Small Business Resources
Resources and Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Business Structures
Which legal entity is right for my business?
Here you will find information regarding which legal entity would suit your business (sole proprietors, LLCs, C-Corporations and the benefits of each)
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/corporations/legal_entity.htm
Where do I go to find information about setting up and running a small business?
Here you will find a “how to” guide to managing a business from start to finish
http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/legal/forms.html
Where do I find out what my tax responsibilities are?
Here you will find links to basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. You will also find information to assist you in making basic business decisions. You should inquire at your municipal and county office for additional information.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99336,00.html
Licenses and Registrations
How do I obtain a business license?
Here you will find information on obtaining a license for the City of Atlanta.
If outside the City of Atlanta, please check with your municipality or county government.
http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/finance/businesslicense.aspx
From home page above go to “how do I…?” Choose from drop down menu
http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/finance/businesslicense.aspx
Where do I find information to form a legal business entity?
Here you will find various guides to setting up business entity in Georgia.
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/corporations/
Where do I go to find out information about setting up a small business?
Here you will find a “how to” guide to setting up and establishing a business.
http://business.gov
How can I find licenses and registration needed in Georgia?
Here you will find information specific to businesses in Georgia.
http://www.georgia.gov
http://regs4ga.georgia.gov/00/channel_titleX/0,2501,51024814_51030633,00.html
Tax Information
How can I find the appropriate tax forms for my business?
Here you will find tax forms and regulations for varied business formats.
http://www.sba.gov/
Go to “Starting”
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/index.html
Where will I find tax and license forms required by the City of Atlanta?
Here you will find access to forms required by the City of Atlanta.
http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/finance/businesslicense.aspx
Where can I get IRS guidance on taxes and filings?
Here you will find a comprehensive site with more than you ever wanted to know.
www.irs.gov
Go to “Businesses” then “Starting a Business”
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99336,00.html
Where can I find the latest information on taxes?
Here you will find a compilation of government tax and business guidance.
www.business.gov
Funding and Certification
Where can I learn about funding my business?
Here you will find a wealth of information on funding your business.
http://www.sba.gov/
Go to “Financing”
http://www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/index.html
Where can I get expert guidance on sources for business financing?
Here you will find in depth guidance from former top finance executives.
http://www.score.org/
Go to “Small Business Funding”
http://www.score.org/cgi/search.cgi?keys=small+business+funding
Where can I find information about the WBE/GWBE (Women's Business Enterprise/Georgia Women's Business Enterprise) Certification process?
Here you will find the benefits of certification as well as the process for application.
http://www.gwbc.biz/index.asp
Where can I find information about the MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Certification process?
Here you will find detailed information about the MBE certification process.
http://www.gmsdc.org/applications.asp
Go to “Certification applications for minority-owned businesses”
http://www.gmsdc.org/Docs/2007%20MBECertApplwletter.doc
Educational Programs
Where can I find educational programs for small business owners?
The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce offers a wide variety of educational programs for its members. For the calendar visit:
http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/serving/calendar_new4.asp
Additional Resources:
http://www.sba.gov/
Go to “Training-Review Courses”
http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html
Where can I go to find educational tools for small business owners?
Here you will find an extensive offering of tools and resources related to many aspects of small business.
http://www.score.org/
Go to “Take Free Online Workshops”
http://www.va-interactive.com/score/
Where can I find resources regarding taxes and my business?
Here you will find tax information workshops and resources for businesses.
http://www.irs.gov
Go to “Businesses” and then “Starting a Business” - - online classroom
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97726,00.html
Insurance Information
Where can I find information on the type and amount of insurance that a small business should carry?
Here you will find advice on choosing the right amount of insurance and a link to find an independent insurance agent.
http://www.score.org
Go to “How to, then “Top5 Business Tips”, then to “Office Management” and click on “5 Tips on How to be Sure You're Adequately Insured”
http://www.score.org/5_tips_om_8.html
When clicking on the link to find and independent insurance agent we recommend cross-referencing this list with our chamber membership directory at:
http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/serving/mem_directory9.asp
In the Business Category window type “Insurance-Business”
Mentoring Programs
Where can I find information on Business sponsored mentoring programs?
Here you will find that Score has a free on-line or face-to-face mentoring service provided by volunteers with real world business experience.
http://www.score.org
Go to “How to”, then to “60-Second Guides”, then to “Find a Mentor”
http://www.score.org/60_guide_business_mentor.html
Where can I find information on state sponsored mentoring programs?
Here you will find information on the Governor's Mentor-Protégé Program that teams emerging businesses with large prosperous businesses.
http://www.georgia.org
From the home page go to “Business”, then to “Small Business/Mentor Protégé”
http://www.georgia.org/Business/SmallBusiness/mentor_protege.htm
Where can I find information on mentoring programs sponsored by my peers?
Here you can join a peer-to-peer learning group as developed by The Edward Lowe Foundation.
http://www.edwardlowe.org
From the home page choose “PeerSpectives” from the left column, then click on “Current States” under “Resources” on the right side of the page, then click“ Georgia”
http://www.georgiasbdc.org/newsite/?page_name=peerspectives_factsheet
Pension Plans
Where can I find information on pension plans for small businesses?
Here you can learn about the benefits of SEP Plans (Simplified Employee Pensions) for small business owners.
http://www.sba.org
From the home page go to “Small Business Planner”, then to “Manage Your Business”, then to “Manage Employees” and finally to “Planning for the Future”
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/manageemployees/SERV_FUTUREPLAN.html
Where can I find information on starting a 401K plan?
Here you can learn the steps and rules for establishing a 401(k) plan for you and your employees.
http://www.irs.gov
Go to “Businesses”, then “Starting a Business”, then click on “Establishing a Retirement Plan” located under the heading “What New Business Owners Need to Know About Federal Taxes”
http://www.irs.gov/retirement/article/0,,id=110352,00.html
Where can I find information on 401k and employee stock ownership plans?
Here you can watch videos discussing 401(k) plans and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP).
http://www.sbtv.org
Click on “Money” in the left hand section
http://www.sbtv.org/default.asp?cid=2
Hiring Process
What are the laws I need to know about when recruiting new employees?
Here you will find ideas and resources for recruiting employees.
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/em/recruit_new_employees.htm
Where can I find qualified employment candidates?
The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce has many outstanding human resources firms. Please visit:
http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/serving/mem_directory9.asp
Additional Resources:
Here you will find a free searchable database of recent graduates.
www.georgiahire.com
You will be required to request a password
What actions should I take before and/or after hiring someone?
Here you will find out how to report the hiring of a new employee and related employment laws.
www.dol.state.ga.us
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/em/employment_laws_rules.htm
How should I file my taxes and wage reports?
Here you will find information on filing tax and wage reports.
http:// www.dol.state.ga.us
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/em/tax_and_wage_reports.htm
Business Growth
How do I manage the growth of my business?
Here you will find resources for managing growth and employees.
http://www.sba.gov
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/manageemployees/index.html
Who can I go to for advice on running my small business?
The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce has many educational programs that address common small business challenges. Check the events calendar regularly at http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/serving/calendar_new4.asp
Additional Resources:
Here you will find mentor and educational programs for entrepreneurs.
http://www.score.org
http://www.gesnow.com
Where can I find advice about legal matters?
Here you will find on line videos on a variety of topics including legal, management, technology and marketing.
http://www.sbtv.org/default.asp?cid=6
Where can I find comprehensive information on Human Resources concerns and regulations?
Here you will find a guide to information on hiring procedures, equal employment opportunity rules, wages, benefits and other human resources concerns.
www.business.gov
http://www.business.gov/topic/Human_Resources
Business Plan
Where can I find information, guidelines and step by step instructions on writing a Business Plan?
Here you will find detailed information on planning a business and writing a business plan.
http://www.sba.gov
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/index.html
Where can I find templates for creating a Business Plan?
Here you will find tools for writing a Business Plan for new or established businesses.
http://www.score.org
http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html
Small Business Qualifications
How do I determine if my business qualifies as a Small Business?
Companies with fewer than 100 employees and less than $40 million in revenue are considered “small business” by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Additional Resources:
Here you will find detailed programs and regulations pertaining to a small business.
http://www.sba.gov
http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html
Where do I find information regarding allowable/deductible business expenses and other IRS (Internal Revenue Service) regulations?
Here you will find tax filing information, business expense regulations and forms.
http://www.irs.gov
http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/sizestandardstopics/index.html
Where do I find information on proper accounting practices and required filings?
Here you will find information from the basics including a Beginners Guide to Financial Statements to SEC Filings and Sarbanes-Oxley.
http://www.business.gov
http://www.business.gov/topic/Finance#Financial_Accounting
Where can I find information on growing a business profitably?
Here you will find a listing of books available and excerpts from books on the subject of profitable growth.
http://www.smallbusinessnotes.com/operating/leadership/growbusiness.html
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