Conclusion

As you have read through this guide, you have learned a lot about all the details that go into starting a business.  As said before, this guide is only intending to inform you about some key steps that must occur.  Based on your particular business type, you may need to do additional tasks in order to make sure that you are ready to operate.

Resources in Hartwell

If you become a member, the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority can help you locate available downtown business space, along with providing assistance with designing your storefront, finding sources of grants and information on incentive programs and providing details on state and federal rehabilitation tax credits. You can contact the DDA here.

If you become a member, the Hart County Chamber of Commerce can help with locations in the city outside the historic downtown area as well as throughout the county. Find a link to the application here.

External Resources

There are countless resources that you can leverage when starting and operating a business.  As you can see throughout this guide, the Internet is filled with helpful resources.  In particular, The U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. Their Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories. 

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities -- The University of Georgia runs two closest SBDCs to Hartwell, which are the Gainesville and Athens offices.  SBDC advisors provide aspiring and current small business owners a variety of free business consulting and low-cost training services including: business plan development, manufacturing assistance, financial packaging and lending assistance, exporting and importing support, market research help, along with other services. 

It is highly encouraged that you leverage the UGA SBDC as you continue through your journey as a small business owner.  When you are ready to continue growing the business or want to take the business in a different direction, the consultants can provide you with guidance.