The Business Resource Center located at the Bull Street Library provides
counseling services and information to start-up new businesses and to
support existing businesses.Traditional business trade journals and books
as well as sample business plans are available at the Center. Additionally,
the Center has access to several databases including ReferenceUSA, Gale’s
Business and Company Resource Center and the GALILEO system.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a nonprofit organization
providing business counseling services. This organization is made up of retired
and active executives with the know how and experience to counsel on virtually
any business problem that may arise. SCORE’s mission is to help ensure that
prospective business people have considered all the pros and cons of the venture
and have discussed their needs with the appropriate tax, legal, accounting and
insurance resources as necessary. SCORE’s services are free and confidential.
The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
provides a variety of consulting, continuing education, and research services
to support entrepreneurship and business expansion through direct
business consulting and educational opportunities that address human
resources, management, technology, capital formation, and infrastructure
needs of the business community. Through the SBDC Network, clients
also have access to applied research and export assistance. Additional
activities include increasing minority and women owned businesses and
rural economic development.
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) is a public authority
established to enhance revitalization and redevelopment of Greater
Downtown Savannah.
The mission of the SDRA is to lead a coordinated strategy of economic
development and civic design strengthening Greater Downtown Savannah
as the heart of Savannah for all Savannahians, the economic hub of the
region, a prosperous place for business and institutions, and an attractive
urban environment for residents and visitors.
SDRA has a Business Resource Center, a one-stop shop which houses
information to assist existing and prospective business owners with
business start-up, expansion and relocation. The Resource Center houses
lists of available properties, information on property improvement programs,
information on business counseling services, and material on local, state,
and regional development and property rehabilitation tools.
The Savannah Entrepreneurial Center (SEC) was created in 2000 by
the City of Savannah to provide technical assistance and training for
small business creation and expansion. Training is offered at either no
cost or very little cost to the participant. A special focus is on preparation
of business plans which can form the basis for a loan application either
from a conventional lender or from a City funded loan program. Since
2004, programs at the SEC have been managed by Good Service, LLC.
The facility also includes a Business Incubator which provides new
businesses an opportunity to “incubate” with low overhead costs and
expert technical assistance during the most crucial phases of business
development.
