City Guides

Atlanta Small Business Start-up Guide

Atlanta Small Business Start-up Guide

Atlanta is a city that has a rich history and an even richer future. The city has roots that grew from the ashes of the Civil War, and from that fertile ground it has grown to become the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States and an internationally prominent center of commerce and world city. With a gross domestic product that ranks 8th in the nation and 45th in the world, it's no wonder that the city of Atlanta is such a draw for business people who want to make a mark.

Atlanta was originally home to several native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee Indians who gave way to European settlers in the 19th century. With the building of extensive rail lines providing a link between Savannah and the Midwest, the city that was originally named Marthasville quickly grew and was renamed Atlanta to honor the fact that its railroad provided service from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Its position as a transportation hub made it an important focal point during the Civil War, which led to its eventual destruction by the retreating Confederate army. The city was gradually rebuilt after the war's end, and since that time it has experienced unprecedented growth, with a tremendous focus on higher education, transportation, culture, and commerce.

The Atlanta metropolitan area is the 17th largest in the world, and offers abundant advantages to businesses considering establishing themselves in its midst. These include:

  • Atlanta is home to the country's third largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies, and major forces including Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Delta Airlines and UPS call the city its home. The city's wealth of national and international corporations is in large part due to the area's highly educated workforce – 43% of adults in Atlanta have college degrees.
  • Atlanta is a major transportation hub, and is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport. It is also an important rail junction.
  • Atlanta is an important media hub, and is home to both CNN (Cable News Network) and Turner Broadcasting, as well as Cox Enterprises, The Weather Channel, and The Blackstone Group

The city of Atlanta goes out of its way to provide all of the information that an entrepreneur needs to get started in the city, with extensive information on its website regarding the required licenses, permits, business taxes and property taxes. An experienced tax professional can walk you through the steps of determining what type of business structure will work best for you, as well as with establishing business plan, a general ledger and accounting system to make sure that you are efficient and in the best possible position for profit.

The links below are a great place to start as you begin your entrepreneurial journey in Atlanta.

  • City of Atlanta Business
  • Urban League of Atlanta Entrepreneurship Center
  • Georgia Department of Economic Development
  • StartUp Lounge - Atlanta
  • MeroAtlanta Chamber of Commerce
  • Georgia District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Small Business and Workforce Resources
  • Commercial Real Estate in Atlanta
  • Atlanta Business Tax Incentives
  • U.S. Census Information
  • Find top-rated Atlanta CPAs and Accountants
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Karen C. Drescher, CPA, CGMA

Karen C. Drescher, CPA, CGMA

Whether it is helping a individual or a Georgia small business with their taxes, or offering to be a backstop through their difficulties, Karen is always there for her clients. When you are a client of Karen's, she always tries to make you feel comfortable in a casual and friendly environment.

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