Gainesville

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center will offer three courses in May for business entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

The QuickBooks series will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 23 and 30, tuition costs $199 for the series. The two-part workshop provides participants with hands-on experience and follow-up in the QuickBooks environment.

How To Start Your Own Business, a free seminar, will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. May 14.

How To Write A Business Plan will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. May 28 The cost is $49.

All classes will be held at the SBDC office, 999 Chestnut St. Register online at gainesvillesbdc.org or call 770-531-5681.

Dahlonega

Lanier Therapy in Motion, a physical therapy practice, will add a new location in Dahlonega on Thursday at 60 Long Branch Road. The practice currently has locations in Gainesville, Chestnut Mountain, Flowery Branch and Cleveland.

"The Dahlonega area has a need for quality, accessible physical therapy and we feel our staff and our approach can make a difference to the people in this area," said Warner Brock, licensed physical therapist and one of the founders of the company.

The Dahlonega staff will be headed by Cathy L. McLendon, a licensed physical therapist. McLendon joined Lanier Therapy in Motion on Jan. 1, and most recently assisted patients in their Cleveland location. She is a member of the Dahlonega Woman’s Club.

Homer

Banks County is now one of the state’s newest "Entrepreneur Friendly" communities. The designation means the community has developed an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Of Banks County’s 350 companies, 92 percent are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

"The economic activity created by small businesses and entrepreneurs brings prosperity and opportunity to every part of Georgia," said Gov. Sonny Perdue. "By championing these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for communities throughout the state."

Banks County is the 102nd community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Previously designated Northeast Georgia counties include Dawson, Hall, Franklin, Hart and Habersham.

Other regional counties in the process of designation include Towns and Union.

Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Banks County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help them become more competitive.