Rural Strong-Georgia, a program designed for Georgia entrepreneurs by the Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture, plans its kickoff event July 25 at Jaemor Farms in Alto.

Leaders with the SBA and USDA recently developed the initiative designed to focus on rural business and agriculture economies through effective program delivery and increased access to capital.

Gainesville attorney Ashley D. Bell, now SBA’s regional administrator, and Joyce White, USDA Rural Development’s Georgia director, have collaborated efforts to provide rural entrepreneurs the tools and resources they need to succeed. The kickoff event at Jaemor Farms is set for noon to 4 p.m. and open to all entrepreneurs.

“We are honored to work with USDA across rural Georgia to seek innovative methods to bring more private and public capital and investment opportunities in to the rural communities allowing for strategic growth over time,” Bell said. 

“We are working with local governments, chambers and community organizations to reach as many aspiring and existing entrepreneurs as possible to help educate rural areas on the many ways that SBA and USDA may assist them in starting and growing their small businesses. Whether it is through working with a local lender or business counseling, exporting, or government contracting, we can assist entrepreneurs through any stage of their business cycle.”

“USDA Rural Development has a proven track record of helping our citizens who live outside of the metro areas.” White said. “We know rural Georgia. We have the tools and resources to help these communities achieve the same quality of life as those citizens living in the metropolitan areas.

“We have and continue to work tirelessly to provide access to good health care, to strong schools, to public safety and to broadband. We want these citizens to enjoy strong community services, affordable and safe housing, and the opportunity to build and lure businesses to their area so jobs are provided, and they too can provide for their families and enjoy a sense of prosperity and a strong quality of life. We are honored to work alongside the Small Business Administration to fortify efforts in strengthening rural Georgia.”

For more information, visit www.sba.gov or www.rd.usda.gov.

From news release