BIZ TALK: How Starting or Relocating a Business in Atlanta Can Be Successful
Atlanta has been the home to a lot of new businesses, some that have taken off and become major corporations! The main factors that make Atlanta an ideal location for starting or relocating a business include the cost of living, the level of education of the available workforce, the quality of life in the area, and the active entrepreneur community.
To introduce you to Atlanta and the opportunities it has, The Luxe List Atlanta presents the following guide on “How Starting or Relocating a Business in Atlanta Can Be Successful”:
Lower Startup Density Than Other Cities
Atlanta has a relatively low entrepreneur density compared to other cities. This is good news, since new business owners won't face as much competition in the early stages of development.
Atlanta Backs Helping the Environment
Atlanta has made multiple investments to help the environment. For example, the Partnership for Southern Equity creates sustainable partnerships that help lower negative impacts on the environment and teaches the community.
Cost of Living
Often, the best place to base your business is in a city with a low cost of living. However, keep in mind that Atlanta is a bit more expensive than other cities. Atlanta has an average cost of living score of 107 out of 100. A lower cost of living typically means you and your employees can make your money go further, and you can set a reasonable rate of pay for your workforce, knowing it's a livable wage. However, although Atlanta has a higher cost of living, it’s ripe with opportunities for small business owners.
Community Support
You'll need to have support from your community to really excel. Growing bonds with loyal customers and making connections with fellow business owners will create a strong network to help further your business. Atlanta offers this and more, being the founding place of multiple well-known companies that succeeded in the area, such as The Home Depot, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Spanx, just to name a few. Organizations that help entrepreneurs get a foothold in the community include:
George Small Business Administration
Atlanta Business League
SCORE Atlanta
The Atlanta Business Alliance
Invest Atlanta
If your workers or customers aren't happy, your business may suffer. Atlanta offers great quality of life, with events, social gatherings, restaurants, parks, and educational places. Some examples are:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Zoo Atlanta
Piedmont Park
Atlanta History Center
An Educated Workforce
Each educated worker employed at your business means you get access to enhanced skills and more productivity since tasks can be completed more efficiently. Over 31% of Atlanta's population has a bachelor's degree or higher, and the area is home to five different colleges:
Georgia State University
Spelman College
Georgia Institute of Technology
Emory University
There are many websites that offer a great checklist on how to start your business. Some of the first resources you'll need are a business license, a federal tax ID, a state ID number, and business insurance.
A High Business Standard
Atlanta is a business-friendly community that has been the home to many large corporations. Due to an educated workforce and resources provided to entrepreneurs to help them succeed, Atlanta has become a great place to start or relocate a business.
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Written By Megan Cooper
