Upstart? Builder? Go-Getter? Welcome Home.

Cobb is among the leadering counties in Georgia for economic growth, business success, and diverse industries. Small businesses are a central economic driver in the county’s overall fiscal health and vitality. Thanks to a plethora of resources and its business-friendly environment, Cobb County is quickly becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial talent.

Small Business FAQ

Every great business begins with a great idea. However, starting a business requires planning, making important financial decisions, and ensuring sound legal structures are in place. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a helpful Ten Step Checklist for prospective business owners to lay the groundwork for future success. More detailed instructions can also be found in the UGA Small Business Development Center’s Start-Up Guide.

Funding can be found from several sources – personal financing, traditional lending, and grant assistance. However, accessing this funding can be difficult, especially for minority entrepreneurs.  Several organizations, including the SBA’s Lender Match, ACE, and LISC Atlanta connect young businesses with interested lenders and provide specialized lending services for eligible companies.

A business plan is strongly encouraged for startups and young businesses. It serves as the roadmap for your business, identifies your company goals, and can help you navigate unforeseen circumstances.  If you need to raise capital, a business plan is required for loan applications and grant assistance. The US Chamber of Commerce’s Definitive Guide to Writing a Startup Business Plan covers all the components of a successful business plan and why startups have unique business plan needs.

For businesses located in unincorporated Cobb, please consult the County’s website. If the business resides within city limits, the license will come from the respective city government, See the cities of Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, and Smyrna for additional information.

You do not have to register your business with the state unless you are planning to incorporate, become a specific legal entity, or plan to do business with the state. If your company is interested in becoming a registered vendor, you will need to register with the Georgia Corporations Division. Additional guidance on requirements for registration, licensing, and tax information can be found in the state’s First Stop Business Guide.

The UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Kennesaw State provides a full suite of resources for new entrepreneurs and experienced business owners, including no-cost business consulting and information on securing business loans.

For businesses interested in one-on-one guidance, SCORE is a free mentoring service that provides resources and expertise to assist small businesses in achieving their goals. In addition to mentorship, SCORE also hosts low-cost workshops and provides free business tools and templates.

SelectCobb’s goal is to connect startups with helpful resources and opportunities to start and grow their businesses. Interested individuals can connect with our Small Business & Entrepreneurship Initiatives Manager, Caroline Knowles at [email protected] or (770) 859-2353.

COBB COUNTY BUSINESS CONCIERGE SERVICES

Cobb County Government offers entrepreneurs, small business owners, and economic development professionals assistance with startups, expansions, and relocations. For more information on this service, contact the Business Concierge Team at [email protected] or (770) 528-2018.

CobbHires

We’re making it easy for businesses to post their open positions or internship opportunities to find the best candidates right here in Cobb County.

This portal also provides our Cobb community members access to local job opportunities to assist them in finding a new career opportunity.

HatchBridge

The HatchBridge Incubator is a comprehensive ecosystem bridging programs, services, resources, and co-working and shared spaces to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, economic development, and experimental learning. Available as a community resource, regardless of Kennesaw State affiliation, HatchBridge seeks to pair bright minds with innovators and entrepreneurs to answer questions, find resources, and build capabilities.

For More information:

Katie Scott

Troy

Economic Development Coordinator

Contact Katie Scott for help with small business resources and events.

770-859-2353
Need additional assistance?

We have experts at the ready to help answer any questions you may have about doing business in Cobb.