atlanta attractions tagged interest

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia clinched the top spot as the number one state to do business for the 11th consecutive year according to Area Development Magazine.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp touted the achievement at the annual Georgia Chamber’s Workforce Summit meeting on Friday.

“No other state in the country has maintained this top title for this many years,” said Kemp.

The magazine found Georgia’s workforce training programs, infrastructure investments, and tax incentives help the state appeal to companies.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the odds are against Georgia business owners in their first year of business. Georgia has the fourth-highest rate for first-year business failures in the nation.

Holly Juras started Go Play! Shoes in Kirkwood less than a year ago. She said the first year has been a learning curve. She faced a setback with getting her permits that delayed her opening several months.

“We made phone calls, we sent emails, but it wasn’t always easy. We have something like 76 five-star Google reviews at this point so I’m confident that once people come, they have a great experience. It’s just getting the word out,” said Juras.

Juras attended the Start Me Business Development program at Emory University. It’s a 14-week program connecting her with mentors who she still talks to today.

She said the best piece of advice for people looking to start a business is to come up with a business plan and connect with business owners who can help.