Resources

Whether you are an existing business owner in need of resources, or an individual ready to start your own business in Gilmer County, we have the resources that you need. Gilmer County was designated an Entrepreneur Friendly community by the State of Georgia for its efforts in cultivating business environments that develop and encourage entrepreneurs and small business.

Tourism Grants

In partnership with the Gilmer County Commissioners and the Cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, this program is administered by the Gilmer Chamber and its designated advisory group, the Tourism Grant Committee. These funds are awarded via the Tourism Grant Program (TGP), which is intended to support marketing expenses for local nonprofits that produce events and programs designed to attract overnight visitors to Gilmer County.

Learn more about Tourism Grants

Loans & Programs

Although it is a common belief that free grants are available to support small business start-up and growth, this is not true! There is no such thing as free money.

However, there are many low-interest loans and financial support programs which can help you start and grow your business. A few of these resources are listed below. We also encourage you to work with a local financial institution with which you may already have a relationship. Click here for a list of local financial institutions.

Small Business Administration Loans – This federal loan program helps small businesses acquire guaranteed capital at a fixed rate. Visit www.sba.gov for the latest information and available loan programs.

Department of Community Affairs – DCA oversees and offers many loan opportunities for businesses. Please visit www.dca.state.ga.us/economic/financing/index.asp for more information.

USDA Loans – This federal program offers financial assistance to small businesses in rural areas. Please visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/ProgramsAndOpportunities.html or call 800-670-6553 for more information.

Microloans – This special type of loan is given by non-profit organizations to support low income, low-employee entrepreneurs. For more information on microloans, contact ACE, Inc. at 706-348-6609 or visit www.aceloans.org.

Licensing

Getting licensed with the state – Certain businesses require licensing with the state. Contact the Secretary of State’s office at 404-656-2871 or visit www.sos.georgia.gov.

Licensing & Sales Tax ID – Your business may be required to obtain a seller’s permit, and all businesses must receive a Tax ID number. Contact the Georgia Department of Revenue (Regional Office) at 706-295-6061 or visit www.etax.dor.ga.gov/business_taxes.aspx.

Contacts for local licensing & inspections

City of Ellijay Business License, Zoning, and Building Inspection Office
Ellijay City Hall
197 North Main Street,
Ellijay GA
706-635-4711 X 3 (Business License)
706-635-4711 X 2 (Zoning & Inspection)

City of East Ellijay Business License, Zoning and Building Inspection Office
East Ellijay City Hall
Contact: Larry Callahan
107 Oak Street,
East Ellijay GA
706-276-3111

Gilmer County Business License, Zoning, and Building Inspection Office
Gilmer County Planning & Zoning
10 Broad Street, Suite 002
Ellijay, GA
706-635-3406

Health Inspections
Gilmer County Office of Environmental Health
Contact: Andrea Martin
1 Broad Street, Suite 003
Ellijay, GA
706-635-6050

Get Connected

It takes a strong network of support to get your business off the ground. Here are a few partnerships you should consider for your business.

Chamber of Commerce
This organization is dedicated to the promotion and growth of business. Be it a call for a business listing or hosting a special event, the Chamber staff can help bring new customers through your front door. The Chamber also provides wonderful networking opportunities to meet other local business owners. The Chamber of Commerce can also be a resource for many other opportunities and programs for your business, such as the Drugs Don’t Work program, referral services to help you find resources you need for local advertising, quality real estate, business and health insurance. 696 First Ave. East Ellijay, GA 706-635-7400

Department of Labor
Hiring employees is one of the most important decisions you will make as a business owner. The Department of Labor also offers the On-The-Job training program, offering employers up to a 90% reimbursement of the trainee’s salary to help offset training costs. Contact the Department of Labor for more information on the OTJ program and ways they can help you find the right people to make your business succeed.