Director
The University of Georgia - SBDC 3100 Gentian Blvd., Ste. 119 The University of Georgia - SBDC
Chicopee Complex Columbus, GA 31907 4875 Riverside Dr., Ste. 202
1180 E. Broad St. 706-569-2651 • 706-569-2657 Fax
Athens, GA 30602-5412 lauten@georgiasbdc.org Macon, GA 31210
706-542-7436 • 706-542-6803 Fax 478-757-3609 • 478-471-0637 Fax
cmcdonell@georgiasbdc.org Dekalb Office Morrow Office
Sharon Macaluso, Area Director Clayton State University - SBDC
Atlanta Office The University of Georgia - SBDC
Bernie Meineke, Area Director 2000 Clayton State Blvd.
2296 Henderson Mill Rd., Ste. 404B Morrow, GA 30260-0285
Georgia State University - SBDC Atlanta, GA 30345
10 Park Pl., Ste. 450 678-466-5100 • 678-466-5109 Fax
770-414-3110 • 770-414-3109 Fax
Atlanta, GA 30303 smacaluso@georgiasbdc.org
404-413-7830 • 404-413-7832 Fax Rome/Dalton
bmeineke@georgiasbdc.org Kyle Hensel, Area Director
(Addresses and phone numbers pending)
SUCCESS
S T O R Y White Oak Pastures continued from page 7
conventional supermarket chain in Georgia totally on natural energy, and he is fast was asked to speak before the U.S. Senate
and four other states. Harris also sells his beef approaching that point. Today, nearly half of Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and
directly to other online customers. the processing plant’s energy consumption is Forestry to share his views on the national
produced by the sun. organics program.
As one of only two on-farm USDA inspected
grass-fed beef plants in the country, White In late January 2011, Harris broke ground for a A well-rounded businessman, Harris is
Oak Pastures was already distinctive. But it new USDA-inspected poultry plant to process comfortable conversing with his employees,
became even more so with the installation last free-range chickens and turkeys. This facility, going over financials with his accountant,
year of the largest solar barn in the Southeast. also housed on the farm, became operational and entertaining school children who visit his
Earlier, a solar thermal system was installed in August and employs an additional 25 facilities on field trips.
atop the White Oak Pastures’ processing plant people.
to provide for large amounts of hot water for And revenues? Last year, White Oaks farm
sanitation and equipment wash-down. As his unique farm continues to expand, netted $1.6 million in operational revenues.
Harris finds time to give back. He is President He expects a 15 percent increase in revenues
The solar barn, with 50,000 watts of capacity, of the Georgia Organics Board of Directors for 2011.
turns sunlight directly into energy. One of as well as the Beef Director of the American
Harris’ goals is to make his plant function Grass-Fed Association. As such, he recently
10 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
Savannah Office growth and vitality. Of the WBC clients
Lynn Vos, Area Director that have received 3 or more hours of
The University of Georgia - SBDC counseling, 15 percent indicated that
111 E. Liberty St., Ste. 200 the services led to hiring new staff, 34
Savannah, GA 31401-4410 percent indicated that the services led
912-651-3200 • 912-651-3209 Fax to an increased profit margin, and 47
lvos@georgiasbdc.org percent indicated that the services led to
Statesboro Office an increase in sales.
Jason Anderson In addition, the WBC program has
Georgia Southern University - SBDC taken a lead in preparing women
1100 Brampton Ave., Ste. C business owners to apply for the
Statesboro, GA 30458 Women-Owned Small Business
912-478-7232 • 912-478-0648 Fax (WOSB) Federal Contract program
janderson@georgiasbdc.org that authorizes contracting officers to
set aside certain federal contracts for
Valdosta Office eligible women-owned small businesses
Ruby Riesinger, Area Director or economically disadvantaged women-
Valdosta State University - SBDC owned small businesses. For more
Harley Langdale Jr. College information on the program, visit
of Business Administration
www.sba.gov/wosb.
Thaxton Hall, Rm. 100
232 Pendleton Dr. To find the nearest SBA WBC, visit
Valdosta, GA 31698 www.sba.gov/women.
229-245-3738 • 229-245-3741 Fax The Edge Connection Women’s Business
rriesinger@georgiasbdc.org Center
3333 Busbee Dr., Ste. 415
Kennesaw, GA 30144
WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS Patricia Harris, Executive Director
The SBA’s Women Business Janine Anthony, Program Manager
Center (WBC) program is a network 770-499-3228 • 770-499-3636 Fax
www.theedgeconnection.com
of approximately 110 community-
The Edge Connection offers several different
based centers which provide business training courses for entrepreneurs including
training, coaching, mentoring and a 14-week “Plan for Profit” course for
other assistance geared toward women, developing a business plan. Other training
particularly those who are socially and topics cover how to finance a small
economically disadvantaged. WBCs business.
are located in nearly every state and
U.S. territory and are partially funded Women’s Economic Development Agency
through a cooperative agreement with (WEDA)
the SBA. 1389 Peachtree St., Ste. 102
To meet the needs of women Atlanta, GA 30309
entrepreneurs, WBCs offer services Carolina Ramon, Program Director
at convenient times and locations, 678-904-2201 • 678-904-2205 Fax
www.weda-atlanta.org
including weekends. Most WBCs are
WEDA is a non-profit organization that
located at non-profit host organizations offers classroom training, technical
that offer a wide variety of services in assistance, mentoring and access to
addition to the services provided by the pertinent resources. WEDA’s Women’s
WBC. Many of the WBCs also offer Business Center has a 9-week workshop
training and counseling and provide that helps entrepreneurs start and manage a
materials in different languages in successful small business. Other workshops,
order to meet the diverse needs of the both in English and Spanish cover such
communities they serve. subjects as nonprofits, taxes and patents/
WBCs often deliver their services trademarks.
through long term training or group
counseling, both of which have shown to BrightBridge Women’s Business Center
be effective. WBC training courses are 535 Chestnut St., Ste. 161
Chattanooga, TN 37402
often free or are offered at a small fee.
Pranav Patel, Program Director
Some centers will also offer scholarships 423-648-9250 • 423-424-4262 Fax
based on the client’s needs www.brightbridgewbc.org
While most WBCs are physically BrightBridge provides services to women
located in one designated location, a entrepreneurs in rural areas located
number of WBCs also provide courses throughout the Tennessee River Valley
and counseling via the Internet, mobile region including 10 counties in northern
classrooms and satellite locations. Georgia. The center provides individual
WBCs have a track record of success. counseling and group training as well as
In fiscal year 2010, the WBC program access to SBA programs such as small
counseled and trained more than business lending. Internet access is also
160,000 clients, creating local economic available to center clients.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 11
EMERGING LEADERS
SBA’s Emerging Leaders initiative
is currently hosted in 27 markets
across the country using a national
demonstrated research-based
curriculum that supports the growth
and development of small firms that
have substantial potential for expansion
and community impact. A competitive
selection process results in firm
executives participating in high-level
training and peer-networking sessions
led by professional instructors and local
economic development organizations.
Post-training, social and economic
impact results from responding
executives who attended the 2008 –
2010 training classes indicate:
• More than half of participating
businesses reported an increase in • More than 30 free online courses and and standards, cost accounting/quality
revenue, with an average revenue of workshops available. systems, electronic commerce, pre-award
$1,879,266. • Templates and samples to get your surveys and post-award actions. All
• Participating businesses averaged business planning underway. GTPAC services, including electronic bid
$2 million in revenue, with new • Online, interactive assessment tools
matching, are offered at no charge.
cumulative financing of $7.2 million are featured and used to direct clients
to appropriate training. GTPAC counselors are located
secured in 2010.
• Nearly half of the participants secured Course topics include a financial around the state to provide one-on-one
federal, state, local and tribal contracts primer keyed around SBA’s loan- counseling on any procurement issue.
with a cumulative total of $287 guarantee programs, a course on The counselors and offices listed are
million. exporting, and courses for veterans open from 8-5 p.m. Monday through
• Approximately half of the participants and women seeking federal Friday:
have hired new workers, creating 275 Atlanta Office
contracting opportunities, as well as Jone Debnam 404-385-3389
new jobs in 2010.
• All participants were introduced and an online library of podcasts, business Tom Larkin 404-385-3376
trained on becoming SBA 8(a) certified publications, templates and articles. Chuck Schadl 404-894-0932
firms; nearly 25 percent of respondents Find these free resources at www.sba.
are currently certified as SBA 8(a) gov/training. Athens Office
firms, while other participants Steven Bettner 706-552-4453
reported a focused intention on Georgia Tech Procurement
applying to the 8(a) program. Augusta Office
Assistance Center 404-894-0266
• Nearly 50 percent of participating
To help small firms supplying goods
respondents were female executives
and 70 percent were minority business and services to the federal government, Columbus Office
executives. the Defense Logistics Agency contracts Roy Leggett 706-569-2688
• 85 percent of responding executives with “procurement assistance centers” to
were Satisfied or Very Satisfied with assist these firms in doing business with Gainesville Office
the overall training series and results. federal, state and local governments. Joe Beaulieu 404-894-0266
To find out more about this executive- The Georgia Tech Procurement
Rome Office
level training opportunity, please Assistance Center (GTPAC) is one such Jerry Shadinger 678-890-2342
visit www.sba.gov/e200 for host cities, center which covers the state of Georgia.
training schedules, and selection The major purpose of GTPAC is Savannah Office
criteria. to promote economic and business Larry Blige 912-963-2524
development in Georgia and provide
SBA’S ONLINE TOOLS AND assistance to small business in the Warner Robins Office
Donna Vandersall 478-953-1460
TRAINING
government procurement market.
The center helps firms locate bidding Albany Office
SBA’s Small Business Training opportunities through an electronic Clovia Hamilton 229-430-4189
Network is a virtual campus complete matching process with federal, state and
with free online courses, workshops, local government buying activities that The GTPAC counselors also conduct
podcasts, learning tools and business- purchase certain goods and services. no-cost seminars at various locations
readiness assessments. Although assistance is given upon around the state. The seminars,
Key Features of the Small Business request to any firm, the majority of locations, and other general information
Training Network: clients are small businesses of all types. may be viewed at the GTPAC website
Training is available anytime and Services include: locating bidding www.gtpac.org. Attendees may register
anywhere—all you need is a computer opportunities, solicitation analysis, bid/ and get directions at this site.
with Internet access. proposal preparation, federal specs
12 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
REACHING UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
SBA also offers a number of programs SBA is committed to reaching employee is called to active duty. The
specifically designed to meet the needs out to faith based and community Military Reservist Economic Injury
in the underserved communities. organizations that are eligible to Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL)
participate in the agency’s programs by provides loans up to $2 million to eligible
informing their congregants, members
WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS and neighbors about SBA’s programs.
small businesses to cover operating costs
that cannot be met due to the loss of an
Women entrepreneurs are changing In particular, many faith-based and essential employee called to active duty
the face of America’s economy. In the community non-profit organizations
in the Reserves or National Guard.
1970s, women owned less than five can provide a local financing option
Among the SBA’s unique services for
percent of the nation’s businesses. for entrepreneurs by becoming SBA
Microloan Intermediaries. An SBA veterans are: an Entrepreneurship Boot
Today, they are majority owners Camp for Veterans with Disabilities in
of about a third of the nation’s small Microloan Intermediary often acts as
a bank for entrepreneurs and small partnership with 6 top U.S. universities
businesses and are at least equal owners
businesses that might otherwise be (www.whitman.syr.edu/ebv), a program
of about half of all small businesses.
unable to find access to capital. to reach women veteran-entrepreneurs
SBA serves women entrepreneurs
(www.whitman.syr.edu/vwise) , and a
nationwide through its various programs
and services, some of which are designed VETERANS AND RESERVISTS program for Reserve Component family
members called Operation Endure
especially for women. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT and Grow (www.whitman.syr.edu/
The SBA’s Office of Women’s Business
To ensure that veterans, service- endureandgrow).
Ownership (OWBO) serves as an
disabled veterans and Reserve and For more information about small
advocate for women-owned businesses.
National Guard member entrepreneurs business lending programs for veteran
OWBO oversees a nationwide network
receive special consideration in all of business owners and Reserve or
of 110 women’s business centers that
SBA’s entrepreneurial programs and Guard members who are activated,
provide business training, counseling
resources, the SBA has established including Patriot Express, microloans,
and mentoring geared specifically to
an Office of Veterans Business and Advantage loans, see the section
women, especially those who are socially
Development (OVBD). Each year, on Access to Capital. To learn more
and economically disadvantaged. The
OVBD reaches thousands of veterans, about the Veterans Business Outreach
program is a public-private partnership
Reserve Component members, program or find the nearest SBA VBOC,
with locally-based nonprofits.
transitioning service members and visit the SBA Web site at
Women’s Business Centers serve
a wide variety of geographic areas,
others who are – or who want to www.sba.gov/vets.
become – entrepreneurs and small
population densities, and economic
environments, including urban,
business owners. OVBD develops and
distributes informational materials for
NATIVE AMERICAN BUSINESS
suburban, and rural. Local economies
vary from depressed to thriving, and
entrepreneurship such as the Veterans DEVELOPMENT
Business Resource Guide, VETGazette, The SBA Office of Native American
range from metropolitan areas to
and Getting Veterans Back to Work. In Affairs (ONAA) ensures American
entire states. Each Women’s Business
addition, there are 16 Veterans Business Indians, Alaska Natives and Native
Center tailors its services to the needs Hawaiians seeking to create, develop
of its individual community, but all Outreach Centers strategically located
throughout the country that provide and expand small businesses have
offer a variety of innovative programs, full access to the necessary business
often including courses in different both online and in-person training,
counseling, mentoring, workshops, development and expansion tools
languages. They provide training in available through the agency’s
finance, management, marketing, and referrals, and more. Each of the SBA’s
68 District Offices also has a designated entrepreneurial development, lending,
the Internet, as well as access to all of and contracting programs. ONAA
the SBA’s financial and procurement veteran’s business development officer.
provides a network of training (including
assistance programs. The SBA offers special assistance for
the online tool “Small Business
small businesses owned by activated
Primer: Strategies for Growth”) and
CENTER FOR FAITH-BASED AND
Reserve and National Guard members.
counseling services and engages in
Any self-employed Reserve or Guard
NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIPS member with an existing SBA loan can
numerous outreach activities, such as
tribal consultations, development and
Faith-based and Neighborhood request from their SBA lender or SBA distribution of educational materials,
Partnerships know their communities, district office loan payment deferrals, attendance and participation in
and they have earned their people’s interest rate reductions and other relief economic development events and
trust. Because of their credibility, after they receive their activation orders. assisting these small businesses with
they are uniquely positioned to build In addition, the SBA offers special SBA programs.
awareness of programs that encourage low-interest-rate financing to small More information is at
entrepreneurship, economic growth and businesses when an owner or essential www.sba.gov/naa.
job creation.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 13
ARE YOU RIGHT FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?
Most new business owners who
succeed have planned for every phase
own shoulders. Strong motivation
will help you survive slowdowns and
HOME-BASED BUSINESSES
periods of burnout. Going to work used to mean
of their success. Thomas Edison, the
• How will the business affect traveling from home to a plant, store or
great American inventor, once said,
your family? The first few years of office. Today, many people do some or
“Genius is 1 percent inspiration and all their work at home.
business start-up can be hard on
99 percent perspiration.” That same
family life. It’s important for family
philosophy also applies to starting a members to know what to expect Getting Started
business. and for you to be able to trust that Before diving headfirst into a home-
First, you’ll need to generate a little they will support you during this based business, you must know why
bit of perspiration deciding whether time. There also may be financial you are doing it. To succeed, your
you’re the right type of person to start difficulties until the business becomes business must be based on something
your own business. profitable, which could take months greater than a desire to be your
or years. You may have to adjust to a own boss. You must plan and make
IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR lower standard of living or put family
assets at risk.
improvements and adjustments along
the road.
YOU? Once you’ve answered those Working under the same roof where
There is simply no way to eliminate questions, you should consider what your family lives may not prove to be
all the risks associated with starting type of business you want to start. as easy as it seems. One suggestion is
a small business, but you can improve Businesses can include franchises, to set up a separate office in your home
your chances of success with good at-home businesses, online businesses, to create a professional environment.
planning, preparation, and insight. brick-and-mortar stores or any Ask yourself these questions:
Start by evaluating your strengths combination of those. • Can I switch from home
responsibilities to business work
and weaknesses as a potential owner easily?
and manager of a small business. FRANCHISING • Do I have the self-discipline to
Carefully consider each of the following maintain schedules while at home?
There are more than 3,000 business • Can I deal with the isolation of
questions:
franchises. The challenge is to decide working from home?
• Are you a self-starter? It will be
entirely up to you to develop projects, on one that both interests you and is
organize your time, and follow a good investment. Many franchising Legal Requirements
through on details. experts suggest that you comparison A home-based business is subject to
• How well do you get along with shop by looking at multiple franchise many of the same laws and regulations
different personalities? Business opportunities before deciding on the affecting other businesses.
owners need to develop working one that’s right for you. Some general areas include:
relationships with a variety of Some of the things you should • Zoning regulations. If your business
people including customers, vendors, look at when evaluating a franchise: operates in violation of them, you
staff, bankers, employees, and historical profitability, effective could be fined or shut down.
professionals such as lawyers, • Product restrictions. Certain
financial management and other
accountants, or consultants. Can products cannot be produced in the
controls, a good image, integrity and home. Most states outlaw home
you deal with a demanding client, commitment, and a successful industry.
an unreliable vendor, or a cranky production of fireworks, drugs,
In the simplest form of franchising, poisons, explosives, sanitary or
receptionist if your business interests
while you own the business, its medical products and toys. Some
demand it?
• How good are you at making operation is governed by the terms of states also prohibit home-based
decisions? Small business owners are the franchise agreement. For many, businesses from making food, drink
required to make decisions constantly this is the chief benefit for franchising. or clothing.
– often quickly, independently, and You are able to capitalize on a business Be sure to consult an attorney and
under pressure. format, trade name, trademark and/ your local and state departments
• Do you have the physical and or support system provided by the of state, labor and health to find
emotional stamina to run a franchisor. But you operate as an out which laws and regulations will
business? Business ownership can independent contractor with the ability affect your business. Additionally,
be exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. to make a profit or sustain a loss check on registration and accounting
Can you face six or seven 12–hour commensurate with your ownership. requirements needed to open your
workdays every week? If you are concerned about starting home-based business. You may need
• How well do you plan and an independent business venture, then a work certificate or license from the
organize? Research indicates that
franchising may be an option for you. state. Your business name may need
poor planning is responsible for most
business failures. Good organization
Remember that hard work, dedication to be registered with the state. A
— of financials, inventory, schedules, and sacrifice are key elements in separate business telephone and bank
and production — can help you avoid the success of any business venture, account are good business practices.
many pitfalls. including a franchise. Also remember, if you have
• Is your drive strong enough? For more information visit employees you are responsible for
Running a business can wear you www.sba.gov/franchise. withholding income and social-
down emotionally. Some business security taxes, and for complying with
owners burn out quickly from having minimum wage and employee health
to carry all the responsibility for the and safety laws.
success of their business on their
14 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN
After you’ve thought about what •
type of business you want, the
next step is to develop a business
plan. Think of the business plan
as a roadmap with milestones
for the business. It begins as a
pre-assessment tool to determine
profitability and market share, then
expands as an in-business assessment
tool to determine success, obtain
financing and determine repayment
ability, among other factors.
Creating a comprehensive business
plan can be a long process, and you
need good advice. The SBA and its
resource partners, including Small
Business Development Centers,
Women’s Business Centers, Veterans
Business Outreach Centers, and
SCORE, have the expertise to help you
craft a winning business plan. SBA
also offers online templates to get you Marketing Provide projected income statements,
started. • Discuss the products and services
and balance sheets for a two-year
In general, a good business plan your company will offer.
period.
contains: • Identify customer demand for your
• Discuss your break-even point.
products and services.
Introduction • Explain your personal balance sheet
• Identify your market, its size and
• Give a detailed description of the and method of compensation.
locations.
business and its goals. • Discuss who will maintain your
• Explain how your products and
• Discuss ownership of the business accounting records and how they will
services will be advertised and
and its legal structure. be kept.
marketed.
• List the skills and experience you • Provide “what if” statements
• Explain your pricing strategy.
bring to the business. addressing alternative approaches to
• Discuss the advantages you and your Financial Management potential problems.
business have over competitors. • Develop an expected return on
investment and monthly cash flow for
Operations
• Explain how the business will be
the first year.
managed day-to-day.
• Discuss hiring and personnel
procedures.
• Discuss insurance, lease or rent
agreements, and issues pertinent to
your business.
• Account for the equipment necessary
to produce your goods or services.
• Account for production and delivery
of products and services.
Concluding Statement
Summarize your business goals
and objectives and express your
commitment to the success of your
business. Once you have completed
your business plan, review it with
a friend or business associate and
professional business counselor
like SCORE, WBC or SBDC
representatives, SBA district office
business development specialists
or veterans business development
specialists.
Remember, the business plan is a
flexible document that should change
as your business grows.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 15
CAPITAL
Financing Options to Start or Grow Your Business
The SBA guaranty reduces the
lender’s risk of borrower non-payment.
If the borrower defaults, the lender
can request SBA to pay the lender that
percentage of the outstanding balance
guaranteed by SBA. This allows the
lender to recover a portion from SBA of
what it lent if the borrower can’t make
the payments. The borrower is still
obligated for the full amount.
To qualify for an SBA loan, a small
business must meet the lender’s
criteria and the 7(a) requirements. In
addition, the lender must certify that it
would not provide this loan under the
M
proposed terms and conditions unless
it can obtain an SBA guaranty. If the
any entrepreneurs need resources will be needed to accomplish
SBA is going to provide a lender with
financial resources to start the desired business purpose including
a guaranty, the applicant must be
or expand a small business the associated costs, the applicants’ eligible and creditworthy and the loan
themselves and must contribution, use of loan proceeds, structured under conditions acceptable
combine what they have collateral, and, most important, an to SBA.
with other sources of financing. These explanation of how the business will
sources can include family and friends, be able to repay the loan in a timely Percentage of Guaranties and Loan
venture-capital financing, and business manner. Maximums
loans. The lender will analyze the The SBA only guarantees a portion of
This section of the Small Business application to see if it meets the lender’s any particular loan so each loan will also
Resource guide discusses SBA’s primary criteria and SBA’s requirements. SBA have an unguaranteed portion, giving
business loan and equity financing will look to the lender to do much, if not the lender a certain amount of exposure
programs. These are: the 7(a) Loan all, of the analysis before it provides and risk on each loan. The percentage
Program, the Certified Development its guaranty on the lender’s loan. In SBA guarantees depends on either the
Company or 504 Loan Program, the the case of microlenders SBA loans dollar amount or the program the lender
Microloan Program and the Small these intermediaries funds at favorable uses to obtain its guaranty. For loans of
Business Investment Company rates to re-lend to businesses with $150,000 or less the SBA may guaranty
Program. The distinguishing features financing needs up to $50,000. The as much as 85 percent and for loans
for these programs are the total dollar SBA’s business loan programs provide a over $150,000 the SBA can provide a
amounts that can be borrowed, the type key source of financing for viable small guaranty of up to 75 percent.
of lenders who can provide these loans, businesses that have real potential The maximum 7(a) loan amount
the uses for the loan proceeds, and the but cannot qualify for ong-term, stable is $5 million. (Loans made under
terms placed on the borrower. financing. the SBAExpress program, which is
Note: The SBA does not offer grants discussed later in this section, have a 50
to individual business owners to start or
grow a business. 7(a) LOAN PROGRAM percent guaranty.)
The 7(a) Loan program is the SBA’s Interest Rates and Fees
SBA BUSINESS LOANS primary business loan program. It
is the agency’s most frequently used
The actual interest rate for a 7(a)
loan guaranteed by SBA is negotiated
If you are contemplating a business non-disaster financial assistance between the applicant and lender and
loan, familiarize yourself with the program because of its flexibility in subject to SBA maximums. Both fixed
SBA’s business loan programs to see loan structure, variety of loan proceed and variable interest rate structures
if they may be a viable option. Keep uses, and availability. The program has are available. The maximum rate is
in mind the dollar amount you seek to broad eligibility requirements and credit comprised of two parts, a base rate and
borrow and how you want to use the criteria to accommodate a wide range of an allowable spread. There are three
loan proceeds. The three principal financing needs. acceptable base rates (Wall Street
players in most of these programs are The business loans that SBA Journal Prime*, London Interbank One
the applicant small business, the lender guarantees do not come from the Month Prime plus 3 percent, and an
and the SBA. SBA guarantees a portion agency, but rather from banks and other SBA Peg Rate). Lenders are allowed
of the loan (except for Microloans). approved lenders. The loans are funded to add an additional spread to the base
The business should have its business by these organizations, and they make rate to arrive at the final rate. For
plan prepared before it applies for a the decisions to approve or not approve loans with maturities of less than seven
loan. This plan should explain what the applicants’ requests. years, the maximum spread will be no
16 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
more than 2.25 percent. For loans with charge the borrower a prepayment fee involved in gambling and any illegal
maturities of seven years or more, the if the loan has a maturity of 15 or more activity.
maximum spread will be 2.75 percent. years and is pre-paid during the first The SBA also cannot loan guaranties
The spread on loans under $50,000 three years. to non-profit businesses, private clubs
and loans processed through Express that limit membership on a basis
procedures may be higher. Collateral other than capacity, businesses that
Loans guaranteed by SBA are The SBA expects every 7(a) loan to promote a religion, businesses owned by
assessed a guaranty fee. This fee is be fully secured, but the SBA will not individuals incarcerated or on probation
based on the loan’s maturity and the decline a request to guaranty a loan if or parole, municipalities, and situations
dollar amount guaranteed, not the the only unfavorable factor is insufficient where the business or its owners
total loan amount. The guaranty fee is collateral, provided all available previously failed to repay a federal loan
generally paid by the borrower and can collateral is offered. What these two or federally assisted financing.
be included in the loan proceeds. policies mean is that every SBA loan
On any loan with a maturity of one is to be secured by all available assets Use of Proceeds
year or less, the fee is just 0.25 percent (both business and personal) until the The third eligibility factor is use of
of the guaranteed portion of the loan. recovery value equals the loan amount proceeds. 7(a) proceeds can be used
On loans with maturities of more than or until all assets have been pledged to: purchase machinery; equipment;
one year, the normal guaranty fee is 2 to the extent that they are reasonably fixtures; supplies; make leasehold
percent of the SBA guaranteed portion available. Personal guaranties are improvements; as well as land and/or
on loans up to $150,000; 3 percent on required from all the principal owners of buildings that will be occupied by the
loans over $150,000 but not more than the business. Liens on personal assets of business borrower.
$700,000; and 3.5 percent on loans over the principals may be required. Proceeds can also be used to:
$700,000. There is also an additional • Expand or renovate facilities;
fee of 0.25 percent on any guaranteed Eligibility • Acquire machinery, equipment,
portion over $1 million. 7(a) loan eligibility is based on four furniture, fixtures and leasehold
* All references to the prime rate refer different factors. The first is size, as improvements;
to the base rate in effect on the first all loan recipients must be classified • Finance receivables and augment
working capital;
business day of the month the loan as “small” by SBA. The basic size
• Finance seasonal lines of credit;
application is received by SBA. standards are outlined below. A more • Acquire businesses;
in-depth listing of standards can be • Start up businesses;
7(a) Loan Maturities found at www.sba.gov/size. • Construct commercial buildings; and
SBA loan programs are generally • Refinance existing debt under certain
intended to encourage longer term small SBA Size Standards: conditions.
business financing, but actual loan • Manufacturing — from 500 to no more SBA 7(a) loan proceeds cannot be used
maturities are based on the ability to than 1,500 employees for the purpose of making investments.
repay, the purpose of the loan proceeds • Wholesaling — No more than 100
employees
SBA proceeds cannot be used to
and the useful life of the assets financed. provide funds to any of the owners
• Services — from $4.5 million to no
However, maximum loan maturities more than $35.5 million in average of the business except for ordinary
have been established: 25 years for real annual receipts compensation for actual services
estate; up to 10 years for equipment • Retailing — from $7 million to no more provided.
(depending on the useful life of the than $35.5 million in average annual
equipment); and generally up to seven receipts Miscellaneous Factors
years for working capital. Short-term • General construction — from $7 The fourth factor involves a variety
loans and revolving lines of credit are million to no more than $33.5 million of requirements such as SBA’s credit
also available through the SBA to help in average annual receipts
• Agriculture — from $750,000 to no
elsewhere test and utilization of
small businesses meet their short-term personal assets requirements, where the
more than $17.5 million in average
and cyclical working capital needs. annual receipts business and its principal owners must
There is also an alternate size use their own resources before getting a
Structure standard that is based on a net worth loan guaranteed by SBA. It also includes
Most 7(a) loans are repaid with ($15 million or less) and average net SBA’s anti-discrimination rules and
monthly payments of principal and income ($5 million or less). This new restrictions on lending to agricultural
interest. For fixed-rate loans the alternate makes more businesses eligible enterprises because there are other
payments stay the same, whereas for SBA loans and applies to all SBA agencies of the federal government with
for variable rate loans the lender can non-disaster loan programs. programs to fund such businesses.
re-establish the payment amount Generally, SBA loans must meet the
when the interest rates change or at Nature of Business following criteria:
other intervals, as negotiated with The second eligibility factor is based • Every loan must be for a sound
the borrower. Applicants can request business purpose;
CAPITAL
on the nature of the business and the
that the lender establish the loan with • There must be sufficient invested
process by which it generates income or equity in the business so it can operate
interest-only payments during the the customers it serves. The SBA has on a sound financial basis;
start-up and expansion phases (when general prohibitions against providing • There must be a potential for long-
eligible) to allow the business time to financial assistance to businesses term success;
generate income before it starts making involved in such activities as lending, • The owners must be of good character
full loan payments. Balloon payments speculating, passive investment, and reputation; and
or call provisions are not allowed on any • All loans must be so sound as to
pyramid sales, loan packaging, reasonably assure repayment.
7(a) loan. The lender may not charge a presenting live performances of a
prepayment penalty if the loan is paid For more information, go to
prurient sexual nature, businesses www.sba.gov/apply.
off before maturity, but the SBA will
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 17
What To Take To The Lender SPECIAL PURPOSE 7(a) LOAN
Documentation requirements may For the Standard, Certified and PROGRAMS
vary; contact your lender for the Preferred methods, the applicant The 7(a) program is the most flexible
information you must supply. fills out SBA Form 4, and the lender of SBA’s lending programs. The agency
Common requirements include the completes SBA Form 4-1. When has created several variations to the
following: requests for guarantees are processed basic 7(a) program to address the
• Purpose of the loan using Express or Advantage methods, particular financing need of certain
• History of the business the applicant uses more of the regular small businesses. These special purpose
• Financial statements for three years forms of the lender and just has a few programs are not necessarily for all
(existing businesses)
• Schedule of term debts (existing federal forms to complete. When SBA businesses but may be very useful
businesses) receives a request that is processed to some small businesses. They are
• Aging of accounts receivable and through Standard or Certified generally governed by the same rules,
payable (existing businesses) Lender Program procedures, it either regulations, fees, interest rates, etc. as
• Projected opening-day balance sheet reanalyzes or reviews the lender’s the regular 7(a) loan guaranty. Lenders
(new businesses) eligibility and credit analysis before can advise you of any variations.
• Lease details
• Amount of investment in the business
deciding to approve or reject. For
by the owner(s) requests processed through Preferred SBAExpress
• Projections of income, expenses and Lender Program or Express programs, The SBAExpress guaranty is available
cash flow as well as an explanation of the lender is delegated the authority to to lenders as a way to obtain a guaranty
the assumptions used to develop these make the credit decision without SBA’s on smaller loans up to $350,000.
projections concurrences, which helps expedite the The program authorizes selected,
• Personal financial statements on the processing time. experienced lenders to use mostly their
principal owners
• Resume(s) of the principal owners and In guaranteeing the loan, the SBA own forms, analysis and procedures
managers. assures the lender that, in the event the to process, service and liquidate SBA-
borrower does not repay the loan, the guaranteed loans. The SBA guarantees
How the 7(a) Program Works government will reimburse the lending up to 50 percent of an SBAExpress loan.
Applicants submit their loan institution for a portion of its loss. By Loans under $25,000 do not require
application to a lender for the initial providing this guaranty, the SBA is collateral. The use of loan proceeds is
review. The lender will generally able to help tens of thousands of small the same as for any basic 7(a) loan. Like
review the credit merits of the request businesses every year get financing most 7(a) loans, maturities are usually
before deciding if they will make the they might not otherwise obtain. five to seven years for working capital
loan themselves or if they will need an After SBA approval, the lender and up to 25 years for real estate or
SBA guaranty. If a guaranty is needed, is notified that its loan has been equipment. Revolving lines of credit are
the lender will also review eligibility. guaranteed. The lender then will allowed for a maximum of seven years.
The applicant should be prepared to work with the applicant to make sure
complete some additional documents the terms and conditions are met Bank of America
before the lender sends the request before closing the loan, disbursing the Contact: Small Business
for guaranty to the SBA. Applicants funds, and assuming responsibility Financial Solutions
who feel they need more help with the for collection and general servicing. 888-931-5626 Toll Free
process should contact their local SBA The borrower makes monthly loan
district office or one of SBA’s resource payments directly to the lender. As with
BBVA Compass Bank
partners for assistance. 17218 Preston Rd.
any loan, the borrower is responsible for Dallas, TX 75252
There are several ways a lender repaying the full amount of the loan in
can apply for a 7(a) guaranty from Contact: Helma Gentry
a timely manner. 972-735-3540 • 972-735-3598 Fax
SBA. The main differences between
these methods are related to the
documentation which the lender What the SBA Looks for: Borrego Springs Bank
• Ability to repay the loan on time from 14101 Panama City Beach Pkwy., Ste. 300
provides, the amount of review which Panama City Beach, FL 32413
the projected operating cash flow;
SBA conducts, the amount of the loan • Owners and operators who are of good Contact: Fred Crispen
and the lender responsibilities in case character; 866-644-0042 • 866-717-7718 Fax
the loan defaults and the business’ • Feasible business plan;
assets must be liquidated. The methods • Management expertise and Branch Banking & Trust Company
are commitment necessary for success; 5901-C Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste. 420
• Standard 7(a) Guaranty • Sufficient funds, including the SBA Atlanta, GA 30328
• Certified Lender Program guaranteed loan, to operate the Contact: Kass Phelps
• Preferred Lender Program business on a sound financial basis 770-901-3283 • 770-551-8781 Fax
• Rural Lender Advantage (for new businesses, this includes the
• SBA Express resources to meet start-up expenses CBC National Bank
• Patriot Express and the initial operating phase); 3010 Royal Blvd. S., Ste. 230
• Export Express • Adequate equity invested in the Alpharetta, GA 30022
• Small Loan Advantage business; and
Contact: Susan Battle
• Community Advantage • Sufficient collateral to secure the loan
404-455-8595 • 404-795-9051 Fax
or all available collateral if the loan
cannot be fully secured.
18 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
Center Bank First National Bank of Coffee County Newtek Small Business Finance Inc.
253 N. Western Ave. 420 S. Madison Ave. 1440 Broadway, 17th Fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90004 Douglas, GA 31534 New York, NY 10018
Contact: Sarah Bae Contact: Lee McLean Contact: Peter Downs
213-637-9624 • 213-427-6080 Fax 912-384-1100 • 912-384-2666 Fax 212-356-9510 ext. 10125
212-643-0340 Fax
Colony Bank Foster Bank
115 S. Grant St. 5725 State Bridge R., Ste. 104 The Private Bank & Trust Company
Fitzgerald, GA 31704 Johns Creek, GA 30022 3169 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste. 202
Contact: Andy Johnson Contact: Steve Han Norcross, GA 30071
229-426-6239 • 229-426-6074 Fax 770-451-1220 • 770-451-7725 Fax Contact: Claudia Wilson
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company 770-840-2616 • 770-840-2601 Fax
East West Bank 4 Sanctuary Blvd., Ste. 201
3490 Shallowford Rd. Mandeville, LA 70471 Quantum National Bank
Atlanta, GA 30341 Contact: Ron Coulonge 505 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Contact: David Bryan 985-898-3882 • 985-898-3914 Fax Suwanee, GA 30024
770-454-0428 • 770-986-0054 Fax Contact: Amy Amorose
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 770-945-8300 • 770-831-9546 Fax
Fifth Third Bank 595 Piedmont Ave., Ste. 300
3344 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 800 Atlanta, GA 30308 Queensboro National Bank & Trust
Atlanta, GA 30326 Contact: Lakesha Johnson 120 S. Zetterower Ave.
Contact: Derek Grayson 404-647-9443 • 866-310-4991 Fax Statesboro, GA 30458
404-279-4532 • 404-816-7350 Fax Contact: Bruce Avant
Metro City Bank 912-764-9719 • 912-489-2453 Fax
First Intercontinental Bank 5441 Buford Hwy., Ste. 109
5593 Buford Hwy. Doraville, GA 30340 RBC Bank
Doraville, GA 30340 Contact: Nack Peak 3815 Mansell Rd., Ste. 150
Contact: Jack Byun 770-455-4989 • 770-455-4988 Fax Alpharetta, GA 30022
770-407-1453 • 770-451-2053 Fax Nara Bank, National Association Contact: Amy Carson
3731 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1000 678-277-4582 • 678-277-4352 Fax
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Contact: Sylvester Kim
213-427-6347 • 213-406-8960 Fax
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 19
Regions Bank establish or expand a small business. low-interest-rate financing of up to $2
250 Riverchase Pkwy. E. Eligible military community members million when an owner or essential
Birmingham, AL 35244 include: employee is called to active duty through
Contact: Philip Hassler • Veterans; the Military Reservist Economic Injury
205-560-5210 • 205-560-8881 Fax • Service-disabled veterans; Disaster Loan program (MREIDL) to
• Active-duty servicemembers eligible help cover operating costs due to the
Shinhan Bank America for the military’s Transition Assistance
211-11 Northern Blvd. loss of an essential employee called to
Program;
Bayside, N.Y. 11361 active duty. For more information on our
• Reservists and National Guard
Contact: Tammi Wui members; MREIDLs, call 800-659-2955 or e-mail:
718-281-7825 • 718-224-2416 Fax • Current spouses of any of the above, disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
including any servicemember;
SunTrust Bank • The widowed spouse of a PATRIOT EXPRESS LENDERS
7818 Parham Rd., 3rd Fl. servicemember or veteran who died
Mail Code CS-RIC 4323 Bank of America, National Association
during service or of a service-connected Contact: Strategic Support Group
Richmond, VA 23294 disability.
Contact: Brian K. Smith 888-931-5626
804-270-8168 • 804-270-8552 Fax The Patriot Express loan is offered
by SBA’s nationwide network of Borrego Springs Bank
Synovus Bank private lenders and features the fastest 14101 Panama City Beach Pkwy., Ste. 300
1750 S. 14th St. turnaround time for loan approvals. Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Loans are available up to $500,000 and 866-644-0042 ext. 304
Contact: Vicki Beaudry qualify for SBA’s maximum guaranty of
904-277-5292 • 904-491-7263 Fax 85 percent for loans of $150,000 or less
Branch Banking and Trust Company
5901-C Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd., Ste. 420
and 75 percent for loans over $150,000
United Central Bank Atlanta, GA 30328
5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd. up to $500,000. For loans above 770-901-3283
Norcross, GA 30071 $350,000, lenders are required to accept
Contact: Ruby Lalani all available collateral. Center Bank
678-349-3200 • 678-349-3290 Fax The Patriot Express loan can be used 253 N. Western Ave.
for most business purposes, including Los Angeles, CA 90004
United Community Bank start-up, expansion, equipment 213-637-9624
P.O. Box 279
Cornelia, GA 30531 purchases, working capital, and East West Bank
Contact: Carol Clark inventory or business-occupied real- 3490 Shallowford Rd.
706-776-9025 • 706-778-9413 Fax estate purchases. Atlanta, GA 30341
Patriot Express loans feature SBA’s 770-454-0428
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association lowest interest rates for business loans,
1455 W. Lake St., Ste. 306 generally 2.25 percent to 4.75 percent Fifth Third Bank
Minneapolis, MN 55408 over prime depending upon the size 3344 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 800
Contact: Thomas Burke Atlanta, GA 30326
612-667-2753 • 866-932-1889 Fax
and maturity of the loan. Your local
404-279-4532
SBA district office will have a listing of
Wilshire State Bank Patriot Express lenders in your area. Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co.
3510 Shallowford Rd., Ste. 205 More information is available at 4 Sanctuary Blvd., Ste. 201
Atlanta, GA 30341 www.sba.gov/patriotexpress. Mandeville, LA 70471
Contact: Jong Goo Kim Self-employed Reserve or Guard 985-898-3882
678-349-8000 • 770-290-0187 Fax members with an existing SBA loan can
request from their SBA lender or SBA JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Patriot Express and Other Lending district office, loan payment deferrals, 595 Piedmont Ave., Ste. 300
Programs For Veterans Atlanta, GA 30308
interest rate reductions and other 404-647-9443
The Patriot Express pilot loan relief after they receive their activation
initiative is for veterans and members orders. The SBA also offers special Newtek Small Business Finance Inc.
of the military community wanting to 1442 Broadway
New York, N.Y. 10018
212-356-9510 ext. 10125
Private Bank of Buckhead
3565 Piedmont Rd., Bldg. 3, Ste. 210
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-264-7989
RBC Bank
3815 Mansell Rd., Ste. 150
• Faster, better search capabilities Alpharetta, GA 30022
• SBA Direct to customize your search 678-277-4582
• SBA Community for news and information Regions Bank
Go to SBA’s new website today, 250 Riverchase Pkwy. E.
featuring: Some pages may change URLs on the upgraded site. Please Birmingham, AL 35244
consult www.sba.gov or your local SBA district office for 205-560-5210
assistance.
20 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
Synovus Bank materials above normal usage for months. The guaranty can be reissued
1750 S. 14th St. seasonal inventory. for an additional 12 months through a
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 • The Builders Line Program provides new application process. The guaranty
904-277-5292 financing for small contractors or fee the SBA charges is 0.25 percent of
developers to construct or rehabilitate
the guaranteed amount of the loan for
SunTrust Bank residential or commercial property.
Mail code: CS-RIC 4323 • The Working Capital Line is a the initial 12 months. The borrower
7818 Parham Rd., 3rd Fl. revolving line of credit that provides negotiates the interest rate and all other
Richmond, VA 23294 short term working capital. fees with the lender. The program offers
804-270-8168 flexible terms, low fees and a quick
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
EXPORT ASSISTANCE processing time. For information, see
The SBA has several programs that
www.sba.gov/exportloans.
1455 W. Lake St., Ste. 306
Minneapolis, MN 55408 help existing small businesses wanting Eligibility of Exporter
612-667-2753 to export goods and services. A brief You must have a business operating
description of each can be found below. history of at least one year – not
Advantage Loans necessarily in exporting. The SBA may
In early 2011, SBA rolled out two Export Working Capital Program waive this requirement if you have
Advantage loan initiatives aimed The SBA’s Export Working Capital sufficient export trade experience or
at helping entrepreneurs and small program (EWCP) assists lenders in other managerial experience.
business owners in underserved meeting the needs of exporters seeking
communities gain access to capital. short-term export working capital. Eligibility of Foreign Buyers
Both offer a streamlined loan application This program enables U.S. exporters The foreign buyer must be a
process and the regular 7(a) loan to obtain loans to fund their direct creditworthy entity and the methods of
guarantee for loans under $250,000. export costs. The EWCP supports payment must be acceptable to the SBA
The Small Loan Advantage program single transactions or revolving lines and the export lender.
is available to lenders participating in of credit. The maximum dollar amount
of an export line of credit under this Use of EWCP Proceeds
the Preferred Lenders Program. SBA • To acquire inventory for export or to be
lenders who are not participating in the program is $5 million. SBA guarantees
up to 90 percent of a loan amount or used to manufacture goods for export.
Preferred Lenders Program can contact • To pay the manufacturing costs of
their local district office to apply. $ 4.5 million, whichever is less. Loan
goods for export.
The Community Advantage pilot maturities are generally for a term of 12
program opens up 7(a) lending to
mission-focused, community-based
lenders – such as Community
Development Financial Institutions
(CDFIs), Certified Development
Companies (CDCs), and microlenders
– who provide technical assistance
and economic development support in
underserved markets.
More information on both programs is
available at www.sba.gov/advantage.
CAPLines
The CAPLines program is designed
to help small businesses meet their
short-term and cyclical working
capital needs. The programs can
be used to finance seasonal working
capital needs; finance the direct costs
of performing certain construction,
service and supply contracts; finance the
direct cost associated with commercial
and residential construction; finance
operating capital; and consolidate
short-term debt. SBA provides up to
an 85 percent guarantee. There are
four distinct loan programs under the
CAPLine umbrella:
• The Contract Loan Program is
used to finance material, labor, and
overhead needs for a specific contract
or contracts.
• The Seasonal Line of Credit Program
is used to support buildup of inventory,
accounts receivable or labor and
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 21
property could have been refinanced
under regular 7(a).
Collateral Requirements
See pg. 17 for collateral requirements.
How to Apply
A small business exporter seeking a
guaranteed loan must apply to an SBA
participating lender. Call your local SBA
District Office for a list of participating
lenders.
Export Express
The Export Express program is
designed to help SBA meet the export
financing needs of small businesses. It
is subject to the same loan processing,
making, closing, servicing, and
liquidation requirements as well as the
same maturity terms, interest rates, and
applicable fees as for other SBA loans
except as noted below. The total Export
• To purchase goods or services for $5 million. The international trade Express loan cannot exceed $500,000.
export. loan provides an SBA guarantee up
• To support standby letters of credit SBA guarantees 90 percent for loans
to $ 4.5 million for a term loan used of $350,000 and under and 75 percent
related to export transactions. for the acquisition, construction,
• For pre-shipment working capital for loans greater than $350,000 up to
renovation, modernization, improvement the maximum of $500,000. SBA allows
directly related to export orders.
• For post-shipment foreign accounts or expansion of long-term fixed assets participating lenders to make their own
receivable financing. or the refinancing of an existing loan credit decisions. SBA provides a quick
used for these same purposes. It may processing time, less than 36 hours.
Ineligible Use of Proceeds also be used for working capital or in
• To support the applicant’s domestic conjunction with any SBA working Eligibility of Exporter
sales. capital loans, including the EWCP. The You must have a business operating
• To acquire fixed assets or capital goods SBA guaranty fee and interest rates are history of at least one year – not
for the applicant’s business. the same as for any standard 7(a) loans. necessarily in exporting. The SBA may
• To support a sale where the exporter is
not taking title to the goods. waive this requirement if you have
Eligibility of Exporter sufficient export trade experience or
• To acquire, equip, or rent commercial • Applicants must meet the same
space overseas. other managerial experience.
eligibility requirements for a 7(a) loan.
• To serve as a warranty letter of credit. • Applicant must establish that the loan
will significantly expand or develop
Eligibility of Foreign Buyers
Collateral Requirements an export market, or the applicant The foreign buyer must be a
• Collateral for the manufacturing sector has been adversely affected by import creditworthy entity and the methods of
typically consists of a first lien on all competition, and, in addition, the payment must be acceptable to the SBA
export-related inventory and export applicant must show that upgrading and the export lender.
related accounts receivable. equipment or facilities will improve its
• Collateral for the service sector competitive position. Use of Proceeds
typically consists of assignment of • If eligibility is based on entering or • Finance standby letters of credit used
proceeds of export-related contracts expanding export sales, the applicant for either bid or performance bonds;
or purchase orders and a first lien on must submit a one or two page • Finance export development activities
export-related accounts receivable. international business plan, including such as export marketing and
• Other collateral may be required. sufficient information to reasonably promotional activities, participation
support the likelihood of expanded in foreign trade shows, translation of
How to Apply export sales. product literature for foreign markets,
A small business exporter seeking a and other activities designed to initiate
guaranteed EWCP loan must apply to a Use of Proceeds or expand the applicant’s export of its
lender. • For facilities or equipment, including products/services from the U.S.;
purchasing land and building(s); • Provide transaction-specific financing
International Trade Loan Program building new facilities; renovating, for overseas orders;
improving, or expanding existing • Provide revolving lines of credit for
The SBA’s International Trade Loan
facilities; purchasing or reconditioning export purposes, the terms of which
program (ITL) helps small businesses must not exceed seven years. In
machinery, equipment and fixtures;
engaged or preparing to engage in and making other improvements that some instances, as a normal course
international trade as well as small will be used within the United States of business, the borrower may use
businesses adversely affected by for producing goods or services. portions of revolving lines of credit for
competition from imports. This program • Refinancing a facility/building is also domestic purposes, but no less than 70
allows for a maximum loan amount of permissible if the original loan on the percent of the revolving line to be used
22 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
for export related purposes;
• Provide term loans and other financing
U.S. Export Assistance Center CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT
to enable small business concerns,
(USEAC)
U.S. Export Assistance Centers are
COMPANY LOAN PROGRAM
including small business export
trading companies to develop foreign a network of facilities around the U.S. (504 LOANS)
markets; and staffed by SBA, U.S. Department of The 504 Loan program is an economic
• Acquire, construct, renovate, Commerce and the Export-Import Bank development program that supports
modernize, improve or expand of the U.S. to provide trade promotion American small business growth and
production facilities or equipment to be and export-finance assistance for small helps communities through business
used in the U.S. in the production of businesses in a single location. The expansion and job creation. This SBA
goods or services to be exported from USEACs also work closely with other program provides long-term, fixed-
the U.S. federal, state and local international rate, subordinate mortgage financing
trade organizations. To find the nearest for acquisition and/or renovation of
Ineligible Use of Proceeds USEAC, go to www.export.gov/eac. capital assets including land, buildings
Proceeds may not be used to finance and equipment. Some refinancing is
overseas operations, other than those U.S. Export Assistance Center also permitted. Most for-profit small
strictly associated with the marketing George Tracy, Director businesses are eligible for this program.
and/or distribution of products/services 75 Fifth St. N.W., Ste. 1055 The types of businesses excluded from
exported from the U.S. Atlanta, GA 30308 7(a) loans (listed previously) are also
404-897-6089 excluded from the 504 loan program.
How to Apply www.sba.gov/international Loans are provided through Certified
The application process is the same for Development Companies. CDCs work
the SBAExpress, except the applicant Savannah Export Assistance Center with banks and other lenders to make
Todd Gerken, Director
must demonstrate that loan proceeds loans in first position on reasonable
111 E. Liberty St., Rm. 202
will enable it to enter a new export Savannah, GA 31401 terms, helping lenders retain growing
market or expand an existing export 912-652-4204 • 912-652-4241 Fax customers and provide Community
market. The applicant must submit to Redevelopment Act credit.
the lender a plan that includes projected The SBA 504 loan is distinguished
export sales for the upcoming year as from the SBA 7(a) loan program in these
well as the dollar volume of export sales ways:
for the previous year.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 23
• Fixed interest rate on SBA loan. SBA Georgia Certified Development
guarantees the debenture 100 percent. Corporation
Debentures are sold in pools monthly Contact: Tony Christopher
to private investors. This low, fixed 950 E. Paces Ferry Rd. N.E.,
rate is then passed on to the borrower Ste. 3250, One Atlanta Plaza
and establishes the basis for the loan Atlanta, GA 30326
rate. 404-442-2480
• All project-related costs can be
financed, including acquisition (land Georgia Resource Capital, Inc.
and building, land and construction of Contact: Nancy Musselwhite
building, renovations, machinery and 2000 First Dr., Ste. 220
equipment) and soft costs, such as title Marietta, GA 30062
insurance and appraisals. Some closing 678-560-2656
costs may be financed.
• Collateral is typically a subordinate Georgia Small Business Capital
lien on the assets financed; allows Contact: Deborah Possick-Herron
other assets to be free of liens and 4500 Hugh Howell Rd., Ste. 640
available to secure other needed Tucker, GA 30084
financing. 404-373-8601
• Long-term real estate loans are up to
20-year term, heavy equipment 10- or Georgia Small Business Lender Inc.
The maximum debenture, or long-term 20-year term and are self-amortizing. Contact: Clayton Black
loan, is: Businesses that receive 504 loans are: 175 Emery Hwy., Ste. C
• $5 million for businesses that create a • Small — net worth under $15 million, Macon, GA 31217
certain number of jobs or improve the net profit after taxes under $5 million, 478-751-6160
local economy; or meet other SBA size standards.
• $5 million for businesses that meet a • Organized for-profit. North Georgia Certified Development
specific public policy goal, including • Most types of business — retail, Corporation
veterans; and service, wholesale or manufacturing. Contact: Dan Penland
• $5.5 million for manufacturers and 503 W. Waugh St.
The SBA’s 504 certified development Dalton, GA 30720
energy public policy projects.
companies serve their communities by 706-272-2300
Recent additions to the program allow financing business expansion needs.
$5.5 million for each project that reduces Their professional staffs work directly Small Business Access Partners Inc.
the borrower’s energy consumption by with borrowers to tailor a financing Contact: Lorra Lee
at least 10 percent; and $5.5 million for package that meets program guidelines 460 S. Enota Dr.
each project that generates renewable and the credit capacity of the borrower’s Gainesville, GA 30503
energy fuels, such as biodiesel or ethanol 770-536-7839
business. For information, visit
production. Projects eligible for up to www.sba.gov/504. Small Business Assistance Corporation
$5.5 million under one of these two Contact: Tony O’Reilly
requirements do not have to meet the The following CDCs serve Georgia: 111 E. Liberty St., Ste. 100
job creation or retention requirement, so Savannah, GA 31402
long as the CDC portfolio average is at *Capital Partners Certified Development 912-232-4700
Company
least $65,000. Contact: Tracy Adams
• Eligible project costs are limited Southern Georgia Area Development
6445 Powers Ferry Rd., Ste. 210 Corporation
to long-term, fixed assets such as Atlanta, GA 30339
land and building (occupied by the
Contact: John T. Holcombe Jr.
404-475-6019 327 W. Savannah Ave.
borrower) and substantial machinery
Valdosta, GA 31601
and equipment. Working capital is not *Coastal Area District Development 229-333-5277
an eligible use of proceeds. Authority
• Most borrowers are required to make Contact: Andrew Standard *Accredited Lender Program (ALP)
an injection (borrower contribution) 501 Gloucester St., Ste. 201
of just 10 percent which allows
the business to conserve valuable
Brunswick, GA 31520
912-261-2500 MICROLOAN PROGRAM
operating capital. A further injection The Microloan program provides
of 5 percent is needed if the business *CSRA Business Lending
is a start-up or new (less than 2
small loans ranging from under $500
Contact: Randy Griffin to $50,000 to women, low-income,
years old), and a further injection of 5 3023 Riverwatch Pkwy., Ste. A
percent is also required if the primary Augusta, GA 30907 minority, veteran, and other small
collateral will be a single purpose 706-210-2010 business owners through a network
building. of approximately 160 intermediaries
• Two-tiered project financing: A lender Economic Development nationwide. Under this program, the
finances approximately 50 percent of Corporation of Fulton County SBA makes funds available to nonprofit
the project cost and receives a first Contact: Robert J. Shaw
lien on the project assets (but no SBA intermediaries that, in turn, make the
5534 Old National Hwy., Bldg. H, Ste. 300
guaranty); A CDC (backed by a 100 College Park GA 30349
small loans directly to entrepreneurs,
percent SBA-guaranteed debenture) 404-836-7731 including veterans. Proceeds can be
finances up to 40 percent of the project used for typical business purposes such
costs secured with a junior lien. The as working capital, or the purchase of
borrower provides the balance of the furniture, fixtures, machinery, supplies,
project costs.
24 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
equipment, and inventory. Microloans DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation These are SBICs in Georgia:
may not be used for the purchase of real (DEBCO)
estate. Interest rates are negotiated 250 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 415 EGL/Nat West Equity Partners USA
between the borrower and the Decatur, GA 30030 Salvatore Massaro, Manager
Contact: Charles Blackmon 3495 Piedmont Rd., Bldg. 11, Ste. 412
intermediary. The maximum term for a 404-378-1899 • www.debco.org Atlanta, GA 30305
microloan is 7 years. DEBCO serves these counties in metro 404-949-8303
The program also provides business Atlanta. They are DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb,
based training and technical assistance Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Peachtree II, L.P.
to microborrowers and potential Newton and Rockdale. Matt Sullivan, Partner
microborrowers to help them be 1230 Peachtree St., Ste. 1900
Small Business Assistance Corporation Atlanta, GA 30309
successful at starting or growing their 111 E. Liberty St., Ste. 100 404-870-8904
businesses. Such training and technical Savannah, GA 31401
assistance may include general business Contact: Tony O’Reilly Salem Halifax Capital Partners, L.P.
education, assistance with business 912-232-4700 • www.sbacsav.com Spalding White, Partner
planning industry-specific training, SBAC serves these counties in southeast 2849 Paces Ferry Rd., Ste. 660
and other types of training support. Georgia: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Atlanta, GA 30339
Berrien, Brantley, Bleckley, Bryan, Brooks, 770-790-5034
Entrepreneurs and small business
Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Chatham,
owners interested in small amounts Charlton, Clinch, Cook, Coffee, Evans, Echols, White Oak SBIC Fund, L.P.
of business financing should contact Emanuel, Effingham, Dodge, Glascock, Glynn, Christopher Melton, Managing Director
the nearest SBA District Office for Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, 600 Galleria Pkwy., Ste. 1400
information about the nearest Microloan Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Atlanta, GA 30339
Program Intermediary Lender or go to McIntosh, Montgomery, Pierce, Pulaski, 404-875-9994
Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Tift,
www.sba.gov/ microloans.
SMALL BUSINESS
Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Washington,
Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox and Wilkinson.
Albany Community Together, Inc. (ACT)
230 S. Jackson St., Ste. 154 Atlanta Micro Fund INNOVATION RESEARCH
PROGRAM
Albany, GA 31701 100 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E.
Contact: Thelma Adams Johnson Lang Carson Community Center
229-420-4600 • 229-420-8311 Fax Atlanta, GA 30316 The Small Business Innovation
www.albanycommunitytogether.com Contact: Marvin Bryant Research (SBIR) program encourages
ACT serves southwest Georgia in the 678-539-6900 • 404-221-0616 Fax small businesses to advance their
following counties: Baker, Bibb, Calhoun, AMF serves the following counties in metro technical potential from funds
Chattahoochee, Clay, Colquitt, Crawford, Atlanta: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb,
Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Dougherty, Early,
committed by federal agencies with large
Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton extramural research and development
Grady, Harris, Houston, Lee, Macon, Marion, and Rockdale.
Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Muscogee, budgets. The SBIR program serves
Peach, Pike, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, to fund the critical startup and
Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor,
Terrell, Thomas, Troup, Upson, Webster and
SMALL BUSINESS development stages for a technology and
encourages commercialization of the
Worth. INVESTMENT COMPANY technology, product or service. In turn,
PROGRAM
this stimulates the U.S. economy.
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs
(ACE) There are a variety of alternatives to SBIR Requirements
3173 Hwy. 129 N. bank financing for small businesses. The Small businesses must meet the
Cleveland, GA 30528 Small Business Investment Company following eligibility criteria to participate
Contact: Grace Fricks
(SBIC) program fills the gap between in the SBIR program.
706-348-6609 • www.aceloans.org
ACE serves the following counties in North the availability of private capital and • Be 51 percent owned and controlled by
Georgia: Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Bartow, the needs of small businesses for growth one or more individuals who are U.S.
Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, capital. Licensed and regulated by the citizens or permanent resident aliens
Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, SBA, SBICs are privately owned and in the U.S. or be a for-profit business
Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Elbert, managed investment funds that make concern that is at least 51 percent
Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, capital available to qualifying U.S. owned and controlled by another
Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, small businesses at attractive rates. for-profit business concern that is at
Habersham, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Hart, The funds raise private capital and least 51 percent owned and controlled
Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jones, Jasper, Lamar, can receive SBA-guaranteed leverage by one or more individuals who are
Lincoln, Lumpkin, Madison, McDuffie, citizens of, or permanent resident
up to 3x private capital paid-in, with
Monroe, Morgan, Murray, Newton, Oconee, aliens in, the U.S.
a leverage ceiling of $150 million per
Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Putnam, • Be for-profit.
SBIC and $225 million for two or more • Principal researcher must be employed
Rabun, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding,
licenses under common control. Licensed by the small business.
Stephens, Taliaferro, Towns, Union, Walker,
Walton, Warren, White, Whitfield and SBICs are for-profit investment firms • Company size cannot exceed 500
Wilkes. whose incentive is to share in the employees.
success of a small business. The SBIC For more information on the SBIR
program provides funding for a broad Program visit www.sba.gov/sbir.
range of industries. Some SBICs invest
in a particular field or industry while
others invest more generally. For more
information, visit www.sba.gov/inv.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 25
Participating Agencies • Nonprofit college or university. These Georgia-based firms issue
Each year, the following eleven • Domestic nonprofit research SBA-backed surety bonds in the state:
federal departments and agencies are organization.
required to reserve 2.5 percent of their • Federally funded R&D center. National Surety Services, Inc.
extramural R&D funds for award to 1534 Dunwoody Village Pkwy., Ste. 220
small businesses through the SBIR Participating Agencies Atlanta, GA 30338
Each year the following five Federal 800-953-6699 • 770-394-6888 Fax
program: Departments of Agriculture;
departments and agencies are required Contact: Tony DiGeronimo
Commerce; Defense; Education; Energy; tony@nationalsurety.com
Health and Human Services; Homeland by STTR to reserve 0.3 percent of their
Security; Transportation; Environmental extramural R&D funds for award to The Surety Group
Protection Agency; National Aeronautics small business/nonprofit research 1900 Emery St., Ste. 120
and Space Administration; and National institution partnerships: Department Atlanta, GA 30318
Science Foundation. of Defense; Department of Energy; 800-486-8211 • 404-351-3237 Fax
Department of Health and Human Contact: Sam H. Newberry
SMALL BUSINESS Services; National Aeronautics and snewberry@suretygroup.com
Space Administration; and National
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER Science Foundation. Financial Surety Underwriter, LLC
4956 Sugar Pike Rd.
PROGRAM SURETY BOND GUARANTEE
Canton, GA 30115
678-297-5566 • 678-297-0179 Fax
The Small Business Technology Contact: Cyra B. Peterson
Transfer (STTR) program reserves PROGRAM cypeterson@financialsurety.com
a specific percentage of federal R&D The Surety Bond Guarantee program
funding for award to small business and Graham Naylor Agency
is a public-private partnership between 1355 Terrell Mill Rd., Bldg. 1464
non-profit research institution partners. the federal government and surety Marietta, GA 30067
Central to the program is expansion of companies to provide small businesses 770-952-1096 • 770-988-8347 Fax
the public/private sector partnership to with the bonding assistance necessary Contact: John Earl
include the joint venture opportunities for them to compete for public and johne@grahamnaylor.com
for small business and the nation’s private contracting and subcontracting
premier nonprofit research institutions. opportunities. The guarantee provides Nielson, Ward, Gann & Associates
Small business has long been where all incentive for sureties to bond small 119 Maple St., Ste. 220
innovation and innovators thrive, but businesses that would otherwise be Carrollton, GA 30117
the risk and expense of conducting unable to obtain bonding. The program 770-830-7775 • 770-830-8568 Fax
is aimed at small businesses that lack Contact: Edward T. Ward
serious R&D efforts can be beyond eward@nielsonbonds.com
the means of many small businesses. the working capital or performance
Non-profit research laboratories track record necessary to secure bonding
J.B. Myers & Associates, Inc.
are also instrumental in developing on a reasonable basis through regular 256 Elsberry Mountain Rd.
high-tech innovations, but frequently commercial channels. Dallas, GA 30132
Through this program, the SBA 770-505-6553 • 770-454-0132 Fax
innovation is confined to the theoretical.
guarantees bid, payment, performance Contact: J. Benson Myers
STTR combines the strengths of both
and ancillary bonds issued by surety webuildsolutions@comcast.net
entities by introducing entrepreneurial companies for individual contracts and
skills to high-tech research efforts. subcontracts up to $2 million. The HCC Surety Group
The technologies and products are SBA reimburses sureties between 70 225 Town Park Dr., Ste. 145
transferred from the laboratory to the and 90 percent of losses sustained if a Kennesaw, GA 30144
marketplace. The small business profits contractor defaults on the contract. 770-514-1221 • 770-514-1301 Fax
from the commercialization, which, in The SBA has two program options Contact: Bob Love, ext. 1804
turn, stimulates the U.S. economy. available, the Prior Approval Program rlove@hccsurety.com
(Plan A) and the Preferred Surety Bond
STTR Requirements Contract Bond Source, Inc.
Program (Plan B). In the Prior Approval 5360 Gum Creek Ct.
Small businesses must meet the Program, SBA guarantees 90 percent Loganville, GA 30052
following eligibility criteria to participate of surety’s paid losses and expenses on 770-788-2897 • 770-788-2369 Fax
in the STTR program. bonded contracts up to $100,000, and on Contact: Jane Worth
• Be 51 percent owned and controlled by bonded contracts greater than $100,000 jeworth@bellsouth.net
one or more individuals who are U.S. that are awarded to socially and
citizens or permanent resident aliens economically disadvantaged concerns, BDH Associates Inc.
in the U.S. HUBZone contractors, and veterans, and 4572 Lawrenceville Hwy., Ste. 201
• Be for-profit. service-disabled veteran owned small Lilburn, GA 30047
• Principal researcher need not be businesses. All other bonds guaranteed 770-564-2999
employed by the small business. in the Plan A Program receive an 80 Contact: Mark Kirch
• Company size cannot exceed 500 percent guarantee. Sureties must obtain mark@BDHAssociates.com
employees. (No size limit for nonprofit
SBA’s prior approval for each bond
research institution). For other bond agencies licensed in
guarantee issued. Under Plan B, SBA
The nonprofit research institution guarantees 70 percent, but sureties may Georgia, go to: www.sba.gov/osg.
partner must also meet certain issue, monitor and service bonds without
eligibility criteria: SBA’s prior approval.
• Be located in the United States and be
one of the following:
26 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
U.S. Small Business Administration Loan Programs, Page A
Information accurate as of 12/01/2011 • All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.
7(a) Loan Program
Program Maximum Use of Maximum Who Qualifies Benefit to
Amount Proceeds Maturity Interest Rate Structure Borrowers
Standard 7(a): $5 million to any Expansion/renovation; Depends on use of SBA sets a Term loan with one Must be for-profit Business able to
Applicant applies one business, new construction, proceeds and ability maximum rate payment of principal and meet SBA size obtain financing which
for business loan including affiliates purchase land or to repay. Generally for both variable and interest (P&I) standards; show otherwise would not be
to lender; Lender buildings; purchase working capital and and fixed rate each month. Interest good character, provided due to term,
applies to SBA equipment, machinery & loans (discuss variable or fixed credit, management, collateral, equity, and/or
for guaranty of fixtures, lease-hold equipment loans with lender or as negotiated with and ability to repay; time in business. Fixed
their proposed improvements; have 5-10 years; local SBA District lender. Cannot be must be an eligible maturity; No balloons;
loan if they working capital; real estate is up Office for current revolving. SBA type of business, No prepayment penalty
determine it is inventory, business to 25 years. Term information). charges a Guaranty use proceeds for if maturity under 15
necessary. Loan acquisition, start-ups negotiated with Fee ** eligible purpose, and years. Establish or
from lender, not and refinancing under lender. demonstrate that re-affirm business
SBA. certain conditions credit is not otherwise relationship with a
(discuss with lender). available. lender.
International Same as Acquire, renovate, Same as Same as Same as Standard Same as Standard Same as Standard
Trade: Long term Standard 7(a). modernize facilities Standard 7(a). Standard 7(a). 7(a). Maximum SBA 7(a) plus businesses 7(a) plus long-term
financing to help or equipment used in guaranty amount for must be engaged or financing for fixed
businesses making products or working capital is $4 preparing to engage assets used
engaged in services to be exported, million. in international to produce products
exporting or plus permanent working trade or adversely or services for export.
adversely capital and refinance affected by
impacted by debt not structured with competition from
imports. reasonable terms. imports.
Export Working Same as Short-term, Generally one year, Established Short term revolving Same as Standard Same as Standard
Capital Program: Standard 7(a). working-capital for but can be up to by lender. No line of credit based 7(a) plus must 7(a) plus provides
Single transaction exporters. Can be 3 years to match SBA established on borrowing have been in working capital to
or Revolving single transaction or a single transaction maximums. base or export business for at American Exporters
Working Capital revolving. Standby cycle. purchase orders. least one year and to perform on export
lines of credit for Letters of Credit for Monthly interest preparing to engage transactions and/
exporters. export purposes. payments; principal in or increase or finance export
payments based on international trade. receivables. Ability to
collection of foreign finance standby letters
receivables. of credit for export
purposes.
CAPLines: Same as Finances: seasonal Up to 10 years. Same as Revolving line of Same as Standard Same as Standard 7(a)
Four different Standard 7(a). working capital needs, Standard 7(a). credit with monthly 7(a) plus a plus provides revolving
Revolving Lines direct cost to interest and business that needs working capital not
of Credit, perform assignable principal payments the specialized otherwise available
a/k/a Seasonal, contracts, construction based on when the proceeds this to perform on an
Contract Builders, costs of structure for business receives program offers. assignable contract, to
Working Capital resale, or advances the cash for doing cover seasonal needs,
against existing the activity the loan to build or renovate
inventory and proceeds financed. personal or commercial
receivables. space, and to obtain
funds against existing
current assets. Also
structured to meet
business needs.
SBAExpress: $350,000. Same as a Standard Same as Standard Loans $350,000 Same as Standard Same as Same as Standard
Lender approves 7(a) or may be used 7(a) for term loans, or less: 7(a) except lender Standard 7(a). 7(a) plus Streamlined
the loan. for a revolving working Revolving lines of Prime + 6.5%. has more leeway to process; Easy-to-use
capital line of credit. credit up to 7 years. structure repayment line of credit and allows
Loans over under their own for a revolving feature
$50,000: rules. which Standard 7(a)
Prime + 4.5%. does not.
** The SBA charges the lender a guaranty fee based on the loan’s maturity and the dollar amount which is initially guaranteed.
The lender can pass this expense to the borrower and loan proceeds can be used to reimburse the lender.
The following chart explains the Agency’s guaranty fee charges
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 27
U.S. Small Business Administration Loan Programs, Page B Information accurate as of 12/01/2011
7(a) Loans, continued
Maximum Use of Maximum Benefit to
Program Amount Proceeds Maturity Interest Rate Structure Who Qualifies Borrowers
Export Express: $500,000. Same as SBA Express Same as Same as Same as Same as SBA Same as SBA
Lender approves plus can be used SBA Express. SBA Express. SBA Express. express plus loan Express plus provides
the loan. for Standby Letters proceeds must be lenders with a higher
of Credit for Export used to support percentage guaranty
Purposes. Debt export development which can encourage
Refinance is not activity. them to make more
allowed. loans to finance export
development activities
of small businesses.
Standby Letters
of Credit are also
authorized.
Patriot Express: $500,000. Same as Same as Same as Same as Same as Standard Same as SBA
Lender approves Standard 7(a). Standard 7(a). Standard 7(a). SBA Express. 7(a) plus must be Express plus provides
the loan. owned & controlled lenders with a higher
by one or more of percentage of guaranty
the following groups which can encourage
equaling at least them to make more
51% total ownership: loans to qualified
veteran, active-duty businesses.
military, reservist
or National Guard
member or spouse of
any of these groups,
or widowed spouse
of service member
or veteran who died
during service or of
service connected
disability.
Community $250,000. Same as Standard 7(a) Same as Same as Allows mission- Loan eligibility Borrowers in
Advantage: except cannot be used Standard 7(a). Standard 7(a) oriented lenders requirements are underserved markets
Alternative to refinance loans except allowable focused on same as for get more choices on
Lenders assisting made by or guaranteed “Spread” is + 4% economic Standard 7(a) loans, the types of lenders
businesses by the Dept. of over the base development but the business who can provide
located in areas Agriculture or loans rate. in underserved should be located them financing if their
with high needs. by SBA Micro-Lenders markets to apply for in an underserved financing needs an
using their SBA 7(a) guaranty on market . SBA guaranty and the
intermediary loan. loan they propose to technical assistance
make to an eligible needs of the applicant
small business. are assessed by the
lender.
Non 7(a) Loans
504 Loans: SBA portion up to For the acquisition of Either 10 or 20 year Check with local Financing from For profit businesses Fees under 3 percent;
Fixed Asset $5.0 million. long-term fixed-assets, term on the SBA/ SBA District 1. The CDC that do not exceed long-term fixed rate;
Project Financing refinancing long term CDC portion. Office for current Certified $15.0 million in low down payment;
provided from fixed asset debt under information. Development tangible net worth full amortization; no
three sources. certain conditions, and Company and do not have an balloons.
working capital on a 2. Third Party average net income
limited basis. Lenders over $5 million for the
3. Applicant past 2 years.
Micro-Loans $50,000 total Furniture, fixtures, Shortest term Check with local Loans through Same as 7(a) – plus Direct loans from
to one small supplies, inventory, possible, not to SBA District Office non- profit lending loans can be made nonprofit intermediary
business equipment, and exceed 6 years. for locations of organizations; to non-profit day lenders; Fixed-rate
borrower. working capital. locally available technical assistance care businesses. financing; Very
intermediary also provided. small loan amounts;
lenders and then Technical assistance
check with them. available.
Gross Size of Loan Fees Notes
7(a) Guaranty Loans of $150,000 or less (See Note 1)........................ ........2% of guaranteed portion, Lender is authorized to retain..............Maturities that exceed 12 months
$150,001 to $700,000 ...................................................... ......3% of guaranteed portion.................................................................Maturities that exceed 12 months
Fee Reference $700,001 to $5,000,000 (See Note 2) ............................ ......3.5% of guaranteed portion up to $1,000,000 PLUS 3.75% of.....Maturities that exceed 12 months
Chart the guaranteed portion over $1,000,000
Short Term Loans – up to $5 million ......................................0.25% of the guaranteed portion .....................................................Maturities of 12 months or less
NOTE 1: The guaranty fee on a $100,000 loan with an 85% guaranty would be 2% of $85,000 or $1,700, of which the lender would retain $425.
NOTE 2: The guaranty fee on a $2,000,000 loan with a 75% guaranty ($1.5 million guaranteed portion) would be, 3.5% of $1,000,000 ($35,000) PLUS 3.75% of $500,000 ($18,750), for a total of $53,750
28 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
MEET THE SBA 100
The Small Business Administration provides small The SBA 100 isn’t just businesses that have received
businesses with the tools and the resources they SBA loans. In 1985, Qualcomm was a small
need to grow and create jobs. This includes access to company proving R&D to the federal government,
capital, opportunities in government contracting, and but not for long. In 1989, the company received
counseling and training—otherwise known as the funding from the Small Business Innovation
“Three C’s” of capital, contracting, and counseling. Research (SBIR) program to hire engineers and begin
Since its inception in 1953, the SBA has used the developing microchips. This funding gave them
Three C’s to help millions of businesses, from shops the freedom to innovate, explore, and transition
on Main Street to high-growth, high-impact firms. from contract research to consumer applications. In
twenty years, Qualcomm has gone from 35 people
In August, the SBA announced the SBA 100. These to a global workforce of 16,000 employees. The chip
one hundred businesses all used SBA products department initially funded by the SBIR program
to grow, and since then, each one has created at now makes up two-thirds of the company’s revenue.
least one hundred jobs—no small feat for a small
business. You can find them at www.sba.gov/100. There are also businesses that have benefited
from SBA’s support for small business contracting.
The SBA 100 is a cross section of the diverse array Missouri’s World Wide Technology (WWT) enrolled
of businesses that stand to benefit from SBA in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program in
products. Some of the businesses in the SBA 100 1992. The 8(a) program gave the company the
have grown to become household names. Others tools it needed to compete for and win government
may not be familiar, but they are still cornerstones contracts. Now, WWT has over 1,300 employees in
of their communities and drivers of job creation. 48 states and six countries, and its sales exceed
There are businesses in a variety of industries, $68 million.
from construction, to food and beverage, to
manufacturing. There are Main Street businesses— The fact is, the SBA has something to offer, no
the shops and restaurants that we visit every day—as matter what kind of support you need or what kind
well as high-growth, high-impact firms that are of business you own. Whether you’re just starting
transforming our economy. Each business received out, or you have been in business for decades, the
SBA support, in the form of capital, contracting, or SBA can help you take your business to the next
counseling, before going on to create at least 100 level. If you own a restaurant on Main Street, you
jobs. can get a loan to expand. If you own a high-growth
firm, you can get the investment capital you need. If
A few businesses in the SBA 100 worked with you are looking to get into government contracting,
the SBA decades ago. For example, Columbia SBA can help you get started. And for every
Sportswear used an SBA loan in 1970 to increase business, SBA counselors are standing by to help you
its production capacity. At the time, it had forty along the way.
employees. Today Columbia Sportswear has over
3,000 employees, and generates over $1 billion This Resource Guide is a great place to learn
dollars in revenue. Hard work and a little help from more. In here, you can find details on all of SBA’s
the SBA has made Columbia Sportswear into a programs, from loans and capital, to contracting and
global leader in outdoor apparel. counseling. You can also find SBA online at
www.sba.gov. SBA recently revamped its website,
Meanwhile, one of the youngest companies in the making the information and resources you need
SBA 100 is the Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing, in much easier to find. Meanwhile, the SBA online
Richmond, Virginia. Owner Kevin Healy got an SBA Community, which you can find at
FEATURE
7(a) loan in 2009 to renovate an old power plant on community.sba.gov, puts the advice of thousands
the James River to open up his second restaurant. of small business owners like you at your fingertips.
He said the process was “quick, easy and painless You can also visit www.sba.gov/direct to find your
and approximately done within 60 days.” His SBA district office or local resource partner.
business has been growing steadily for the past two
years, and the Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing now Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you soon.
employs over 100 people.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 29
CONTRACTING
Applying for Government Contracts
from at least two responsible small
businesses, and if awards will be made
at fair market prices, the acquisition
is reserved for exclusively for small
business. Reasonable expectations of
small business competition may be
evaluated using past acquisition history
of an item or similar items.
There are several exceptions and
unique rules for specific kinds of small
businesses and industries. For R&D
small business set-asides, there must be
reasonable expectation of obtaining from
The U.S. government is the largest The business with the best proposal in
small businesses the best scientific and
single purchaser of goods and services terms of technical content, price and
technological sources consistent with the
in the world, buying everything from other factors generally wins the contract.
demands of the proposed acquisition.
armored tanks to paper clips. Every
Types of Contracts For small business set-asides other
year, the federal government awards
Firm fixed price contracts place the than for construction services, any
more than $500 billion in contracts, and
responsibility for the costs and risk of business proposing to furnish a product
a significant share of those contracts are
loss on the contractor. Firm fixed price that it did not itself manufacture must
specifically allotted to small businesses.
contracts do not permit any adjustment furnish the product of a small business
The SBA works with agencies
on the basis of the contractor’s costs manufacturer unless the SBA has
to award at least 23 percent of all granted either a waiver or exception to
prime government contracts to small during the performance of the contract.
This type of contract is used in all sealed this requirement. In industries where
businesses, with specific statutory goals the SBA finds that there are no small
for small disadvantaged businesses, bid and some negotiated procurements.
Cost reimbursement contracts provide business manufacturers, it may issue
businesses that are women-owned a waiver to the non-manufacturer rule.
or service-disabled veteran-owned, for the payment of allowable costs
incurred by the contractor, to the extent Waivers permit small businesses to
or businesses that are located in provide any domestic firm’s product.
historically underutilized business zones stated in the contract. The contract
(HUBZone). establishes a ceiling price, above which
a contractor may not exceed without the
Subcontracting
The agency ensures that small Subcontracting opportunities are
businesses have access to long-lasting approval of the contracting officer. Cost
a great resource for small businesses,
development opportunities, which reimbursement contracts are used in
especially to those not ready to bid as
means working with small businesses research contracts that have commercial
prime contractors. Experience gained
to help them stay competitive, as applicability.
from subcontracting with a federal
well as encouraging federal agencies Some contracts do not fit neatly
prime contractor can better prepare
to award more contracts to small into these two categories, such as
businesses to bid for prime contracts.
businesses. The SBA features outreach time and material contracts (prices for
Current regulations stipulate for
programs, matchmaking events, and hourly wages are fixed but the hours
contracts offering subcontracting
online training opportunities; and helps are estimated) and letter contracts
opportunities over $650,000 for goods
agencies identify opportunities for small (authorizes a contractor to begin work
and services, or $1.5 million for
businesses. on an urgent requirement).
construction, large business prime
Small Business Set-Asides contractors must offer maximum
HOW GOVERNMENT A “set-aside” for small businesses practicable subcontracting opportunities
to small businesses. Large business
CONTRACTING WORKS reserves an acquisition exclusively for
small business participation. There prime contractors must submit a
Sealed bidding vs. Negotiation are two ways in which set-asides can subcontracting plan describing how they
There are two methods the be determined. First, if an acquisition will successfully subcontract to small
government uses to purchase goods of goods or services has an anticipated businesses.
and services, sealed bidding and dollar value of at least $3,000 but not To find subcontracting opportunities,
negotiation. The first method, sealed exceeding $150,000, it is automatically a list of Federal prime contractors is
bidding, involves issuing an invitation reserved for small businesses. The available through SBA’s Subcontracting
for bid by a procuring agency. Under acquisition will be set aside only if the Directory at www.sba.gov and www.
the sealed bidding method, a contract contracting officer determines there gsa.gov. Research the list of prime
is usually awarded to the lowest priced are two or more responsible small contractors and determine which are
bidder that can meet the quantity, businesses that are competitive in best suited for your business. Develop
quality and delivery requirements of terms of market prices, quality and a marketing strategy, and then contact
the procurement. The second method, delivery. Second, if an acquisition of the Small Business Liaison Officer
negotiation, involves issuing a request goods or services is more than $150,000, listed for each prime to schedule an
for proposal or request for quotation. and if it’s likely offers will be obtained appointment.
30 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
in a primary residence at a place for
at least 180 days, or as a currently
What You Should Know About Your Business registered voter, and with intent to live
there indefinitely.
To be eligible to bid on a federal 3. Do you fall under a specific SBA is responsible for:
contract, you must know your certification? • Determining whether or not individual
business. Answer the following three Under the umbrella of “small concerns are qualified HUBZone small
questions: business,” SBA has outlined several business concerns;
specific certifications that businesses • Maintaining a list of qualified
1. Are you a small business?
HUBZone small business concerns
Is your small business: may fall under. These certifications are
for use by acquisition agencies in
• Organized for profit? divided into two categories:
awarding contracts under the program;
• Located in the U.S.? SBA-Certified and Self-Certified. • Adjudicating protests and appeals
• Operated primarily within the U.S. The SBA-Certified Programs were of eligibility to receive HUBZone
or making a significant contribution created to assist specific businesses contracts.
to the U.S. economy through in securing federal contracts and
payment of taxes or use of American
For additional information, visit
therefore can only be issued by SBA www.sba.gov/hubzone.
products, materials, or labor? administrators. For the Self-Certified
• Independently owned and operated? Programs, you can determine for
• Not dominant in the field of
operation in which it is bidding for
yourself if your business meets the 8(a) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
government contracts?
requirements by referring to the
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). PROGRAM
• A sole proprietorship, partnership,
Just as Congress has given The 8(a) Business Development
corporation, or any other legal form?
federal agencies a goal of procuring program is a nine year program
If the first six criteria apply to your
23 percent of federal contracts from established to assist eligible socially and
business, ask yourself the second
small businesses, so too must federal economically disadvantaged individuals
important question to find out if
agencies meet specific contracting goals develop and grow their businesses.
your business meets size standard
for other categories of small firms. Business development assistance
requirements.
These goals are: includes one-to-one counseling, training
2. What is the size standard for your
• 5 percent of contracts go to Small workshops, and other management and
business? Disadvantaged Businesses
Size standards are used to technical guidance. There is a statutory
• 5 percent go to Women-Owned Small
determine whether a business is small Businesses
requirement that small disadvantaged
or “other than small.” Size standards • 3 percent go to Service-Disabled business concerns be awarded not less
vary depending upon the industry. To Veteran-Owned Small Businesses than 5 percent of the total value of all
determine the size standard for your • 3 percent go to HUBZone Small prime contract awards. All firms that
business, you will need a NAICS code. Businesses become eligible for SBA’s 8(a) business
Every federal agency uses these codes Federal agencies have a strong development assistance are also
when considering your business. To incentive to fulfill these contracting considered small disadvantaged business
determine your NAICS code, go to goals. You should apply for those concerns for federal contracting.
www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/. SBA-Certified and Self-Certified To be eligible for the 8(a) Business
Some SBA programs require their programs for which you qualify to take Development program, a business must
own unique size standards. To find out advantage of contracting opportunities. meet the following criteria:
more about these requirements and • It must be a small business by SBA
other size standard information, go to size standards;
www.sba.gov/size. • It must be owned (at least 51 percent)
by one or more individuals who
SBA CONTRACTING (except those that are tribally-owned)
must meet the following criteria:
qualify as socially and economically
PROGRAMS
disadvantaged, and who are US
• It must be a small business by SBA citizens of good character;
size standards • It must be controlled, managed, and
HUBZONE • It must be owned and controlled at operated by one or more individuals
least 51 percent by U.S. citizens, or a who qualify as disadvantaged, and;
The HUBZone program helps small
Community Development Corporation, • It must demonstrate potential for
businesses located in distressed urban an agricultural cooperative, or an success (generally by being in business
and rural communities, known as Indian tribe for at least two full years) before
Historically Underutilized Business • Its principal office must be located applying.
CONTRACTING
Zones, gain access to federal set-aside within a “Historically Underutilized Socially disadvantaged individuals
contracts and sole source contracts, as Business Zone,” which includes lands are those who have been subjected to
well as a price evaluation preference considered “Indian Country” and
racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural
in full and open contract competitions. military facilities closed by the Base
Realignment and Closure Act
bias because of their identity as a
There is a statutory requirement that member of a group without regard
• At least 35 percent of its employees
HUBZone small business concerns be to their individual capabilities. The
must reside in a HUBZone.
awarded not less than 3 percent of the Existing businesses that choose to following individuals are presumed
total value of all prime contract awards. move to qualified areas are eligible to be socially disadvantaged: Black
The HUBZone program also establishes to apply for certification. To fulfill Americans, Native Americans, Alaska
preference for award of federal contracts the requirement that 35 percent of Natives or Native Hawaiians, Hispanic
to small businesses in these areas. To a HUBZone firm’s employees reside Americans, Asian Pacific Americans,
qualify for the program, a business in a HUBZone, employees must live and Subcontinent Asian Americans. An
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 31
individual who is not a member of one of
these groups must establish individual
For additional information, visit
www.sba.gov/8a.
SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-
social disadvantage by a preponderance OWNED SMALL BUSINESS
of evidence. Economically disadvantaged
individuals are socially disadvantaged
SMALL DISADVANTAGED The Service-Disabled Veteran-
Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
individuals whose ability to compete BUSINESS program has a federal government-wide
in the free-enterprise system has been A Small Disadvantaged Business goal of awarding at least 3 percent
impaired due to diminished capital (SDB) is defined as a small business of prime and subcontracting dollars
and credit opportunities as compared that is at least 51 percent owned and to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
to others in the same or similar controlled by one or more individuals Small Businesses each year. Large
line of business who are not socially who are socially and economically prime contractors must also establish a
disadvantaged. disadvantaged. subcontracting goal for Veteran-
Firms owned by Alaska Native There is a federal government-wide Owned Small Businesses in their
Corporations, Indian Tribes, Native goal of awarding at least 5 percent of Subcontracting Plans. These
Hawaiian Organizations, and prime contracting dollars to SDBs each subcontracting goals are reviewed at
Community Development Corporations year. Large prime contractors must also time of proposal by both the contracting
can also apply to the SBA for 8(a) establish a subcontracting goal for SDBs officer and SBA prior to the award of a
business development assistance. in their Subcontracting Plans. contract.
So that approved firms can obtain Firms self-certify as SDB without The SDVOSB Protest is administered
training, counseling, and business submitting any application to SBA; by SBA to ensure that only businesses
development assistance, SBA designates however, firms approved by SBA into owned by service-disabled veterans
a staff person at a local SBA District the 8(a) Business Development program receive contracts reserved exclusively
Office, geographically near the business. are automatically certified as an SDB. for them. When a business’s SDVOSB
SBA is responsible for To self-certify, firms should update their self-certification is challenged, SBA
• Determining whether a business CCR profiles and update their ORCA determines if the business meets
qualifies for the 8(a) Business
profiles, making sure that both profiles the status, ownership, and control
Development program
• Determining whether a business reflect their SDB status. requirements.
continues to qualify, during the nine- To determine your eligibility,
year term. contact your local veterans business
• Approving Mentor/Protégé agreements development officer, visit the
between 8(a) firms and large various program websites, or contact
businesses. SBA’s Office of Veterans Business
Development at www.sba.gov/vets.
WOMEN-OWNED SMALL
BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTRACT
PROGRAM
On October 7, 2010, the SBA
published a final rule effective February
4, 2011, aimed at expanding federal
contracting opportunities for women-
owned small businesses. The Women-
Owned Small Business Federal Contract
program authorizes contracting officers
to set aside certain federal contracts for
eligible women-owned businesses and
economically disadvantaged women-
owned small businesses.
To be eligible, a firm must be at least
51 percent owned or controlled by one
or more women. The women must be
U.S. citizens. The firm must be “small”
in its primary industry in accordance
with SBA’s size standards for that
industry. To be deemed “economically
disadvantaged” its owners must
demonstrate economic disadvantage in
accordance with the requirements set
forth in the final rule. For additional
information, visit www.sba.govwosb.
32 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
GETTING STAR TED IN CONTRACTING
Once you have identified the database for prospective vendors. The of government. Businesses interested in
important information regarding your CCR is at www.ccr.gov. becoming GSA schedule contractors
business, it is time to start the process of After completing registration, you will be should review the information available
procuring a government contract. asked to enter your small business profile at www.gsa.gov/schedules.
1. Identify your DUNS (Data Universal information through the SBA 8. Make Sure Your Business is
Numbering System) number Supplemental Page. The information will Financially Sound
To register your business, obtain a DUNS be displayed in the Dynamic Small This critical step is absolutely necessary
number used to identify and track Business Search. to make sure that your business is
millions of businesses. You can obtain Creating a profile in CCR and keeping it financially prepared for the journey
your free DUNS number when ahead. Even if you are able to obtain a
current ensures your firm has access to
registering with the CCR (Central government contract, you will not be
federal contracting opportunities.
Contractor Registration) at www.ccr.gov receiving all of the money at once. It
Entering your small business profile,
or by contacting Dun & Bradstreet at helps to have a clear plan of how your
including your business information and business will stage the benefits of the
www.dnb.com. key word description, allows contracting
2. Identify your EIN contract.
officers, prime contractors, and buyers 9. Search FedBizOpps for contracting
(Employer Identification Number) from state and local governments to learn
An EIN, otherwise known as a federal tax opportunities
about your company. Federal Business Opportunities, or
identification number, is generally
6. Use ORCA (Online Representations FedBizOpps, is an online service operated
required of all businesses. For more
and Certifications Application) by the federal government that
information, go to www.irs.gov. Prospective contractors must complete
3. Identify your NAICS (North American announces available business
(electronically or through submission of opportunities. FedBizOpps helps identify
Industry Classification) codes paperwork), representations and
The NAICS codes are used to classify the the needs of federal agencies and
certifications for small business size and available contracting opportunities. To
industry a particular business occupies. program status as part of the process
You will need at least one NAICS code to begin searching for contracting
that registers your business for federal opportunities, go to www.fbo.gov.
complete your registration, but be sure to contracting opportunities. To make this
list as many as apply. You may also add 10. Marketing Your Business
process easier for everyone involved, the Registering your business is not enough
or change NAICS codes at any time. To government developed ORCA, where
find NAICS code, visit to obtain a federal contract: you will need
generally, businesses can complete all of to market your business to attract federal
www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/. the paperwork online. To begin this
4. Identify your SIC (Standard Industrial agencies. Tips for good marketing are:
process, first register your firm in CCR, • Determine which federal agencies
Classification) codes then go to www.orca.bpn.gov.
The SIC codes are four-digit numbers buy your product or service, and
7. Register with the GSA Schedule get to know them
that are used to classify the industry a The GSA (Government Services
particular business occupies. While • Identify the contracting procedures of
Administration) Multiple Award Schedule those agencies
NAICS codes have largely replaced SIC (aka Federal Supply Schedule) is used by
codes, you will still need to provide your • Focus on opportunities in your
GSA to establish long-term, government niche and prioritize
SIC code. SIC codes can be found at wide contracts with commercial firms.
www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.html. Although not required, you may
Once these contracts are established,
5. Register with the CCR (Central want to obtain a PSC (Product Services
government agencies can order the
Contractor Registration) supplies and services they need directly
Code) and/or a FSC (Federal Supply
The CCR is an online government from the firms through the use of an Classification). These codes provide
maintained database of companies online shopping tool. Becoming a GSA additional information about the
wanting to do business with the federal schedule contractor increases your services and products your business
government. Agencies search the opportunity for contracts across all levels offers.
ADDITIONAL PROCUREMENT RESOURCES
The following federal procurement business. government. To find a PTAC in your
resources may also be of assistance: • PCRs (Procurement Center state, go to www.dla.mil/db/procurem.htm.
• The Certificates of Competency Representatives) and CMRs • Department of Defense (The DoD is
program allows a small business, that (Commercial Marketing the largest purchaser of goods from
is the apparent successful offeror, Representatives): PCRs work to small businesses):
to appeal a contracting officer’s non- increase the small business share www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu
responsibility determination that it is of federal procurement awards. • Office of Federal Procurement Policy:
unable to fulfill the requirements of CMRs offer many services to small www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement
a specific government contract. The businesses, including counseling on • Acquisition Forecast:
SBA will conduct a detailed review how to obtain subcontracts. To find a www.acquisition.gov/comp/procurement
of the firm’s technical and financial PCR or CMR near you, go to _forecasts/index.html
capabilities to perform on the www.sba.gov/sba-direct. • Federal Supply Schedule (FSS):
contract. If the business demonstrates • PTACs (Procurement Technical www.gsa.gov
the capability to perform, the SBA Assistance Centers): PTACs • GSA Center for Acquisition
issues a Certificate of Competency provide assistance to businesses Excellence: www.gsa.gov/portal/
to the contracting officer, requiring that want to sell products and content/103487
award of that contract to the small services to federal, state, and/or local
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 33
SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Knowing the Types of Assistance Available for Recovery
T
he Disaster Assistance Military Reservist Economic Injury The page provides links to resources
Program is SBA’s largest Disaster Loans (MREIDLs) are working to help you put together your own
direct loan program, and capital loans for small businesses emergency plan, preparedness tips,
the only form of SBA adversely affected when an essential and fact sheets about SBA recovery
assistance not limited to employee is called up to active duty assistance for homeowners, renters,
small businesses. SBA is responsible by the National Guard or Reserves. businesses of all sizes and private,
for providing affordable, timely and An “essential employee” is defined nonprofit organizations.
accessible financial assistance to as an individual (whether or not the Additionally, to help small businesses
homeowners, renters, businesses of all owner of the small business) whose with their preparedness planning, SBA
sizes and private, nonprofit organizations managerial or technical skill is critical has teamed up with Agility Recovery
following declared disasters. By law, to the successfully daily operation Solutions to offer business continuity
governmental units and agricultural of the business. The loan limit is $2 strategies for entrepreneurs via their
enterprises are ineligible. million, and the funds may be used to “PrepareMyBusiness” website. In
The SBA offers two types of disaster pay necessary operating expenses as addition to offering practical disaster
loans—Physical and Economic Injury they mature until operations return to preparedness tips, Agility is the co-host
Disaster Loans. normal after the essential employee is (with SBA) of a monthly disaster
Home Physical Disaster Loans up released from active military duty. The planning webinar for business owners.
to $200,000 are available to eligible MREIDLs cannot be used to replace lost Previous webinar topics have included
homeowners to repair or replace to profits. discussions on crisis communications,
its pre-disaster condition damaged or For all disaster loans, SBA can only testing your recovery plan, and using
destroyed real estate not fully covered approve loans to applicants having a social media to enhance business
by insurance. Renters and homeowners credit history acceptable to SBA and recovery. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org
alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair who also show the ability to repay the to get the schedule for future webinars,
or replace clothing, furniture, cars, loans. The loan terms are established view archived webinars, and for more
appliances, etc., that was damaged or in accordance with the borrower’s disaster planning tips.
repayment ability. The law gives SBA
destroyed in the disaster. As small businesses are leading
several powerful tools to make disaster
Business Physical Disaster Loans up America’s economic recovery, many of
loans affordable: low-interest rates
to $2 million are available to qualified them are investing time and money
(around 4 percent), long-terms (up to
businesses or private, nonprofit into their plans to grow and create
30 years), and refinancing of prior liens
organizations of any size to help (in some cases). As required by law, jobs. Developing a strong disaster
restore or replace damaged real estate, the interest rate for each loan is based preparedness plan should be a critical
inventory, machinery, equipment and on SBA’s determination of whether the and integral piece of those efforts.
other business assets to its pre-disaster applicant has credit available elsewhere Planning for a disaster is the best way of
condition. (the ability to borrow or use their own limiting its effects.
The SBA can also lend additional resources to recover after the disaster).
funds to homeowners and businesses More information on all of SBA’s Additional Resources
to help with the cost of making disaster assistance programs, including The SBA has partnered with the
improvements that protect, prevent information for military reservists, is American Red Cross to increase
or minimize the same type of disaster available at www.sba.gov/disaster. awareness in the business community
damage from occurring again. about the Red Cross Ready Rating™
Economic Injury Disaster Loans Disaster Preparedness program. Ready Rating
(EIDLs) are working capital loans For small businesses, surviving a (www.readyrating.org) ™ is a free, self-
available to qualified small businesses, disaster doesn’t begin with clearing the paced, web-based membership program
private nonprofit organizations of all debris and returning to work. that helps a business measure its ability
sizes and small agricultural cooperatives With proper planning, surviving to deal with emergencies, and gives
that suffered financial losses because begins long before the disaster strikes— customized feedback on how to improve
of the disaster, regardless of physical or before active-duty orders are received. those efforts.
DISASTER
damage. The SBA can loan up to $2 Your planning should include insurance Additional information on developing
million to provide the necessary working coverage, emergency power, protection an emergency plan is available at the
capital to help small businesses pay fixed of company records, fire safety, medical federal government’s preparedness
debts, payroll, accounts payable and emergencies, taking care of your website www.ready.gov.
other bills that could have been covered employees and continuity planning – The Institute for Business and Home
had the disaster not occurred. The loan how your business will continue during Safety (www.disastersafety.org ) has useful
is not intended to replace lost sales or and after the emergency or disaster. tips on protecting your home or business.
profits. The combined limit for economic Starting is as easy as clicking on the
injury and physical damage assistance disaster preparedness page of SBA’s
for businesses is $2 million. website at www.sba.gov/content/disaster-
preparedness.
34 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
ADVOCACY AND OMBUDSMAN
Watching out for small business interests
OFFICE OF ADVOCACY nonprofit organizations), and consider
regulatory alternatives that minimize
owners, nonprofit organizations and
small government entities. Comments
The SBA’s Office of Advocacy, the the economic burden on small entities. are forwarded to federal agencies for
“small business watchdog” of the Advocacy’s mission is enhanced by review, and in some cases fines may
ADVOCACY AND OMBUDSMAN
government, examines the role and a team of regional advocates, located be lowered or eliminated and decisions
status of small business in the economy in the SBA’s 10 regions. They are changed in favor of the small business
and independently represents the Advocacy’s direct link to small business owners. Each year the National
views of small business to federal owners, state and local government Ombudsman files a report with the
agencies, Congress, the President and entities, and organizations that U.S. Congress on the responsiveness
federal appellate courts as friends support the interests of small entities. of federal agencies regarding their
of the court. Advocacy compiles and The regional advocates help identify actions of regulatory and compliance
interprets statistics on small business regulatory concerns of small business enforcement on small businesses.
and is the primary entity within the by monitoring the impact of federal and To request help, send the National
federal government to disseminate small state policies at the grassroots level. Ombudsman a complete Federal Agency
business data. Learn more about the Office of Comment Form. You may do this
Headed by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at www.sba.gov/advocacy. by fax at 202-481-5719; online at the
Advocacy, the office also funds outside Ombudsman’s Web page:
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL
research of small business issues www.sba.gov/ombudsman; or by mail at
and produces numerous publications 409 Third Street S.W., Mail Code 2120,
to inform policy makers about the
important role of small business
OMBUDSMAN Washington, DC 20416.
If excessive fines, penalties or The Ombudsman also coordinates
in the economy and the impact of 10 Regional Regulatory Fairness
unfair regulatory enforcement by
government policies on small business. Boards which meet regularly to receive
federal agencies are problems for your
In addition, the office monitors federal comments about federal regulations
small business, you have a voice in
agency compliance with the Regulatory affecting small businesses.
Washington, D.C., through the SBA’s
Flexibility Act – the law that requires Learn more about the National
Office of the National Ombudsman.
agencies to analyze the impact of their Ombudsman from the Web site above or
The Ombudsman receives
proposed regulations on small entities call 888-REG-FAIR.
comments regarding federal regulatory
(including small businesses, small
enforcement from small business
governmental jurisdictions and small
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 35
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Taking care of start up logistics
Business Interruption – While
property insurance may pay enough
to replace damaged or destroyed
equipment or buildings, how will you
pay costs such as taxes, utilities and
other continuing expenses during the
period between when the damage occurs
and when the property is replaced?
Business Interruption (or “business
income”) insurance can provide sufficient
funds to pay your fixed expenses during
a period of time when your business is
not operational.
“Key Man” – If you (and/or any
other individual) are so critical to
the operation of your business that it
E
cannot continue in the event of your
ven if you are running a your business is based. If you are a illness or death, you should consider
small home-based business, corporation, you’ll need to check with the “key man” insurance. This type of
you will have to comply with state. policy is frequently required by banks
many of the local, state, and or government loan programs. It also
federal regulations. Avoid the
temptation to ignore regulatory details.
BUSINESS INSURANCE can be used to provide continuity in
operations during a period of ownership
Like home insurance, business transition caused by the death,
Doing so may avert some red tape in the
insurance protects your business against incapacitation or absence due to a Title
short term, but could be an obstacle as
fire, theft and other losses. Contact your 10 military activation of an owner or
your business grows. Taking the time
insurance agent or broker. It is prudent other “key” employee.
to research the applicable regulations is
for any business to purchase a number Automobile – It is obvious that
as important as knowing your market.
of basic types of insurance. Some types a vehicle owned by your business
Bear in mind that regulations vary by
of coverage are required by law, other should be insured for both liability and
industry. If you’re in the food-service
simply make good business sense. The replacement purposes. What is less
business, for example, you will have to
types of insurance listed below are obvious is that you may need special
deal with the health department. If you
among the most commonly used and are insurance (called “non-owned automobile
use chemical solvents, you will have
merely a starting point for evaluating coverage”) if you use your personal
environmental compliances to meet.
the needs of your business. vehicle on company business. This
Carefully investigate the regulations
Liability Insurance – Businesses policy covers the business’ liability for
that affect your industry. Being out of
may incur various forms of liability in any damage which may result for such
compliance could leave you unprotected
conducting their normal activities. One usage.
legally, lead to expensive penalties and
of the most common types is product Officer and Director – Under most
jeopardize your business.
liability, which may be incurred when state laws, officers and directors of a
a customer suffers harm from using corporation may become personally
BUSINESS LICENSES the business product. There are many liable for their actions on behalf of the
There are many types of licenses, both other types of liability, which are company. This type of policy covers this
state and local as well as professional. frequently related to specific industries. liability.
Depending on what you do and where Liability law is constantly changing. Home Office – If you are establishing
you plan to operate, your business may An analysis of your liability insurance an office in your home, it is a good idea
be required to have various state and/ needs by a competent professional is to contact your homeowners’ insurance
or municipal licenses, certificates or vital in determining an adequate and company to update your policy to include
permits. appropriate level of protection for your coverage for office equipment. This
Licenses are typically administered by business. coverage is not automatically included in
a variety of state and local departments. Property – There are many different a standard homeowner’s policy.
Consult your state or local government types of property insurance and levels
of coverage available. It is important
for assistance.
to determine the property you need TAXES
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME to insure for the continuation of your
business and the level of insurance you
Taxes are an important and complex
aspect of owning and operating a
Registering your business name, after need to replace or rebuild. You must also successful business. Your accountant,
doing a search to make sure that it is understand the terms of the insurance, payroll person, or tax advisor may be
not already in use, protects you from including any limitations or waivers of very knowledgeable, but there are still
others who might want to use the same coverage. many facets of tax law that you should
name. For more information, contact the know. The Internal Revenue Service is a
county clerk’s office in the county where
36 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
great source for tax information. reporting and remitting the money to Range of Electronic Choices to Pay All
Small Business/Self-Employed Tax the state on a monthly basis can be Your Federal Taxes.
Center: www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ obtained from: IRS cautions taxpayers to seek expert
index.html Georgia Department of Revenue advice before they subscribe to any
When you are running a business, you Sales and Use Tax Division scheme that offers promises of instant
don’t need to be a tax expert. However, 1800 Century Center Blvd. N.E., Ste. 8214 wealth or exemption from taxes. Tax
you do need some tax basics. IRS Small Atlanta, GA 30345 professionals enrolled with the IRS and
Business/Self-Employed Tax Center 1-877-423-6711 Toll Free outside metro
the Small Business Administration can
gives you the information you need to Atlanta
www.dor.ga.gov advise you of legitimate deductions for
stay tax compliant so your business can your activities. Business owners who
thrive. anticipate hiring individuals to work
Small Business Forms and Publications Paying Business Taxes
Business owners are required by law in their enterprise are encouraged to
www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id= call (800) 829-1040 to inquire about tax
to withhold the following from wages
99200,00.html law and account issues, order the tax
paid to employees: federal income taxes,
Download multiple small business and forms, and publications pertaining to
state income taxes, and FICA (Social
self-employed forms and publications. employment taxes.
Security) Insurance.
A business must also file an income
FEDERAL PAYROLL TAX tax return with both the federal SALES TAX EXEMPTION
(EIN NUMBERS) government and the State of Georgia on
CERTIFICATE
its earnings. Businesses may be required
An Employer Identification Number If you plan to sell products, you will
to file estimated tax returns and pay
(EIN),also known as a Federal Employer need a Sales Tax Exemption Certificate.
estimated taxes on a quarterly basis.
Identification Number (FEIN) , is used For federal tax information, contact: It allows you to purchase inventory, or
to identify a business entity. Generally, U.S. Internal Revenue Service materials, which will become part of the
businesses need an EIN to pay federal 275 Peachtree St. N.E. product you sell, from suppliers without
withholding tax.. Atlanta, GA 30303 paying taxes. It requires you to charge
You may apply for an EIN in various 800-829-1040 sales tax to your customers, which you
ways, one of which is to apply online. www.irs.gov are responsible for remitting to the
www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id= state. You will have to pay penalties if
102767,00.html. This is a free service State tax information is available at it is found that you should have been
offered by the Internal Revenue Service. the: taxing your products and now owe back
Call 800-829 1040 if you have questions. Georgia Department of Revenue taxes to the state. For information on
You must check with your state to Georgia Tax Center Information at www. sales tax issues, contact your state’s
gataxinfo.org government.
determine if you need a state number or
Georgia Income Tax Division
charter. P.O. Box 105296
Atlanta, GA 30348 FEDERAL INCOME TAX
FEDERAL 1-877-423-6711 Toll Free Like the state income tax, the method
SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAX
www.dor.ga.gov
of paying federal income taxes depends
upon your legal form of business.
Every employee must pay Social The IRS has a number of publications
Sole Proprietorship: You must file
Security and Medicare coverage. If you that are available upon request. One is IRS Federal Form Schedule C along
are self-employed, your contributions are “Your Business Tax Kit” which identifies with your personal Federal Income
made through the self-employment tax. data and forms for a Federal Employer
The IRS has publications, counselors Tax return (Form 1040) and any other
ID Number and a fax guide for small applicable forms pertaining to gains or
and workshops available to help you sort businesses. This can be ordered by
it out. For more information, contact the losses in your business activity.
calling Forms and Publications at 800- Partnership: You must file a Federal
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
IRS at 800-829-1040 or www.irs.gov. 829-1040, or through a visit to your local Partnership return (Form 1065). This
IRS office. is merely informational to show gross
Sales Tax Self-employed taxpayers must also and net earnings of profit and loss. Also,
In Georgia, there is a 4 percent sales pay social security and Medicare taxes each partner must report his share of
and use tax which applies to the retail in the form of self-employment taxes. partnership earnings on his individual
purchase, retail sale, rental, storage, The programs funded by employment Form 1040 based on the information
use or consumption of tangible personal taxes provide essential benefits to from the K-1 filed with the Form 1065.
property and certain services. There are many citizens. The importance of the Corporation: You must file a Federal
exemptions on some sales taxes that programs will continue to grow as more Corporation Income Tax return (Form
cover prescription drugs, eyeglasses and citizens reach retirement age. 1120). You will also be required to report
contact lenses. There is no sales tax on The easiest way to file and pay all of your earnings from the corporation
certain foods, such as milk and eggs, your federal taxes - employment taxes including salary and other income such
that are sold for off-site consumption. for businesses and your individual Form as dividends on your personal federal
In addition, some counties have local 1040 or estimated tax payments - can income tax return (Form 1040).
option sales and use taxes to pay for be viewed from the www.irs.gov home
certain projects. Please check with your page. Just click on the “e-file” logo. The
local county officials on these taxes. following publications explain how to FEDERAL PAYROLL TAX
A sales tax number is required for do an electronic filing and e-payments: Federal Withholding Tax: Any
each business before opening. The Publication 3937 - IRS e-file for business employing a person must
number plus instructions for collection, Business, Publication 966A - Now a Full register with the IRS and acquire an
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 37
EIN and pay federal withholding tax at such as recordkeeping and retirement Georgia Department of Labor
least quarterly. File Form SS-4 with the plans. Although most are free, some Employers who want to establish a
IRS to obtain your number and required workshops have fees associated with new business in Georgia must fill out
tax forms. Call 800-829-3676 or them. Fees for a workshop are charged an Employer Status Report (DOL 1
800-829-1040 if you have questions. by the sponsoring organization, not the
Form) with the Georgia Department of
IRS.
The IRS’s Virtual Small Business Labor. All employers must file quarterly
State Purchasing Office reports (DOL 4 Form) reporting salaries
The web site for this office is located Tax Workshop is an interactive
resource to help small business owners and wages of employees. The telephone
at: http://statepurchasing.doas.georgia.gov.
learn about their federal tax rights number for the department’s Employer
This site is loaded with information
to help a small business gain equal and responsibilities. This educational Accounts Office is 404-232-3220.
access and competition among vendors product, available online and on CD The department is responsible for the
in providing goods and services to state ,, consists of nine stand-alone lessons administration of employment-related
and local governments in Georgia. When that can be selected and viewed in any programs and training services vital
you enter this site, click on “Resources” sequence. A bookmark feature makes it to the state’s economic development.
which will bring up “Vendor Tools.” This possible to leave and return to a specific Services are provided through 53
site offers access to the state’s Vendor point within the lesson. Users also have Career Centers, a network of partner
Manual, Vendor Services, Terms and access to a list of useful online references agencies and on: www.dol.state.ga.us the
that enhance the learning experience by department’s electronic one-stop service
Conditions and Agency Procurement
allowing them to view references and
Contacts. Links are also available center.
the video lessons simultaneously.
under “Resources” to National Institute The central office of the Georgia
Tax Calendar for Small Businesses
of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Department of Labor is at 148 Andrew
and Self-Employed (Publication 1518)
Codes; Environmental Requirements; www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id= Young International Boulevard, Atlanta,
Procurement Links; and Standard 176080,00.html GA 30303-1751. The website is: www.
Purchasing Forms. The Tax Calendar for Small dol.state.ga.us
There is also a “Presentations” Businesses and Self-Employed contains For information on state labor laws,
link that offers purchasing-related useful information on general business work force availability, prevailing wages,
“PowerPoint” presentations given taxes, IRS and SSA customer assistance, unemployment insurance, unionization,
by program area managers and electronic filing and paying options, benefits packages and employment
Department of Administrative Services retirement plans, business publications services, contact:
(DOAS) leadership. and forms, common tax filing dates, and Georgia Department of Labor
State Purchasing Office federal legal holidays. 223 Courtland St., Ste. 301
Director: Sid Johnson
Atlanta, GA 30303
200 Piedmont Ave. S.E.
Ste. 1308, West Tower SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS 404-232-3001
Atlanta, GA 30334 All employees must have a social
404-657-6000 U.S. Department of Labor
security card. It must be signed by its 61 Forsyth St. S.W.
owner, and you should always ask to Atlanta, GA 30303
IRS WEB PRODUCTS FOR see and personally record the social 866-487-9243 Toll Free
SMALL BUSINESSES security number. Failure to do so may
cause your employee to lose benefits and
www.dol.gov/whd
For the most timely and up-to-date Employee Benefits Security
considerable trouble for yourself in back
tax information, go to www.irs.gov/
businesses/small/index.html.
tracking to uncover the error. Administration (EBSA)
Each payday, your employees must www.dol.gov/ebsa
receive a statement from you telling
VIRTUAL SMALL BUSINESS them what deductions were made
The Employee Benefits Security
Administration (EBSA), of the U.S.
WORKSHOP and how many dollars were taken out
for each legal purpose. This can be
Department of Labor, administers the
www.tax.gov/virtualworkshop/ Employee Retirement Income Security
The Virtual Small Business Tax presented in a variety of ways, including Act (ERISA) which regulates employer-
Workshop is the first of a series of video on the check as a detachable portion sponsored pension and welfare benefit
products designed exclusively for small or in the form of an envelope with the plans. Employee benefit plans are
business taxpayers. This workshop helps items printed and spaces for dollar voluntarily established and maintained
business owners understand federal tax deductions to be filled in. by an employer, employee organization,
obligations. The Virtual Small Business or jointly by one or more such employers
Workshop is available on CD
www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=
EMPLOYEE CONSIDERATIONS and an employee organization.
Employers are encouraged to consider
101169,00.html and online Taxes providing employee benefit plans in
www.irsvideos.gov/virtualworkshop/ if you If you have any employees, including order to attract and retain employees.
are unable to attend a workshop in officers of a corporation but not the sole For more information, call 404-302-3900
person. Small business workshops are proprietor or partners, you must make or see SBA’s and EBSA’s cosponsored
designed to help the small business periodic payments towards, and/or file website: www.selectaretirementplan.org
owner understand and fulfill their quarterly reports about payroll taxes
federal tax responsibilities. Workshops and other mandatory deductions. You
may contact these government agencies
Workers’ Compensation
are sponsored and presented by IRS If a business employs three or more
partners who are federal tax specialists. for information, assistance and forms.
people, workers’ compensation insurance
Workshop topics vary from a general Social Security Administration
800-772-1213 • www.ssa.gov must be carried to provide protection
overview of taxes to more specific topics to those injured in an accident on
38 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
the job. The State Board of Workers’
Compensation aids people who need
Services Online, business owners or
their authorized representative can:
WORKPLACE DISABILITY
claim assistance. For information, • file W-2s online; and PROGRAMS
contact: • verify Social Security Numbers Americans with Disabilities (ADA):
The State Board of Workers’ through the Social Security Number For assistance with the ADA, call
Compensation Verification Service, used for all 800-669-3362 or visit www.ada.gov.
270 Peachtree St. N.W. employees prior to preparing and
U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND
Atlanta, GA 30303-1299 submitting Forms W-2.
404-656-3875 Federal Withholding
www.state.ga.us/sbwc U.S. Internal Revenue Service
800-829-1040
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
The Federal Immigration Reform and
Federal Wage Laws www.irs.gov
Control Act of 1986 requires employers
Practically all business entities
Health Insurance to verify employment eligibility of
are subject to the federal minimum
Compare plans in your area at new employees. The law obligates
wage, overtime and child labor laws.
Information on these laws, and other www.healthcare.gov. an employer to process Employment
federal laws pertaining to labor, can be Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The
obtained from: Employee Insurance U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
The U.S. Department of Labor If you hire employees you may be Services Office of Business Liaison offers
Wage and Hour Division required to provide unemployment or a selection of information bulletins and
61 Forsyth St. S.W. workers’ compensation insurance. live assistance through the Employer
Atlanta, GA 30303 Georgia Department of Labor Hotline. For forms call 800-870-3676, for
404-893-4600 Adjudication Section, Sussex Place, the Employer Hotline call 800-357-2099.
www.dol.gov 148 International Blvd. N.E., Ste. 850
Atlanta, GA 30303-1751 Alcoholic Beverage License
Social Security’s Business Services 404-232-3180
Businesses which sell alcoholic
Online www.dol.state.ga.us
beverages must have a state and
The Social Security Administration local alcoholic beverage licenses. The
now provides free electronic services application forms must be completed
online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ before the business is opened. The
employer/. Once registered for Business Department of Revenue can be of
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 39
assistance in preparing the application. U.S. Department of Labor. More details on SBAP are available
For more information and application Federal Occupational Safety at the Department of Natural Resources
forms, contact: & Health Administration web site: www.dnr.state.ga.us. At the
Department of Revenue Department of Labor
site, go to the Environmental Protection
Alcohol & Tobacco Division 820 First St. N.E.
Washington, DC 20020 Division and click on “Technical
1800 Century Blvd. N.E., 1st Fl.
Atlanta, GA 30345 866-487-2365 Guidance Category.”
404-417-4900 www.dol.gov SBAP encourages small businesses,
www.etax.dor.ga.gov outside of Atlanta, to request assistance
OSHA/Atlanta East Area Office by calling toll free at 877-427-6255.
GA Department Of Agriculture LaVista Perimeter Office Park
2183 N. Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 7, Ste. 110 The state’s Environmental Protection
Businesses involved in food processing Division (EPD) provides technical help
Tucker, GA 30084
or grocery sales need a food sales 770-493-6644 • 770-493-7725 Fax to local governments and businesses in
establishment license from the Georgia complying with environmental laws.
Department of Agriculture before OSHA/Atlanta West Area Office Its office is located at: 2 Martin Luther
starting a business. An inspection is 2400 Herodian Way, Ste. 250
also required and may be requested by King Jr. Dr., Ste. 1152 E. Tower,
Smyrna, GA 30080
phone. Help can be obtained from the 678-903-7301 • 770-984-8855 Fax Atlanta, GA 30334. Its main phone
Department of Agriculture in preparing number is 404-657-5947 or call toll-free
for the inspection. It is advised that OSHA/Savannah Area Office at 888-373-5947. The EPD web site is
business owners contact the department 450 Mall Blvd., Ste. J at www.gaepd.org. For environmental
before investing in any renovations, Savannah, GA 31406 questions, call one of these EPD offices:
equipment or plans. 912-652-4393 • 912-652-4329 Fax Cartersville 770-387-4900
Georgia Department of Agriculture Brunswick 912-264-7284
Consumer Protection Division Environmental Health Department Atlanta 404-362-
Agriculture Bldg., Rm. 306 Businesses engaged in cooking 2671
Atlanta, GA 30334 or preparation of food to be served, Athens 706-369-6376
404-656-3627 including restaurants, hotels and Augusta 706-792-7744
www.agr.georgia.gov nursing homes, are licensed by Macon 478-751-6612
the county environmental health Albany 229-430-4144
E-Verify: Employment Eligibility department. For more information,
Verification contact the environmental health BUILDING CODES, PERMITS
E-Verify, operated by the Department
of Homeland Security in partnership
department in your county.
AND ZONING
with the Social Security Administration, Environmental Protection Programs It is important to consider zoning
is the best and quickest way for The Georgia Department of Natural regulations when choosing a site for your
employers to determine the employment Resources created a Small Business business. You may not be permitted to
eligibility of new hires. It is a safe, Assistance Program (SBAP) in 1993 in conduct business out of your home or
simple, and secure Internet-based accordance with the 1990 Clean Air Act engage in industrial activity in a retail
system that electronically verifies the Amendments. district. Contact the business license
Social Security number and employment The goal of the SBAP is to help small office in the city or town where the
eligibility information reported on Form business comply with environmental business is located.
I-9. E-Verify is voluntary in most states requirements.
and there is no charge to use it.
If you are an employer or employee
Georgia’s environmental regulations
require many small businesses to BAR CODING
and would like more information about obtain permits, install pollution control Many stores require bar coding on
the E-Verify program, please visit www. equipment, and maintain required packaged products. Many industrial
dhs.gov/E-Verify or contact our Customer emissions records. and manufacturing companies use bar
Support staff: 1-888-464-4218 Monday – A small business is defined as one coding to identify items they receive and
Friday 8 am – 5 pm. employing less than 100 employees. ship. There are several companies that
E-mail: e-verify@dhs.gov The SBAP is made up of three can assist businesses with bar-coding
parts: The Small Business Technical
needs. You may want to talk with an
SAFETY & HEALTH Assistance Program, the Ombudsman
and the Compliance Advisory Panel SBDC, SCORE or WBC counselor for
REGULATIONS (CAP). On request, the SBAP provides more information.
All businesses with employees free and confidential technical
are required to comply with state assistance. These services include: Federal Registration of Trademarks
and federal regulations regarding • Permit Assistance and Copyrights
the protection of employees. The • On-site compliance assessment visits Trademarks or service markets are
Occupational Safety and Health • Help in addressing air quality words, phrases, symbols, designs or
Administration outlines specific health problems
• Complaint resolution of air issues
combinations thereof that identify
and safety standards adopted by the
• Pollution prevention to reduce waste and distinguish the source of goods.
U.S. Department of Labor.
and meet emission requirements Trademarks may be registered at both
• Representing small businesses on the state and federal level. To register a
regulatory review and updates federal trademark, contact:
• Resolving disputes from small business
against the Air Protection Branch
40 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Caution: Federally registered Copyrights
P.O. Box 1450 trademarks may conflict with and Copyrights protect original works of
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450 supersede state registered business and authorship including literary, dramatic,
800-786-9199 product names. musical and artistic, and certain other
www.uspto.gov/
intellectual works. Copyright does
Trademark Information Hotline Patents not protect facts, ideas and systems,
703-308-9000 A patent is the grant of a property although it may protect the way these
right to the inventor by the U.S. Patent things are expressed. For general
STATE REGISTRATION OF A and Trademark Office. It provides the
owner with the right to exclude others
information contact:
TRADEMARK
U.S. Copyright Office
from making, using, offering for sale or U.S. Library of Congress
Trademarks and service marks may selling the patented item in the United James Madison Memorial Building
be registered in a state. For more States. Washington, DC 20559
information about applications for Additional information is provided in 202-707-9100 - Order Line
registration of trademark or service the publications, General Information 202-707-3000 - Information Line
mark, contact the: Concerning Patents and other www.copyright.gov
Special Services Division publications distributed through the
Secretary of State, Corporations Division U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. For
315 W. Tower, Floyd Bldg. more information, contact the:
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. S.E. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Atlanta, GA 30334 800-786-9199 • www.uspto.gov
404-656-2817
www.sos.ga.gov
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION:
Choosing Your Business Structure
There are many forms of legal relatively little regulation and are fairly from those of the individual(s) forming
structure you may choose for your easy to establish. A formal partnership the corporation. It’s the most complex
business. Each legal structure offers agreement is recommended to address form of business organization and is
organizational options with different potential conflicts such as: who will be comprised of shareholders, directors
tax and liability issues. We suggest you responsible for performing each task; and officers. Since the corporation
research each legal structure thoroughly what, if any, consultation is needed is a separate legal entity in its own
and consult a tax accountant and/or between partners before major decisions, right it can own assets, borrow money
attorney prior to making your decision. and what happens when a partner and perform business functions
The most common organizational dies. Under a general partnership each without directly involving the owners.
structures are sole proprietorships, partner is liable for all debts of the Corporations are subject to more
general and limited partnerships, “C” business. Profits are taxed as income to government regulation and offer the
and “S” corporations and limited liability the partners based on their ownership owners the advantage of limited liability,
companies. percentage. but not total protection from lawsuits.
Each structure offers unique tax and
liability benefits. If you’re uncertain Limited Partnership Subchapter “S” Corporation
which business format is right for you, Like a general partnership, a Subchapter “S” references a special
you may want to discuss options with a limited partnership is established by part of the Internal Revenue Code that
business counselor or attorney. an agreement between two or more permits a corporation to be taxed as a
persons. However, there are two types partnership or sole proprietorship, with
profits taxed at the individual, rather
Sole Proprietorship of partners.
than the corporate rate. A business
One person operating a business as • A general partner has greater control
in some aspects of the partnership. must meet certain requirements for
an individual is a sole proprietorship. Subchapter “S” status. Contact the IRS
For example, only a general partner
It’s the most common form of business can decide to dissolve the partnership. for more information.
organization. Profits are taxed as General partners have no limits on the
income to the owner personally. The dividends they can receive from profit LLCs and LLPs
personal tax rate is usually lower than so they incur unlimited liability.
The limited liability company is
the corporate tax rate. The owner • Limited partners can only receive
a share of profits based on the a relatively new business form. It
has complete control of the business, combines selected corporate and
proportional amount on their
but faces unlimited liability for its partnership characteristics while
investment, and liability is similarly
debts. There is very little government limited in proportion to their still maintaining status as a legal
regulation or reporting required with investment. entity distinct from its owners. As a
this business structure. separate entity it can acquire assets,
“C” Corporation incur liabilities and conduct business.
General Partnership A “C” corporation is a legal entity It limits liability for the owners. The
A partnership exists when two created under state law by the filing of limited liability partnership is similar
or more persons join together in articles of incorporation. A corporation to the LLC, but it is for professional
the operation and management of a is a separate entity having its own organizations.
business. Partnerships are subject to rights, privileges and liabilities, apart
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 41
OT H ER A SSISTANCE
OTHER SOURCES OF THREE RIVERS REGIONAL COMMISSION
678-692-0510 • 678-692-0513 Fax
• Commercialization Services helps move
technology out of Georgia Tech’s research
Markets, Business Consulting and Finance
Management.
ASSISTANCE Griffin
www.threerivers.com
labs and into the marketplace. Georgia
Tech’s “VentureLab” program, which
Donna Ennis, Project Director
404-894-2096
is supported by the Georgia Research www.georgiambdc.org
County/Regional MIDDLE GEORGIA REGIONAL Alliance, helps match university innovations
Economic Development COMMISSION (that have commercial potential) with THE SBIR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Organizations 478-751-6160 • 478-751-6517 Fax entrepreneurs to launch new companies. FOR THE STATE OF GEORGIA
Economic development organizations Macon ENTERPRISE INNOVATION INSTITUTE 404-385-2600
offer a wide array of programs and www.middlegeorgiarc.org Georgia Institute of Technology www.innovate.gatech.edu/sbir
services for new businesses as well as 75 Fifth St. N.W., Ste. 380
for companies in need of expansion or NORTHEAST GEORGIA REGIONAL Atlanta, GA 30308 Georgia Department of
COMMISSION 404-894-5217
relocation assistance. Typical services
706-369-5650 • 706-369-5792 Fax www.innovate.gatech.edu
Economic Development
provided by these organizations includes The state department helps direct Georgia’s
site location, tax incentives and loan Athens
entrepreneurs, innovators and small
packages. For more information, contact www.negrc.org Advanced Technology businesses to the right resources through
the economic development organization in
SOUTHERN GEORGIA REGIONAL
Development Center programs such as a clearinghouse business
the geographic area of your interest. The The Advanced Technology Development resource website, and supplier matching
following organizations are involved with COMMISSION
Center (ATDC) helps Georgia entrepreneurs that provides opportunities to do business
economic development in their respective 229-333-5277 • 229-333-5312 Fax
launch and build successful science and with Georgia companies. The department
areas of the state: Valdosta
technology companies through incubator also assists businesses within the tourism/
www.sgrc.us
facilities in Atlanta, Savannah and Warner hospitality, export and entertainment
ATLANTA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Robins. ATDC provides strategic business industries and helps existing companies
86 Pryor St. S.W., Ste. 300 SOUTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL
advice and connects its member companies with growth and expansion efforts. In
Atlanta, GA 30303 COMMISSION
to the people and resources they need addition, Georgia’s Centers of Innovation
Contact: Lonnie Saboor 229-522-3552 • 229-522-3558 Fax
to succeed. The Centers of Innovation help connect innovators to R&D, incubation
404-880-4100 City of Atlanta Only Camilla
are co-located with ATDC outside metro facilities, sources of capital and other
404-880-9333 Fax www.swgrc.org
Atlanta. For details, please phone: industry expertise. These centers partner
Atlanta: 404-894-3575 with key research institutions to foster
ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION Georgia Tech Enterprise Atlanta/Biosciences 404-894-3575 and grow innovation within the state of
404-463-3100 • 404-463-3105 Fax Innovation Institute Savannah: 912-963-2519 Georgia.
www.atlantaregional.com The Institute offers a statewide program www.atdc.org MARY ELLEN MCCLANAHAN, DIRECTOR
of assistance to Georgia companies, Entrepreneur & Small Business
CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA
REGIONAL COMMISSION
communities, entrepreneurs and economic Georgia Tech Regional Development
developers. Georgia Tech’s and economic 404-962-4820 or 404-962-4000
706-210-2000 • 706-210-2006 Fax development services are organized around
Office Network www.georgia.org/smallbusiness
Augusta The Georgia Tech Regional Office Network
four sets of customers:
www.csrarc.ga.gov provides Georgia Tech outreach services
• Entrepreneur Services, which includes
statewide. There are nine offices located Georgia Micro Enterprise
the (1) Advanced Technology Development
THREE RIVERS REGIONAL COMMISSION Center, Georgia Tech’s science and
throughout Georgia to cover each region of Network (GMEN)
706-675-6721 • 706-675-0448 Fax the state. The offices are: Georgia Micro Enterprise Network’s mission
technology incubator network, (2) the
Franklin Gainesville is to create opportunities and support for
SBIR Assistance Program for the State of
www.threerivers.com (Northeast Region) 678-780-8060 microenterprise development in Georgia.
Georgia, which helps companies win federal
Cartersville GMEN member organizations around the
SBIR and STTR grants to support product
COASTAL REGIONAL COMMISSION (Northwest Region) 770-387-4002 state provide business development training
development, (3) the Georgia Minority
912-262-2800 • 912-262-2313 Fax Augusta and technical assistance or micro loans.
Business Development Center, which helps
Brunswick (Augusta Region) 706-721-4522 A “micro” enterprise is a business that
emerging/existing minority businesses, and
www.crc.ga.gov North Metro Atlanta 678-294-1579 is owner-operated with less than five
(4) the Centers of Innovation program,
South Metro Atlanta 404-895-5237 employees, and start-up capital needs of
which is helping create clusters of
NORTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL Western Region 706-881-0535 less than $35,000. These businesses have
technology development in Georgia’s mid-
COMMISSION Dublin projected initial gross revenues of less than
sized cities.
706-295-6485 • 706-295-6665 Fax (Central Region) 478-275-5125 $100,000 annually.
• Industry Services helps companies use
Albany For further information, visit the GMEN
OTHER ASSISTANCE
Rome technology to become more competitive
www.nwgrc.org (South Region) 229-430-6195 website at www.georgiamicroenterprise.org,
in world markets. Specialists in this group
Savannah or contact Patricia Williams, Executive
help firms with lean enterprise principles,
GEORGIA MOUNTAINS REGIONAL (Coastal Region) 912-963-2519 Director at 678-296-1059.
energy and environmental management,
COMMISSION The website is: www.gtpac.org GMEN economic development membership
new product and process development,
770-538-2626 • 770-538-2625 Fax includes:
international standards compliance,
Gainesville strategic planning and help in winning Minority Business
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
www.gmrc.ga.gov contracts from government agencies. Development Agency ASSISTANCE
HEART OF GEORGIA-ALTAMAHA
Business and Industry Services includes (MBDA)
the Georgia Tech Regional Office Network, The MBDA Business Center is funded by the
REGIONAL COMMISSION ANTIOCH MICRO ENTERPRISE NETWORK
which operates offices around the state. U.S. Department of Commerce
478-374-4771 • 478-374-0703 Fax Casetta Heard, Program Director
• Community Policy and Research Services and operated by the Georgia Tech
Eastman 1333 Blount Ave.
helps Georgia communities and agencies Enterprise Innovation Institute. The Business
www.hogarc.org Augusta, GA 30901
with research, planning and policy issues Center is part of a national network of 706-724-0955
and provides professional development centers whose purpose is to increase the
RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL COMMISSION casettaheard@aim.com
opportunities for economic development number of minority-owned businesses and
706-256-2910 • 706-256-2908 Fax Counties covered: Columbia, McDuffie &
professionals. strengthen existing ones. Its services
Columbus and Americus Richmond.
www.rivervalleyrc.org include Access to Capital, Access to
42 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
OT H ER A SSISTANCE
CENTER FOR BLACK WOMEN’S WELLNESS GEORGIA SBDC NETWORK ACCESS TO CAPITAL FOR ENTREPRENEURS SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Jemea Dorsey, President/CEO University of Georgia Business Outreach (ACE) CORPORATION
477 Windsor St. S.W., Rm. 309 Services Grace Fricks, President/CEO Tony O’Reilly, President
Atlanta, GA 30312 Allan Adams, State Director 3173 Hwy. 129 N. 111 E. Liberty St., Ste. 100
404-688-9202 1180 E. Broad St. Cleveland, GA 30528 Savannah, GA 31401
jemea@cbww.org Athens, GA 30602-5412 706-348-6609 912-232-4700
www.cbww.org 706-542-6762 fricks@aceloans.org toreilly@sbacsav.com
Counties covered: Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett aadams@georgiasbdc.org www.aceloans.org www.sbacsav.com
& Cobb. www.sbdc.uga.edu Counties covered: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Area served: Southeast Georgia
Counties covered: Statewide Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Dawson,
CORNERSTONE ASSOCIATION INC. Elbert, Fannin, Floyd, Franklin, Gilmer, SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE INSTITUTE
Gwendolyn Smith, CEO GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTH Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Charles Green, Executive Director
1421 Iron Gate Blvd. GEORGIA/BUSINESS NOW Haralson, Hart, Heard, Jackson, Lumpkin, 850 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Ste. 3317
Jonesboro, GA 30238 Yvonne Days-Cuffie, Program Manager Madison, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Atlanta, GA 30308
404-444-3012 1295 Columbia Dr. Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, 404-406-3181
Gjsmith100@comcast.net Decatur, GA 30032 White and Whitfield. director@sbfi.org
www.acornerstone.org 404-728-8631 www.sbfi.org
Counties covered: Fulton & metro Atlanta. ydayscuffie@ging.org ACCION USA Area served: Statewide
www.ging.org 1736 Defoor Pl. N.W.
DEKALB MICROENTERPRISE ALLIANCE Counties covered: Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton & Atlanta, GA 30318 SOUTHWEST GEORGIA BUSINESS CENTER
Roderick Wallace, Executive Director Gwinnett. 404-274-9482 Robert Cooke, Executive Director
250 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 415 Contact: Kevin McGee 1150 Industrial Dr., Ste. 144
GREATER ROME AREA COMMUNITY
Decatur, GA 30030 kmcgee@accionusa.org Vienna, GA 31092
ENTERPRISE
678-904-3465 229-268-7592
Karen Dublin, Executive Director
rodw-dmi@debco.org ALBANY COMMUNITY TOGETHER Robert.cooke@swgau.org
7 West Forest St. S.W.
Counties covered: DeKalb & Metro Atlanta. Thelma Adams Johnson, President/CEO www.swgau.org
Rome, GA 30161
230 S. Jackson St., Ste. 154 Counties covered: Crisp, Dooly
706-346-2082
EARLY COUNTY COMMUNITY Albany, GA 31701
Gracefavor123@netscape.net
DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Counties covered: Floyd
229-420-4600 Native American
Nancy Wright, Executive Director taact1@bellsouth.net
987 N. Church St. www.albanycommunitytogether.com
Procurement and
PARTNERSHIP FOR COMMUNITY ACTION
Blakely, GA 39823 Mohammad Saleem, President/CEO Counties covered: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Technical Assistance
229-724-7552 815 Park North Blvd. Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Center
earlycocdc06@windstream.net Clarkston, GA 30032 Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas UIDA Business Services is a subsidiary
www.earlycocdc.org 404-929-2500 and Worth. of The National Center for American
Counties covered: Early, Seminole, Clay & Vanessa.rush@pcaction.org Indian Enterprise Development, is solely
Calhoun. www.pcaction.org ATLANTA MICRO FUND INC. dedicated to developing American Indian
Counties covered: DeKalb, Rockdale & Marvin Bryant, Manager economic self-sufficiency through business
EAST ATHENS DEVELOPMENT Gwinnett. P.O. Box 89285 ownership. For more information, please
CORPORATION Atlanta, GA 30312 call or write:
Winston Heard, Executive Director REFUGEE WOMEN’S NETWORK 678-539-6900 UIDA BUSINESS SERVICES
410 McKinley Dr. Jessamyn Ressler-Maerlender, Interim Dir. mbryant@ahand.org 86 S. Cobb Dr./Mail Code 0510
Athens, GA 30601-3270 1431-A McLendon Dr. www.atlantamicrofund.com Marietta, GA 30063
706-208-0048 Decatur, GA 30033 Counties covered: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, 770-494-0431 • 770-494-1236 Fax
wheard0822@aol.com 404-299-0180 Douglas, and Fulton. uida1@uida.org
www.eadcinc.com director@riwn.org www.uida.org
Counties covered: Clarke, Elbert, Franklin, www.riwn.org ATLANTA WOMEN IN BUSINESS-LOANS,
Counties covered: DeKalb, metro Atlanta. INC.
Greene, Hart, Jackson, Madison, Oglethorpe Columbus-Business One
& Wilkes. Lya Sorano, Principal
SOUTH METRO MICROENTERPRISE 7380 Spout Springs Rd., Ste. 210-240 Stop Shop (BOSS)
THE EDGE CONNECTION COALITION Flowery Branch, GA 30542 Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Patricia Harris, Executive Director Denny Danylchak, Program Director 770-455-8088 1200 6th Ave.
Kennesaw State University 102 Harbor Loop atlantabizwomen@bellsouth.net Columbus, GA 31901
1000 Chastain Rd., Mailbox #3305 Peachtree City, GA 30269 www.atlantawomeninbusinessloans.org 706-327-1566
Kennesaw, GA 30144 678-519-4404 Area served: metro Atlanta www.columbusga.com
770-499-3228 djdanylchak99@yahoo.com
theedge@kennesaw.edu Counties covered: Henry, Clayton, Butts, DEKALB ENTERPRISE BUSINESS Georgia Department of
Spaulding, Lamar & Pike.
www.theedgeconnection.com CORPORATION Community Affairs
Counties covered: metro Atlanta. Charles Blackmon, Executive Director This Department publishes a 190-page
Micro Loan Funds 250 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 415 Economic Development Finance Packet
GEORGIA CLIENT’S COUNCIL These organizations provide loans under Decatur, GA 30030 (EDFP) that contains a comprehensive
Ovita Thornton, State Director $50,000 404-378-1899 listing of local, state and federal programs
104 Marietta St. N.W., Ste. 250 charles.blackmon@debco.org that are geared toward small business and
Atlanta, GA 30303-2743 SOUTHWEST GEORGIA BUSINESS CENTER www.debco.org other economic development in Georgia.
404-463-1952 Robert Cooke, Executive Director Area served: Metro Atlanta The EDFP provides summaries of programs,
Counties covered: Statewide 1150 Industrial Dr., Ste. 144 the program requirements along with
Vienna, GA 31902 contact information. The EDFP has an
229-268-7592 extensive listing of programs available
Robert.cooke@wgau.org to existing and start-up firms with a
www.swgau.org concentration on micro loan funds available
Counties covered: Crisp, Dooly in the state.
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 43
O T H E R A SSISTANCE
The packet has a section on “How to The site also has this information: What Expansion (EDGE) fund. The fund is to be them in the following areas: (a) starting a
Operate a Business Legally in Georgia” with Type of Legal Entity is Right for your used by one rural Georgia community that small business (b) improving their operating
information on getting a required Business Business, and What Georgia Employers competes for a business location and/or efficiency (c) identification of financial
License, a Health Department Permit for a Need to Know. expansion with another community from opportunities (d) increasing profitability
restaurant or other food service, Federal Every new business must have a business outside the state. and (e) business expansion. The program
and State taxes, Unemployment Insurance, license to operate legally in Georgia. If the The program’s Entrepreneur and Small operates a small business incubator, The
and Wage Laws. business is based within an incorporated Business Development Loan (ESB) Fund Entrepreneur Center, located in downtown
There is also information on incorporating city limit, the license must be obtained from provides financial resources for business Fort Valley that offers office space (single
a business and registering Trademarks. To the city. If the firm is located outside the development in Georgia’s at-risk areas by offices & junior suites) at below-market
obtain a copy of the EDFP, contact Ross city limits, the license must be obtained partnering with accredited Georgia financial rates for new and emerging businesses. The
Avina at from the county. Professionals, such as institutions. institute also has an on-site entrepreneur
404-679-1593 or visit: engineers and architects, need to have a The Equity Fund provides financial resource center, and provides technology
www.dca.ga.gov license before doing business in Georgia. assistance to rural communities to outreach and programming opportunities
The Office of the Professional Licensing help build infrastructure for economic for youth.
First Stop Business Center Board Division can be reached in Macon at development. Equity funds are also RURAL BUSINESS OUTREACH INSTITUTE
The First Stop Business Information 478-207-2440. The address is available as loans for several different types 100 E Main St
Center is located at the Secretary of 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217. of projects, such as speculative buildings to Ft. Valley, GA 31030
State’s website at www.sos.georgia.gov. For more information, please contact: be used to attract new industries to rural 478-825-6127
It provides small business owners and SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE parts of the state. Contact: Program Coordinator
prospective entrepreneurs with a central First Stop Business Information Center Equity awards will be made on a www.fvsu.edu/about/external-affairs/rboi
point of information for state regulatory 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. competitive basis three times a year. The
requirements (licenses and permits) for Ste. 315, West Tower OneGeorgia website at: www.onegeorgia. Chambers of Commerce
operating a small business. Atlanta, GA 30334 org provides funding cycle dates. Chambers of Commerce serve as a central
The Information Center, under “Sites of 404-656-2817 ONEGEORGIA AUTHORITY location where the local small business
Interest,” offers online links to Starter www.sos.state.ga.us 60 Executive Park South N.E. community may obtain information,
Resources, Brochures including an Atlanta, GA 30329 publications and contact information. Your
Economic Development Financing Packet, “OneGeorgia” Program 404-679-4940 local chamber can assist you in building,
and Business Development Organizations Some of the monies from the state’s Nancy Cobb, Executive Director managing, and expanding your company.
including the SBA and Women’s Business Tobacco Master Settlement are being nancy.cobb@onegeorgia.org For a location in your area, check the local
Centers. The Starter Resources include a link allocated to the “OneGeorgia” Authority to www.onegeorgia.org phone directory or visit: www.gachamber.
to the 33-page First Stop Business Guide. be used for development in Georgia’s rural com.
The Business Guide can be downloaded areas and most economically distressed Rural Business Outreach
from the web site and contains communities. A portion of these funds Institute at Fort Valley
links to the Secretary of State’s Corporate provides financial assistance for speculative
Division and its Professional Licensing buildings and other “for profit” concerns in
State University
The Rural Business Outreach Institute
Board Division. Other resources in the rural and depressed areas with terms for
provides customized technical assistance to
guide include links to the IRS, Georgia loans based on the life of the capital asset
new and emerging entrepreneurs in rural
Department of Revenue, Department of and ability to repay the loan.
Georgia, primarily in Tier 1 communities.
Labor, Small Business Development Centers The program, now merged with the Georgia
The program offers innovative workshops
(SBDC), and the Georgia Department of Department of Community Affairs, contains
and opportunities to businesses to assist
Agriculture. an Economic Development, Growth &
Resource Numbers
Chamber of Chamber of
County County Clerk Commerce County County Clerk Commerce
Appling County 912-367-8100 912-367-7731 Catoosa County 706-965-2500 706-965-5201
Atkinson County 912-422-3391 912-422-3277 Charlton County 912-496-2549 912-496-2536
Bacon County 912-632-5214 912-632-5859 Chatham County 912-652-7198 912-644-6400
Baker County 229-734-3000 Chattahoochee County 706-989-3602
Baldwin County 478-445-4791 478-453-9311 Chattooga County 706-857-0700 706-857-4033
Banks County 706-677-6200 706-677-2108 Cherokee County 678-493-6000 770-345-0400
Barrow County 770-307-3005 770-867-9444 Athens/Clarke County 706-613-3031 706-549-6800
Bartow County 770-387-5030 770-382-1466 Clay County 229-768-3238 229-732-2683
Ben Hill County 229-426-5100 229-423-9357 Clayton County 770-477-3210 678-610-4021
Berrien County 229-686-5421 229-686-5123 Clinch County 912-487-2667 912-487-2360
Bibb County 478-621-6540 478-621-2000 Cobb County 770-528-3307 770-980-2000
Bleckley County 478-934-3200 478-934-2965 Coffee County 912-384-4799 912-384-1873
Brantley County 912-462-5256 912-462-6282 Colquitt County 229-616-7409 229-985-2131
Brooks County 229-263-5561 229-263-4841 Columbia County 706-868-3379 706-651-0018
Bryan County 912-653-3837 912-756-3444 Cook County 229-896-2266 229-896-2281
Bulloch County 912-764-6245 912-764-6111 Coweta County 770-254-2601 770-253-2270
Burke County 706-554-2324 706-554-5451 Crawford County 478-836-3782 478-836-3825
Butts County 770-775-8200 770-775-4839 Crisp County 229-276-2672 229-273-1668
Calhoun County 229-849-4835 229-732-2683 Dade County 706-657-4625 706-657-4488
Camden County 912-576-5601 912-729-5840 Dawson County 706-344-3501 706-265-6278
Candler County 912-685-2835 912-685-2159 Decatur County 229-248-3030 229-246-4774
Carroll County 770-830-5800 770-832-2446 Dekalb County 404-371-2886 404-378-8000
44 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
OT H ER A SSISTANCE
Chamber of Chamber of
County County Clerk Commerce County County Clerk Commerce
Dodge County 478-374-4361 478-374-4723 Montgomery County 912-583-2363 912-537-4466
Dooly County 229-268-4228 229-268-8275 Morgan County 706-342-0725 706-342-4454
Dougherty County 229-431-2121 229-434-8700 Murray County 706-517-1400 706-695-6060
Douglas County 770-920-7266 770-942-5022 Muscogee County 706-653-4013 706-327-1566
Early County 229-723-4304 229-723-3741 Newton County 770-784-2000 770-786-7510
Echols County 229-559-6538 Oconee County 706-769-5120 706-769-7947
Effingham County 912-754-2101 912-754-3301 Oglethorpe County 706-743-5270 706-743-3113
Elbert County 706-283-2000 706-283-5651 Paulding County 770-443-7550 770-445-6016
Emanuel County 478-237-3881 478-237-6426 Peach County 478-825-2535 478-825-3733
Evans County 912-739-1141 912-739-1391 Pickens County 706-253-8813 706-692-5600
Fannin County 706-632-2203 706-632-5680 Pierce County 912-449-2022 912-449-7044
Fayette County 770-460-5730 770-461-9983 Pike County 770-567-3406 770-567-2029
Floyd County 706-291-5110 706-291-7663 Polk County 770-749-2100 770-684-8760
Forsyth County 770-781-2101 770-887-6461 Pulaski County 478-783-4154 478-783-1717
Franklin County 706-384-2483 706-384-4659 Putnam County 706-485-5826 706-485-7701
Fulton County 404-730-8200 404-880-9000 Quitman County 229-334-0903 229-732-2683
Gilmer County 706-635-4361 706-635-7400 Rabun County 706-782-5271 706-782-4812
Glascock County 706-598-2671 706-598-3637 Randolph County 229-732-6440 229-732-2683
Glynn County 912-554-7400 912-265-0620 Augusta/Richmond County 706-821-1820 706-821-1300
Gordon County 706-629-3795 706-625-3200 Rockdale County 770-278-7000 770-483-7049
Grady County 229-377-1512 229-377-3663 Schley County 229-937-2609 229-937-2262
Greene County 706-453-7716 706-453-7592 Screven County 912-564-7535 912-564-7878
Gwinnett County 770-822-7017 770-232-3000 Seminole County 229-524-2878 229-524-2588
Habersham County 706-754-6264 706-778-4654 Spalding County 770-467-4746 770-228-8200
Hall County 770-535-8260 770-532-6206 Stephens County 706-886-9491 706-886-2132
Hancock County 706-444-5746 Stewart County 229-838-6769 229-732-2683
Haralson County 770-646-2002 770-537-5594 Sumter County 229-928-4500 229-924-2646
Harris County 706-628-4958 706-628-0010 Talbot County 706-665-3220 706-665-8079
Hart County 706-376-2024 706-376-8590 Taliaferro County 706-456-2229
Heard County 706-675-3821 706-675-0560 Tattnall County 912-557-4335 912-557-6323
Henry County 770-288-6000 770-957-5786 Taylor County 478-862-3336 478-862-6022
Houston County 478-542-2115 478-922-8585 Telfair County 229-868-5688 229-868-6365
Irwin County 229-468-9441 229-468-9114 Terrell County 229-995-4476 229-995-2011
Jackson County 706-367-6314 706-387-0303 Thomas County 229-225-4100 229-226-9600
Jasper County 706-468-4900 706-468-8994 Tift County 229-386-7856 229-382-6200
Jeff Davis County 912-375-6611 912-375-4543 Toombs County 912-526-3311 912-537-4466
Jefferson County 478-625-3332 478-625-8134 Towns County 706-896-2276 706-896-4966
Jenkins County 478-982-2563 478-982-5595 Treutlen County 912-529-3664 912-529-6868
Johnson County 478-864-3388 478-864-7200 Troup County 706-883-1610 706-884-8671
Jones County 478-986-6405 478-986-1123 Turner County 229-567-4313 229-567-9696
Lamar County 770-358-5146 770-358-5884 Twiggs County 478-945-3629 478-945-3486
Lanier County 229-482-2088 229-482-9755 Union County 706-439-6000 706-745-5789
Laurens County 478-272-4755 478-272-5546 Upson County 706-647-7012 706-647-9686
Lee County 229-759-6000 229-759-2422 Walker County 706-638-1437 706-375-7702
Liberty County 912-876-2164 912-368-4445 Walton County 770-267-1301 770-267-6594
Lincoln County 706-359-4444 706-359-7970 Ware County 912-287-4300 912-283-3742
Long County 912-545-2143 912-545-2520 Warren County 706-465-2171 706-465-9604
Lowndes County 229-671-2400 229-247-8100 Washington County 478-552-2325 478-552-3288
Lumpkin County 706-864-3742 706-864-3711 Wayne County 912-427-5900 912-427-2028
Macon County 478-472-7021 478-472-2391 Webster County 229-828-5775
Madison County 706-795-5664 706-795-3473 Wheeler County 912-568-7135 912-568-7808
Marion County 229-649-2603 229-649-2842 White County 706-865-2235 706-865-5356
McDuffie County 706-595-2100 706-597-1000 Whitfield County 706-275-7500 706-278-7373
McIntosh County 912-437-6671 912-437-6684 Wilcox County 229-467-2737 229-365-2509
Meriwether County 706-672-1314 706-655-2558 Wilkes County 706-678-2511 706-678-2013
Miller County 229-758-4104 229-758-2400 Wilkinson County 478-946-2236 478-946-1122
Mitchell County 229-336-2000 229-336-5255 Worth County 229-776-8200 229-776-7718
Monroe County 478-994-7000 478-994-9239
Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga GEORGIA Small Business Resource — 45
S BA T OP LEND ER S
PREFERRED AND FIFTH THIRD BANK PRIVATE BANK OF BUCKHEAD SHINHAN BANK AMERICA UNITED CENTRAL BANK
3344 Peachtree Rd., Ste. 800 3565 Piedmont Rd. 211-11 Northern Blvd. 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd.
CERTIFIED LENDERS Atlanta, GA 30326 Bldg. 3, Ste. 210 Bayside, NY 11361 Norcross, GA 30071
404-279-4532 • 404-816-7350 F Atlanta, GA 30305 718-281-7825 • 718-224-6416 F 678-349-3200 • 678-349-3290 F
BANK OF AMERICA 404-264-7989 • 404-264-7978 F
Contact: Small Business FIRST INTERCONTINENTAL BANK SIGNATURE BANK OF GEORGIA UNITED COMMUNITY BANK
Financial Solutions 5593 Buford Hwy. QUANTUM NATIONAL BANK 505 Peachtree Pkwy. P.O. Box 279
888-931-5626 Doraville, GA 30340 505 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Cumming, GA 30041 Cornelia, GA 30531
770-407-1453 • 770-451-2053 F Suwanee, GA 30024 404-303-3214 • 678-455-7602 F 706-776-9025 • 706-778-9413 F
BBVA COMPASS BANK 770-945-8300 • 770-831-9546 F
17218 Preston Rd., Ste. 3000 FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF SUNTRUST BANK WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL
Dallas, TX 75252 COFFEE COUNTY QUEENSBORO NATIONAL BANK Mail Code CS-RIC 4323 ASSOCIATION
972-735-3540 • 972-735-3598 F 420 S. Madison Ave. & TRUST 7818 Parham Rd., 3rd Fl. 1455 W. Lake St., Ste. 306
Douglas, GA 31534 120 S. Zetterower Ave. Richmond, VA 23294 Minneapolis, MN 55408
BORREGO SPRINGS BANK 912-384-1100 • 912-384-0831 F Statesboro, GA 30458 804-270-8168 • 866-788-3584 F 612-667-2753 • 866-932-1889 F
14101 Panama City Beach Pkwy. 912-764-9719 • 912-789-2453 F
Ste. 300 THE FOSTER BANK SYNOVUS BANK WILSHIRE STATE BANK
Panama City Beach, FL 32413 5725 State Bridge Rd., Ste. 104 RBC BANK 1750 S. 14th St. 4864 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Ste. 202
866-644-0042• 866-717-7718 F Johns Creek, GA 30022 3815 Mansell Rd., Ste. 150 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Norcross, GA 30093
770-451-1220 • 770-451-7725 F Alpharetta, GA 30022 904-277-5292 • 904-491-7263 F 678-349-8000 • 770-290-0187 F
BRANCH BANKING & TRUST 678-277-4582 • 678-277-4352 F
COMPANY GEORGIA PRIMARY BANK TOUCHMARK BANK
5901-C Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. 3880 Roswell Rd. REGIONS BANK 6035 Peachtree Rd., Ste. C-120
Ste. 420 Atlanta, GA 30342 250 Riverchase Pkwy. E. Doraville, GA 30360
Atlanta, GA 30328 404-504-8316 • 404-231-4200 F Birmingham, ALA 35244 770-407-6747 • 770-407-7856 F
770-901-3283 • 770-551-8781 F 205-560-5210 • 205-560-8881 F
GULF COAST BANK & TRUST
BUSINESS LENDERS LLC 4 Sanctuary Blvd., Ste. 201
50 State House Sq., 5th Fl. Mandeville, LA 70471
Hartford, CT 06103 985-898-3882 • 985-898-3914 F
860-244-9202 ext. 117
860-895-6051 F HIGHLAND COMMERCIAL BANK
3411 Ernest Barrett Pkwy.
CBC NATIONAL BANK Marietta, GA 30064
3010 Royal Blvd. S., Ste. 230 770-333-0772 • 678-564-0270 F
Alpharetta, GA 30022
404-455-8595 • 404-765-9051 F JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
595 Piedmont Ave., Ste. 300
CENTER BANK Atlanta, GA 30308
253 N. Western Ave. 404-647-9443• 866-310-4991 F
Los Angeles, CA 90004
213-637-9624 • 213-427-6080 F METRO CITY BANK
5441 Buford Hwy., Ste. 109
CENTURY BANK OF GEORGIA Doraville, GA 30340
215 E. Main St. 770-455-4989 • 770-455-4988 F
Cartersville, GA 30120
678-721-2036 • 770-387-9161 F NARA BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION
CIT SMALL BUSINESS LENDING 3731 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1000
1680 Michigan Ave., Ste. 1001 Los Angeles, CA 90010
Miami, FL 33139 213-427-6347 • 213-406-8960 F
305-861-2021 • 305-861-4302 F
NEWTEK SMALL BUSINESS
COLONY BANK FINANCE INC.
SBA TOP LENDERS
115 S. Grant St. 1440 Broadway, 17th Fl.
Fitzgerald, GA 31704 New York, NY 10018
229-426-6239 • 229-426-6074 F 212-356-9510 ext. 10125
212-643-0340 F
EAST WEST BANK
3490 Shallowford Rd. NOA BANK
Atlanta, GA 30341 2476 Pleasant Hill Rd., Ste. 201
770-454-0428 • 770-986-0054 F Duluth, GA 30096
678-385-0828 • 678-385-0849 F
EMBASSY NATIONAL BANK
1817 N. Brown Rd. THE PRIVATEBANK & TRUST CO.
Lawrenceville, GA 30041 3169 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste. 202
770-500-1255 • 770-995-9111 F Norcross, GA 30071
770-840-2616 • 770-840-2601 F
FIDELITY BANK
1122 Pace St., 1st Fl.
Covington, GA 30014
404-553-2350 • 770-784-2784 F
46 — Small Business Resource GEORGIA Visit us online: www.sba.gov/ga
