Chamber, others working to obtain 'Entreprenuer-Friendly' designation

Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Union County Government, the local SCORE chapter, Union County Downtown Development Authority, Towns County Chamber of Commerce and Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce are working to collaboratively obtain designation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) as a joint "Entrepreneur-Friendly" community. The effort comes from Governor Sonny Perdue's awareness of Georgia's small business closure rates being above the national average.

The Towns and Union County Entrepreneur Development team is working to assess the current entrepreneurial conditions in both counties, raise awareness of the importance of entrepreneurs and small business development, and create a culture of effective programs that support small business.

The Committee is attempting to interview 25 local entrepreneurs in each county, to question their start-up experience, markets, future plans, and the types of support they have received to-date. This assessment will help identify the strengths and any gaps that may exist to further assist economic growth in both Towns and Union Counties. This group is extremely motivated to achieve the "Entrepreneur-Friendly" designation, but even more motivated to locate and assist the new businesses in this area.

If you are an entrepreneur in Towns or Union County and would like to help these counties achieve their goals, or if you would just like to know more about the Entrepreneur Friendly program, please contact committee member, Candace Lee at efc@brmemc.net.