Atlanta SCORE can come in handy if you’re looking for free business mentorship. You may also take advantage of the Atlanta Small Business Network, which offers insight on business trends in the area and tips for entrepreneurs. In addition, the Georgia State University Small Business Development Center offers consultation services and training sessions. Another great resource is the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Entrepreneurship Center which hosts one-on-one consulting sessions and an eight-week startup accelerator. We can’t forget the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative and its incubator for female entrepreneurs, complete with mentors, co-working spaces, and post-incubation assistance.

Invest Atlanta, the official economic development authority in Atlanta created a Small Business Improvement Grant to support small business owners in five of the City of Atlanta’s Tax Allocation Districts: Campbellton Road, Hollowell-ML King, Metropolitan Parkway, Perry Bolton, and Stadium. It’s designed to assist with internal and external improvement costs. The city of Atlanta has also relaunched the COVID Relief Grant to support local businesses in the post-pandemic environment.

Atlanta small business loans are versatile, meaning you can use them to cover a variety of business expenses. If you take out a line of credit, for example, you may put it toward working capital costs. A term loan can assist with marketing, inventory, payroll, or anything else you need to operate smoothly. With an equipment loan, you may fund new or used equipment.

To qualify for a business loan in Atlanta, first determine how you’d like to structure your business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc.). Then, use the Georgia Office of the Secretary of State Name Reservation Online Portal and register a business name. Next, obtain a tax identification number from the IRS, as well as your Georgia State Tax ID number and any licenses or permits you may need. Once you go through these steps, you’ll be ready to apply for a loan. Remember that lenders will consider factors like your credit score and annual revenue when deciding whether to approve your application.