The Entrepreneurial Friendly Communities Program is a community-based effort launched by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Entrepreneur and Small Business Office.
The program is designed to foster the development of a system for supporting entrepreneurs in those communities taking part in this initiative. GDEcD regional managers work with local leaders who are committed to making their communities “entrepreneur friendly.” Such a label is conferred on communities that are dedicated to increasing awareness, identifying and tapping existing resources, and developing strategies that support local entrepreneurs. The program is primarily a community-based technical assistance program.
A key strength of the Georgia program is the value and importance placed on the use of locally based (rather than state-based) entrepreneurial assistance resources and programs to support entrepreneurs. At the same time, one of its limitations is that little attention is given to creating a sustainable entrepreneurial culture in the communities taking part in this program. The Georgia model is spurring other states to launch statewide entrepreneurial initiatives that closely mirror the major components found in the Georgia model.
To learn more about the Georgia Entrepreneur Friendly Communities Initiative, check the following site: • http://www.georgia.org/Business/Entrepreneur+Friendly+Communities.htm.
