Fund your business in Georgia

When your own money is not enough, Georgia’s options work like the federal ones. A lender makes the loan, and a government program can stand behind part of it.

What’s different in Georgia

• One SBA district covers the whole state, from an office in Atlanta. It serves all 159 counties.
• State lending runs through the Department of Community Affairs, and through an approved lender. You do not apply to the state for a check.
• The state program is not a grant. It also does not fund an investor buying property to hold.

Do this

1. Write down what you need and what it is for. Equipment, inventory and rent are different asks, and programs are sorted by use.
2. Talk to a free advisor first. The SBA’s Georgia District Office offers counseling and connects you to partner organizations. The Department of Community Affairs also points to the UGA Small Business Development Center for free help with a business plan.
3. Understand who lends. Regular SBA loans come from participating lenders, not the SBA. The SBA loans guide explains who makes each kind.
4. Ask your lender about the state’s SSBCI programs by name. The Department of Community Affairs lists them, including the Georgia Loan Participation Program and the Georgia Small Business Credit Guaranty. The business generally needs to be owner-occupied, with 500 employees or fewer. The lender sets the rate and the terms. Not every lender participates.
5. Use the district office for questions about SBA loans. It is in Atlanta and covers every county. The district page has the address and hours.

What you get back

A loan offer from a lender, with rate, term and collateral. Any state participation or guaranty is between the lender and the state. Your agreement is with the lender.