Small Business

Imagine Thomasville offers a number of local and state level resources to support economic growth.

* All incentives are based on credit worthiness, number of jobs created and investment dollars

Local

Small Business Development Center

Downtown Thomasville
Economic Development Authority

Because Thomasville is nationally recognized as a Georgia Exceptional Main Street City, there are a variety of local and state incentives you may be able to take advantage of.

Launch a Business

UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State

The UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University is a public service outreach unit that provides business and economic development assistance. As part of VSU's Harley Langdale, Jr. College of Business Administration, the UGA SBDC is an essential resource for small businesses. Practical experience, combined with advanced education, gives our consultants the ability to apply current business theory to the challenges faced by today's entrepreneurs.

UGA Small Business Development Center at VSU

Local

Minority Business Resources

Atlanta MBDA Business Center

Operated by Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute, the MBDA Business Center-Atlanta wants to facilitate your company’s growth by connecting you with resources to help your business succeed. Strategically positioned within the Enterprise Innovation Institute, we are surrounded by a wealth of entrepreneurial services and resources your company can access. Through our outreach, resources, and efforts, we have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs.

9 Grant Opportunities for Minority-Owned Small Businesses

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs in minority communities may have trouble obtaining the investment capital to compete in a market where financial assistance isn’t always unbiased. This is where specific grants for minority-owned small businesses play an important role.

25 Valuable Resources for Minority-Owned Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

State Level Resources

man working on a car engine
Quickstart

QuickStart Georgia

Quick Start is a state of Georgia program to aid new and expanding industries and train their employees. The program is administered by the technical colleges of Georgia and the state pays 100% of the costs for screening, hiring and training of workers.

Woman wearing a hard hat
Georgia

BEST Tax Credit

Businesses creating 10 or more jobs in Thomas County may be eligible for a job tax credit of $3,000.00 per employee. The credit begins in the second year of operation and continues for five years. The total tax cannot exceed 50% of the manufactures state corporate tax liability. However, any unused tax credit can be carried forward for ten years. Furthermore, unused tax credits can be used to offset wage withholdings. These must be full time jobs to the state of Georgia and health insurance benefits must be offered to the full time employees (but not necessarily paid for by the employers).

man working on a car engine
Georgia

Centers of Innovation

Governor Nathan Deal announced our state Centers of Innovation assisted 4,000 Georgia companies this fiscal year. The six individual centers delivered expertise and research to the aerospace, agribusiness, energy technology, information technology, logistics and manufacturing industries.

woman standing with arms crossed, smiling at the camera
Georgia Chamber

SMART Plan

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, launched the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan, a new comprehensive health program that offers rate stability and potential savings for groups with 2 to 50 eligible employees.

Property Tax Discount

  • Based on the number of jobs created, capital investment and through negotiation, the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (PDA) can provide a graduated property tax discount / abatement. Title to the property in question must be retained by the PDA. This can be accomplished through a lease agreement. The Board of Assessors will value all leasehold interests at the actual PDA project value, and those values will appear on the taxable digest. The following is the graduated schedule:
    • 0% - Year 1 0% - Year 2 10% - Year 3 20% - Year 4 30% - Year 5
      44% - Year 6 58%- Year 7 72% - Year 8 86% - Year 9 100% - Year 10

Bond Financing

  • Based on the credit worthiness of the prospect, the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority has the legal power to issue tax exempt bonds for the financing of capital improvements such as land, buildings and manufacturing equipment. For qualified projects, this can provide low interest financing.

Availability of Loan Programs

  • The state of Georgia and the US Federal government (EIP) offers many low interest loan programs geared towards job creation. Funds may be applied for through the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority for capital improvements such as land, buildings, manufacturing equipment and infrastructure needs.

Land Donation or Discount

  • Based on the number of jobs created and capital investment, the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority can discount the price of land or donate land in the Red Hills Business Park. Lots range from 4 to 90 acres and will be equipped with all necessary infrastructure.

Other Possible Incentives

  • Site Improvements
    Build to Suit / Lease Back ArrangementPreliminary Office Space
    Reduced Utility Pricing
    Reduced Permitting Fees