Jenkins County has officially been designated "Entrepreneur Friendly" by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Present during the presentation were, from left, Art Johnson, Millen Better Hometown; Paula Herrington, Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce; Gov. Sonny Perdue; Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle; and Pam Dwight, Jenkins County Commissioner. (Photo contributed) Jenkins County's yearlong quest for the "Entrepreneur Friendly" designation has officially been declared successful by the state. An unofficial announcement of the designation was made in May.

The county is the 46th community to be named "Entrepreneur Friendly" by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDED). The des- ignation means that the community is building a supportive environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs. A survey completed during the process indicated that 94 percent of Jenkins County's 224 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

Several steps were involved in securing the "Entrepreneur Friendly" designation. These include identifying local leadership for membership on the committee, creating community awareness, identifying state and federal resources, identifying local entrepreneurs, interviewing small businesses to determine their needs and undergoing an assessment by a review team composed of GDED staff. Adela Kelley, GDED regional representative, assisted the local committee with the process.

Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Jenkins County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help give them a competitive edge. The county is also eligible for an Entrepreneur-Friendly Implementation Fund grant to help implement specific, long-term programs that support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. The grant must be matched 50 percent in dollars or in-kind value by the community.

"Going through the process of becoming an Entrepreneur Friendly community has increased our awareness of our businesses' needs and concerns, which will help us better assist existing and startup businesses," said Paula Herrington, executive director of the Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce.

"The designation process has been a valuable learning experience in economic development for Millen Better Hometown and for the chamber of commerce. We are certainly better prepared to create an environment of encouragement and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Jenkins County," she added.

"Homegrown businesses and entrepreneurs create quality jobs that are integral to ensuring prosperity and opportunity throughout Georgia," said Gov. Sonny Perdue. "By encouraging and supporting small businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for local communities and the state as a whole."

The local effort was spearheaded by the Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce, Millen Better Hometown and Downtown Development Authority. Offering assistance were the Small Business Development Office, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Georgia Tech.