Regulatory Reforms Activated to Boost Georgia's Small Businesses

Activities initiated by Governor Perdue’s March 2006 Executive Order

ATLANTA – Georgia small businesses will find it easier to interact with state government under regulatory reform initiatives announced today by Governor Sonny Perdue.

"Our small businesses are the backbone of Georgia's economy, and these reforms will assure they continue to thrive in our state," said Governor Perdue. "I commend our state agencies for working in close cooperation to ensure that Georgia's small businesses experience a more efficient means of assistance and a higher level of customer service."

Last March, Governor Perdue signed an Executive Order calling for a more streamlined process for Georgia businesses to obtain regulatory assistance from the state. The Governor's Entrepreneur & Small Business Office (ESBO), housed in the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), has put these key steps in place:

• A small business liaison from each state agency has been selected. Small businesses are able to go directly to this person for quick responses to each query regarding regulations for that particular agency.
• A new toll free number has been established: 877-REGS-4-GA (877-734-7442), where calls will be directed to the proper agency liaison.
• A new website has also been developed: www.regs4ga.org , where Georgia businesses can find specific regulations and related helpful resource links.
• A tracking procedure to identify the issues, questions and trends of most concern to Georgia's small businesses has been established. Agency liaisons report their findings to ESBO each month. These findings could lead to streamlined rules and regulations, or legislation if necessary.
• An annual progress report will be submitted to the Governor.

Governor Perdue announced the reforms today during an observance of National Entrepreneurship Week, a nationwide celebration of entrepreneurs to be held Feb. 24 - March 3, 2007. The Governor also presented a proclamation supporting the goals and ideals of the national event and the importance of entrepreneurship to Georgia's economy.

Small businesses make up one of the strongest segments of Georgia's economy. In 2004, the most recent year for which statistics are available, small businesses in Georgia grew 22 percent more than the previous year, outstripping their 4.9 percent growth in the U.S. as a whole. Of the half-million incorporated businesses in the state last year:

• 97.5 percent are categorized as small by the federal government (under 500 employees)
• 95 percent employ fewer than 50
• 50 percent employ under 5

In addition, the number of businesses owned by women in Georgia grew 35 percent between 1997 and 2002, the second-fastest rate in the country. Women-owned businesses are the fastest-growing business segment in Georgia.

Among GDEcD's programs that benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses in Georgia are:

• The "Entrepreneur Friendly" program, an official designation that means a community is strategically developing an environment that welcomes small businesses and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs and small business owners in these counties are also eligible to receive free, customized market data to enhance their competitiveness. Currently 33 Georgia communities have received the certification and more than 50 are in the process.
• The Entrepreneur & Small Business Regional Project Management team. This team of 10 small business specialists is in its second year. Spread out throughout the state, this team focuses on assisting small, fast-growing companies, many within Georgia's strategic industries, with resources that can assist them with expansions and new investment. The team also works closely with Georgia's Centers of Innovation and facilitates the "Entrepreneur Friendly" designation.
• The Governor's Mentor Protégé Program, Georgia's business-to-business mentoring program, and the first state-operated program of its kind in the nation. Since the program's inception six years ago, more than 125 small companies have increased their chances of success through mentoring by established, prospering corporations.
• The Entrepreneur & Small Business Coordinating Network, established in 2004 by Governor Perdue, assures statewide support for small businesses with 28 state, federal, non-profit and private sector partners.