Introduction

Welcome to Hart County’s digital version of
“A Guide to Starting a Business in Hartwell!”

By utilizing this guide, you are taking a great first step towards building a successful business!  Whether you have the perfect business in mind or are merely exploring becoming an entrepreneur, reading through this website will be an eye-opening experience. 

• If you already know you want to start a business: It is recommended that you work through each part diligently, especially Parts 2 and 3, to make sure your idea is feasible. Seek outside counsel when needed, such as when you are about to transition from planning to executing your business.
• If you are just exploring entrepreneurship: Read through this website or the paper booklet to get an idea of the process of starting a business.  If it’s something that you’re still interested in, begin working through the guide. 

Regardless of what stage you are in, the next seven parts will walk you through the many steps in creating a business.  But do not mistake this platform for an exact step-by-step guide. In fact, this is not structured to be used as a checklist that will lead you to a fully operational business. The logic behind this is that each business idea is very unique and requires different components to be successful. This guide has been created to help streamline your thinking and ensure that you consider the many variables that come with the territory of starting your unique business. 

Approximately 1 in 3 businesses will fail in their first 2 years.  This does not mean that starting a business is an unnecessary risk; it simply means that solid, thorough planning is in order. This guide will help you with that planning and will expose you to many of the intricacies of starting a business.  Keep in mind that there are many factors to consider; some can even vary from business to business.  However, do not be afraid to start on this journey - becoming an entrepreneur can be an extremely rewarding experience!

Plan for Your Business

The Hart County Chamber of Commerce and the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority staff encourage you to reach out to them if you have any specific questions. They suggest that you use this guide to create a workable plan catered to your business development needs.  If you’d like to pick up a paper copy of this guide, stop by either office or download the printable PDF version HERE

If you have already read the paper booklet, much of the information will be the same but you will be able to refer to all the helpful links directly from here.  Throughout this version, there are links to helpful articles, videos, and examples to further explain concepts.  By compiling resources from various locations, the goal is to save you a little time as you get ready to plan and launch your business.  Links will be updated frequently but if you find that a link is not working, please let us know.

For additional technical support, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center is an incredible resource. They offer classes, consulting, and online materials that can help you get over some of the hurdles that stand in the way of you and your business.  It is a great opportunity to have access to no-cost, one-on-one professional business consulting geared specifically towards Georgia small business owners who want to grow or start their business. The SBDC consultants have earned advanced degrees in business or management and have extensive practical experience to help both emerging and growing businesses reach their goals.

Please note that all external links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual by the Hart County Chamber of Commerce and related parties.  They bear no responsibility for the accuracy or legality of the content of the external site or subsequent links from an external site.