Economic Development Initiatives in Banks County
Banks County has been named one of Georgia’s designated " Entrpreneur Friendly" communities. The designation signals the community has developed an enviroment that is welcoming to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Ninety-two percent of Banks County’s 350 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees
The Banks County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be named the first point of contact for small business, entrepreneurs and start-up companies in Banks County. As part of the process to earn the designation, Banks County completed the entrepreneur friendly program with the assistance of GDEcD’s regional representative.
The county analyzed its entrepreneurial and small business enviroment and developed strategies to help foster its growth. Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Banks County are eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help them become more competitive.
The county is also eligible for an Entrpreneur-Friendly Implementation Fund (EFIF) grant to implement programs that support their entrepreneurs and small businesses and have a regional impact.
According to the Banks County Chamber of Commerce, “The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of entrepreneur is ‘one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise.’ Each of these words is important. Entrepreneurship occurs in a business context, meaning the objective is to sell a product or service and make a profit. Entrepreneurs have the motivation that comes from pursuing ones’ own ideas rather than somebody else’s.”
Heidi Green, chairman of the Georgia Entrepreneur and Small Business Coordinating Network and GDEcD’s deputy commissioner for Global Commerce, says “Small businesses are the linchpin in all of Georgia’s communities. By supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, we help Georgia grow. We congratulate Banks County for making small businesses part of its strategic plan for growth.”
