Small Business & Entrepreneur Resources
The Henry County Development Authority understands a diversified economy is a successful economy and looks to support small businesses and encourage entrepreneurs to join the ecosystem by starting their companies in Henry. Inspiring and offering support to local entrepreneurs, the Authority includes small businesses and entrepreneurship support in our economic development strategy.
This microsite is here to provide you and other area entrepreneurs with information pertaining to small businesses, from planning and financing to marketing and legal aspects. Learn more about starting your own small business in Henry County, Georgia, preparing a business plan, getting credit, business taxes and regulatory responsibilities, networking, and much more.
Entrepreneur-Friendly Henry County
Henry County is a Georgia “Entrepreneur Friendly” community, an official designation indicating the community is developing an environment conducive to small business and entrepreneurs. Henry is proud to have become the 15th community in the state to earn “entrepreneur-friendly” status from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD)’s Entrepreneur and Small Business Office.
ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Take the following self-assessing survey found in the Start Up Basics guide developed by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to determine if you are ready to start your own business. Also, please find a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a Small Business Guide that provides guidance on starting a business.
How to Start a Business
First Stop Business Guide
What Georgia Employers Need to Know
TIPS FOR STARTING / OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS
Start Up Expenses Checklist
Planning & Zoning Information
Developing a Marketing Strategy
Business License (Occupational Tax) Information
Where Do I Get the Money?
Legal Aspects of Starting a Business
LOCAL RESOURCES
Business License
Henry County Tax Commissioner’s Office – 770-288-8180
Hampton City Hall – 770-946-4306
Locust Grove City Hall – 770-957-5043
McDonough City Hall – 770-957-3915
Stockbridge City Hall – 770-389-7900
Permits
Henry County Building Department – 770-288-6051
Available Sites and Buildings
The Henry County Development Authority team can assist with your site location needs as a start up company and provide expansion assistance as your company grows. Click here for a listing of available sites and buildings in Henry County.
CONSULTING and EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE, “Counselors to America’s Small Business” – Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE provides free, one-on-one counseling to potential entrepreneurs and mentoring to those who decide to start or grow their own business. McDonough / Henry County SCORE business counselors are located at the Henry County Chamber of Commerce (1709 Highway 20 W, McDonough, GA 30253). Contact 770-954-0021 or visit SCORE’s website to schedule an appointment.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC provides training, technical assistance, and research to help entrepreneurs improve their chances for success. For more information on SBDC, click here.
WORKFORCE AND TRAINING ASSISTANCE
Georgia Department of Labor
The Clayton County Regional Career Center, serving Clayton, Fayette, and Henry County, is available to assist with your recruitment and screening needs as well as provide other employment support services.
NETWORKING/NEW BUSINESS CONTACTS
Make new contacts and create opportunities to expand your business by meeting potential customers through Henry County Chamber of Commerce events.
The Greater Henry County Chapter of (SHRM), a local affiliate of the Society of Human Resource Management serving Henry, Spalding, and Clayton counties, is another great resource providing opportunity for networking, professional development, and information exchange.
SMALL BUSINESS LOANS
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
SBA provides a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses that have been specifically designed to meet key financing needs, including debt financing, surety bonds, and equity financing.
Information on the 504 SBA Program Loan, click here
Information on the 7(a) SBA Program Loan, click here
Local SBA Preferred 504 and 7(a) Lenders
Bank of America
Phone: 404-971-0516
Click here to access website.
Branch Banking & Trust Company
Phone: 770-901-3283
Click here to access website.
Fidelity Bank
Phone: 770-914-4304
Click here to access website.
SunTrust Bank
Click here to access website.
United Community Bank
Phone: 678-289-2510
Click here to access website.
Wells Fargo
Click here to access website.
Georgia SBA Preferred 504 and 7(a) Lenders
SBA Loan Application Checklist