February 2021
Small Business Newsletter
Dear Subscriber,

Thank you for viewing the latest edition of the Dalton-Whitfield Small Business Newsletter. We hope this helps you locate the resources you need to develop and strengthen your small business. Please do not hesitate reaching out to us should you need anything!
JDA Honors Board Member Skeeter Pierce
Sara “Skeeter” Pierce was presented with a service award to commemorate her years serving on the Dalton Whitfield County Joint Development Authority Board of Directors. Mrs. Pierce joined the board in 2015.

During her tenure on the board, the DWJDA was able to announce over 1,300 jobs and $850 million in capital investment to be created through projects in Dalton.

To read the entire press release click here.
Free Entrepreneurial Workshop Opportunity
Join the DIA for their first entrepreneurial workshop! There are a variety of fantastic tools out there that make it easier to develop, manage, and schedule content. It will focus on four tools for simplifying your current social media process.

In-person slots limited to four. Make plans to join online from your office or shop. A virtual link will be provided with registration. 
Dalton Innovation Accelerator
A business incubator, like the Dalton Innovation Accelerator, is designed to help startup businesses grow and succeed by providing low-cost workspace, mentorship, professional expertise, access to interns, and much more.
An incubation program can help you build a solid foundation for success. You'll have an opportunity to learn, innovate, and collaborate with like-minded individuals while keeping costs low.
Virtual Business Incubation
Full Rate $179
Student Rate $100
  • 1:1 Business Assistance & Training
  • Free Workshops
  • Access to Common Areas
  • 24/7 Access
  • Wi-Fi
  • Dedicated Mailbox
  • Coffee, Water, & Snacks
  • Access to Meeting Space
  • Ongoing Opportunities for Promotion
  • Access to Printing/Copying for Additional Fee
Business Incubation
Full Rate $199
Student Rate $120

  • 1:1 Business Assistance & Training
  • Free Workshops
  • Dedicated Desk Space
  • Access to Common Areas
  • Ongoing Opportunities for Promotion
  • 24/7 Access
  • Wi-Fi
  • Dedicated Mailbox
  • Coffee, Water, & Snacks
  • Access to Meeting Space
  • Access to Printing/Copying for Additional Fee
Dalton's Cost of Living Index
The Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services. Visit our website to view Dalton's Fourth Quarter 2020 Cost of Living data.

Click here to learn more.
Take Advantage of these FREE Opportunities...
Provided by SCORE
February 18: Choose the Right E-Commerce Technology to Grow Your Small Business

There are three critical components to success for an online business – a product that consumers want, building a strong brand, and selecting the right technology at the right time. Evaluating and choosing the right technology can be overwhelming – especially as you’re starting up and growing fast.

Ryan Kelly, FedEx Vice President of Global E-Commerce Marketing, will break down the steps you need to take to navigate the options and highlight real examples of what technologies some small businesses are using to successfully grow their online business. Tune in to help make the best choices for your business and products.

You’ll learn about:
  • Multi-channel selling and the pros and cons of selling on your own online store versus marketplaces
  • The most important e-commerce platform capabilities to consider
  • Other types of technologies to help grow your business
  • When and how to upgrade or add technology solutions


LIVE WEBINAR | REGISTER HERE
Recorded Webinar: Shipping as a Small-Business Growth Strategy- Here's What You Need to Know

Small businesses have faced many challenges and hurdles since the pandemic began, but e-commerce continues to thrive. The rise in online shopping is likely to continue, making it more important than ever to offer shipping for your products.

Join this session where Jamie Mason, FedEx Sales Director, will share expert advice on getting started with shipping, how to save time and money, and insight on how small businesses can make the most of this opportunity for growth.

You’ll learn about:
  • How to make shipping part of your long-term growth strategy
  • Saving time and money with the right shipping services
  • Simplified shipping with online tools, creating an account, ordering supplies and more
  • Shipping specialty items like perishables, electronics and dangerous goods


RECORDED WEBINAR | WATCH HERE
Recorded Webinar: What's New with PPP and Other Relief Options for Small Businesses

After months of waiting for much-needed relief, small businesses are finally getting renewed support from the federal government. The new stimulus package approved by Congress comprises $900 billion in virus relief funds, including $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for first time and second time borrowers.

Join this webinar, presented by Small Business Majority's Brian Pifer, to learn more about what’s in the new relief package and ask questions about what this could mean for your small business. 

Topics include:
  • PPP reauthorization and important changes
  • Advance grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program
  • SBA Debt Relief Program
  • Additional policies and resources for small businesses


RECORDED WEBINAR | WATCH HERE
Classes in Your Area...
Sponsored by the Small Business Development Center through UGA.
SBDC Response and Recovery
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has 18 offices across the state, covering every county, with consultants available to assist small business owners as they respond and recover. The links provided below offer quick links to some of the resources and information related to including cash flow, payroll, marketing and the effect on your business operations.

In addition to the list of resources available on this page, our business consultants have put together a guide for small businesses. “Conquering a Business Crisis” is a checklist for businesses navigating through current circumstances.

Please consider us a resource to assist you during these challenging times let us know how we can be of service. You can find and connect with your local UGA SBDC office or send a message to our State Office in Athens. Many of our offices are working remotely, so if you do call and get a voicemail, we will work to return your call as soon as possible.


Click here to read more.
Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority | 706-278-7373 | Website