A BUSINESS

Write A Business Plan

A business plan is a written description of your business’s future, a document that tells what you plan to do and how you plan to do it. It is a crucial step to starting a business and is a requirement for financing. Some components that will need to be included are:

– Executive Summary

– Business Description

– Market Analysis

– Organization Management

– Sales Strategies

– Funding Requirements

– Financial Projections

It is always helpful to include any supporting documents that may be required based on your business type. Assistance with this step is available locally (see useful contacts & references.)

#5

RESEARCH & OBTAIN FINANCING

In Downtown Thomaston there are additional resources not available in other areas of the city. The City of Thomaston is designated a Rural Zone Community by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which offers State Tax Credits for Building Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Job Creation. Considering Downtown for your new project could result in additional financial assistance.

Thomaston DDA offers a local Façade Grant Program, along with other state & regional funding opportunities.

Thomaston Downtown Development Authority offers grant programs, facade improvement, and many other state and regional funding opportunities.

#6

START-UP CHECKLIST

Once you have completed steps 1-5, you will need to formalize your business with the local, state, and federal governing bodies. The following supporting documents will be required when submitting an Occupational Tax Certificate:

– ID

– Valid Lease Agreement or Deed (Proof of Ownership)

– Articles of Incorporation (If LLC)

– State License

– Notarized Occupational Tax Certificate Application

– Zoning Verification Letter

If Food Related:

– Department of Agriculture Permit

– Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Permit

– Environmental Health Permit

#7

Zoning Verification

Once you have identified a potential site, you must verify your intended use is allowed in this zoning district. This can be done by contacting the City of Thomaston City Clerk, Mrs. Oasis Nichols at onichols@cityofthomaston.com.

(This should be completed prior to purchase of property or lease signing.)

Small Business Development Center

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The University of Georgia (Columbus Office) Todd Carlisle, Area Director 706.569.2651 tcarlisle@georgiasbdc.org

The UGA Small Business Development Center in Macon provides economic development assistance for small businesses with nocost consulting services and low cost educational programs. Their experienced business consultants are available to help clients develop and update business plans, identify sources of capital, set up record keeping systems, analyze financial records, conduct specialized research, create marketing strategies, conduct operational and financial diagnostic assessments, and more.

Consider a SBA Loan through your preferred banking partner. The SBA works with lenders to provide loans to small businesses. The agency doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders. The SBA reduces risk for lenders and makes it easier for them to access capital. That makes it easier for small businesses to get loans.

#8

Occupational Tax Certificate Business License

All businesses operating in the City of Thomaston are required to obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate. This application can be found on the City Website or picked up at City Hall. If your business includes the sale or consumption of alcohol, local & state licensing is required. Information regarding this process can be found on the City Website or by reaching out to the City of Thomaston Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Phillip Harrell at permits@cityofthomaston.com

#9

CONSTRUCTION / MODIFICATIONS

Additional Notes: Special consideration must be given when working in the food industry. In addition, when planning a major rehabilitation where work will encroach on public property (i.e. sidewalks, parking spaces, etc,) special permissions must be given by governing authorities.

– If your business will be in the food industry, contact the Department of Agriculture, the Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Division of Public Works and the Upson County Environmental Health.

– Contact City of Thomaston Building Department before demolition, construction, or modification to determine required building plans and permits.

– Before constructing or modifying a building, a Zoning Verification Letter must be obtained to determine if the property is located within a district that required special approvals for exterior building components or landscaping requirements.

– If you are modifying/remodeling an existing building, contact state licensed contractors to investigate the planned development, and coordinate with the Building Department for required approvals to occupy the intended space.

– If you need a dumpster for construction or demolition, contact GFL Environmental Services.

– If you are constructing a new building and will be disturbing more than one-acre and containing more than 5,000 square feet of impervious area, you will be required to supply a stormwater management plan to be reviewed by the city engineer or his designee.

– If you will be disturbing city road(s) or side walks contact City of Thomaston Public Works.

– Signs and temporary banners require permits; however, some sign types are not allowed. Contact Planning and Zoning for Sign Ordinance specifics.

USEFUL CONTACTS & REFERENCES

City of Thomaston Planning and Zoning

Mrs. Oasis Nichols (City Clerk)

Office: 706.647.4242

City of Thomaston Occupational Tax Certificate

Ms. Kemetrice Ellerbee

Office: 706.647.6633

City of Thomaston Public Works Office: 706.647.7144

City of Thomaston Finance Department Office: 706.647.6633

City of Thomaston Building Department

Mr. John Baxter (Building Official) Office: 706.647.6633

City of Thomaston Electric Department Office: 706.647.3145

City of Thomaston - Water and Wastewater Office: 706.646.8031

City of Thomaston - Garbage and Yard Waste Service GFL Environmental, 706.647.8490

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Division of Public Works

Mr. Heath Jarriel Office: 706.646.8031

Upson County Environmental Health

Mr. Ben Trotter, ben.trotter@dph.ga.gov

Office: 706.647.5749

Upson County Occupational Tax Certificate Office: 706.647.6633

Upson County Health Department Office: 706.647.7148

City of Thomaston Economic Development

Taylor Smith, Economic Development Coordinator tsmith@cityofthomaston.org

706.601.4520