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How To Start A Business In Lavonia...

     Why Should I Start A Business Here?   

        Why should you choose the City of Lavonia as a location for a new business or industry? Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the process of opening a new business here.  We want to do everything we can to streamline this process and make it easier for you.  Additional sources of information, and people to contact, include:

   
        The Lavonia Chamber of Commerce Toni Childress, Executive Secretary
        The Lavonia Downtown Development Authority Genny Cole, Director
        Lavonia City Hall Angie Greer, City Clerk
   
        Frequently Asked Questions  
   
       1.  Who can tell me what buildings are available for purchase or lease in downtown
            Lavonia?  
            Genny Cole of the Downtown Development Authority can provide you with information
            about available downtown buildings that are for sale or rent, prices, and owners'
            names, addresses, and telephone numbers.  You can contact Mrs. Cole either by
            telephone, at 706 356-1926, or by email, at lavoniadda@alltel.net.
   
       2.  Do you have a current business directory?  
            A current business directory is available online, with business and industry
            organized according to type, under Chamber of Commerce. Toni Childress, at the
            Chamber of Commerce will have additional information.  Call Mrs. Childress
            at 356-8202.  
   
       3.  What is the average rent, per square foot of space, in the downtown area, for both
            commercial and industrial businesses?
            Toni Childress, at the Chamber Office, can provide you with up-to-date statistics
            about current costs associated with renting/leasing property in the downtown area.
            Mrs. Childress can be reached at the Chamber at 706 356-8202.
   
      4.  Does the city or the county offer any tax incentives or other assistance to businesses
           (retail or industrial) wishing to locate in Lavonia?
           The city does offer some tax incentives for industries wishing to locate in Lavonia.
           For further information, contact Gary Fesperman, City Manager, at 706 356-8781.
           Additional information may also be obtained by contacting the Franklin County
           Chamber of Commerce, at 706 384-4659.
   
       5.  Why should I locate here?   
            Depending on the type of business you are interested in starting, you will want
            to research local and county demographical information, such as population,
            average per capita income, how many service providers for your business type
            already exist, and other similar data.  This information can be obtained by searching
            our demographic data, or by contacting the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce and
            the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.  Also, check out the following
            valuable online resources for additional market demographic information:
 
            Georgia 2000 - A statewide demographics database maintained by the University
                 of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government
            Georgia Department of Labor
            Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism
            Georgia's Workforce Development Alliance
            Georgia Department of Community Affairs Economic Development
            Georgia Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Programs
            Workforce and Business Development Resources