New Business Start-Up in Rabun County
The entrepreneur who organizes and operates a business is the foundation of our economy and the heartbeat of most small towns. Business formation is a natural function of our economy and happens thousands of times throughout the United States. Approximately 32.5 million small businesses employ 61.2 million in the US, creating 525,000 jobs each year. These start-ups should be encouraged and assisted, where possible. However, recruiting new start-ups and encouraging local organization of new business are two very separate strategies.
Organizational Assistance
There are numerous online organizations that will assist entrepreneurs. However, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a proven, no-cost source for advice and counsel. The closest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to Rabun County is located at the University of Georgia in Athens. Forward Rabun has already worked with them on several occasions, including sponsoring seminars by them in Rabun County. The SBDC is a great resource and further ties should be developed. They undoubtedly will help with Rabun County’s new business start-up program. The SBA also offers loans and grants to small businesses. SBA generally works through local financial institutions to supplement or guarantee loans.
Since January 2021, Forward Rabun has hosted several successful educational seminars for local business and industry, including the Rabun County Business Expo & Luncheon on May 26, 2022, which was well attended by 300 local business attendees. Technical College System of Georgia’s Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development, Mr. Matthew Dollar, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development Director of Small Business Outreach, Mr. Allen Fox, were keynote speakers at the event. The focus of the event was “Employee Recruitment and Retention.”
Forward Rabun also hosted Dr. Patrick Fulbright from the University of Georgia’s SBDC at a Business Breakfast on February 10, 2022, with over 100 local business people attending. Topics of this event focused on Regaining Business Momentum Post COVID, SBA Funding Opportunities, Creating a Stronger Online Presence, and Social Media Marketing Techniques.
To date, nearly ninety new businesses have joined Forward Rabun/Rabun County Chamber of Commerce since January 2022. Also, Forward Rabun/Rabun County Chamber of Commerce has hosted nine New Business Ribbon-Cuttings & Open House events since January 2022 and currently has six additional Ribbon-Cutting Events scheduled through October 2022.