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THE DEKALB SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
FREE INFORMATION ABOUT FREE SERVICES FOR NEW STARTUPS AND EXISTING COMPANIES

The DeKalb Office of Economic Development under the direction of CEO Vernon Jones, has compiled the following list of information, organizations and related services.  The purpose of this webpage is to centralize a listing of available government services to businesses in DeKalb County, as well as other entities that share a similar mission.

The DeKalb Small Business Resource Centers were initially a partnership with DeKalb County Public Library system and were physically located at various library facilities. The centers proved to be extremely popular, underscoring the need to extend the availability of these resources in an electronic format. All of the information contained on this site is free, although some organizations not directly affiliated with DeKalb County Government may pass along nominal costs for some classes and/or programs:

Information contained herein will be revised as needed and without notice. The DeKalb Office of Economic Development is posting information as a public service, and is not liable for errors or omissions that may exist.

The Toolbox – A resource guide for businesses in DeKalb County, Georgia - This is a guide containing information about General Business Assistance, DeKalb County Government Services for Business Development, Starting a Business in DeKalb County, How to do Business in DeKalb County, Employment, Training and Education, International Trade and DeKalb Business Associations. Download Toolbox Brochure. Published by the DeKalb Office of Economic Development, info@decidedekalb.com phone 404-687-2730.

How to do Business with DeKalb County - The provision of vital services to our citizens are ultimately the result of a partnership between the departments of County government and the vendor community which provides the goods and services needed to support County operations. It is the mission of Purchasing & the Office of Contract Compliance to provide fair and equal treatment to all persons, both County departments and our vendors, involved in the procurement process. To find out more on how to do business with DeKalb County, click here. For information about the next free clinic on doing business with DeKalb County, click here.

DEBCO  Revolving Loan Fund – The DEBCO (DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation) Revolving Loan Fund was established to foster the creation of low to moderate income jobs and providing access to capitol for small businesses in DeKalb County.  Download Revolving Loan Fund Brochure. Read more at www.debco.org Email DEBCO charles.blackmon@debco.org or call 404-378-1899.

DEBCO Microloan Program – The DEBCO (DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation) Microloan program was established to combine the resources of the Small Business Administration with those of DEBCO.  Under the Microloan Program, DEBCO acts as an intermediary lender for loans up to $35,000.  Download Microloan Program Brochure. Read more at www.debco.org Email DEBCO charles.blackmon@debco.org or call 404-378-1899.

UGA’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is designed to provide quality business and economic development assistance to businesses and prospective businesses in order to promote growth, expansion, innovation, and improved management. The Small Business Guide is designed as a step-by-step introduction to the issues every new business must face, including tools to help you plan, start and successfully operate your business. Download the guide at Startup Basic, visit the SBDC website.

COMING TO DEKALB JANUARY 23, 2009. ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED! FastTrac® is a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to manage and grow a successful business. Developed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, this award-winning program guides entrepreneurs and business owners in working ON their business, not just IN their business which results in greater financial success. For more information, click here.

Enterprise Zones - Enterprise zones are a crucial tool in a county’s promotion of investment which encourages useful employment, diversifies overall business activity, and provides a foundation for future economic growth, in areas of the County needing special assistance. Read more about Enterprise Zones. Request more information at info@decidedekalb.com or call 404-687-2730

DeKalb Microenterprise Institute – The DeKalb Microenterprise Institute (DMI) is a community-based entrepreneurial initiative created through an alliance of community stakeholders. The mission is to provide business development, and financial management training to area residents who would like to start a business and or who need assistance in expanding an existing business. The DMI is a collaborative partnership of DeKalb County government, Georgia Perimeter College, and other strategic partners that have combine their resources to create a comprehensive training and development network.  Download an overview of DMI here. Learn about 2007 course information here. Email DeKalb DMI or call 678.904.3465.

Download an overview of DMI here.  Learn about 2007 course information here.  Email DeKalb DMI or call 678.904.3465.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce – The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is a nearly 70 year old membership based organization created to foster business development in DeKalb County. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce speaks on behalf of the stated interest of the business community located in DeKalb Country, the City of Decatur, Metro Atlanta, and throughout Georgia. The mission of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is to support, promote, and sustain business development in DeKalb County through public policy, business advocacy, educational involvement, and community awareness. Visit the Website www.dekalbchamber.org phone 404-378-8000

DeKalb Public Library System – DeKalb County Public Library – Extensive research publications and databases for business research are available through the DeKalb County Public Library. A valid DeKalb County Public Library card is required to browse databases from home or office.

To find out how to get a DeKalb County Public Library Card go to: www.dekalblibrary.org/services/patrcard.htm
To browse business research databases go to:
www.dekalblibrary.org/search/cdrom.ssi
To Email the DeKalb County Public Library
www.dekalblibrary.org/emailalib/

For live reference help call the library at Phone 404-370-3070 and Press 4
(Hours -Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 1PM-6PM)