Entrepreneurial Spirit Propels Macon Forward
Encouraging new ideas has long been Macon’s approach to sparking innovation, and the city actively supports entrepreneurs who embody that mindset. In addition to maintaining low costs of doing business and providing convenient access to major markets, Macon champions pro-growth policies, connects businesses with vital resources and capital, and provides marketing resources to help the city’s small businesses thrive.
Encouraging entrepreneurship is a priority for Macon, exemplified by the 2021 inaugural “State of Small Business” community event organized in partnership between the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, and Middle Georgia State University. Additionally, the Mercer Innovation Center Fellowship and Macon’s coworking spaces help entrepreneurs address challenges including workforce training and establishing a professional presence outside their homes. With industries ranging from food and beverage production to manufacturing and machinery to retail, arts, and hospitality, Macon has access to the capital and resources you need to succeed.
Fast Facts
- Small Businesses
- Women and BIPOC
- Student Resources
- SparkMacon
Small Business Resources
Macon is home to an extensive network of 100 volunteer expert business mentors dedicated to help start-ups do just that—start up. For more than a decade, SCORE Middle Georgia has served 1,000 clients with free mentoring and low-cost workshops for a variety of business ventures. The Middle Georgia Regional Library also offers workshops and classes through its Business and Nonprofit Center for aspiring business owners and nonprofits to learn more about accessing capital, budgeting, and proposal writing.
Resources for Minority-Owned Businesses
The Downtown Diversity Initiative is a 10-week training and recruitment program that provides resources for African American entrepreneurs in Downtown Macon. Recipients are eligible for $5,000 grants to help subsidize rent and marketing efforts for their proposals. NewTown Loans finances real estate and business projects with the reduction of racial and gender wealth gaps in the community in mind. The non-profit offers commercial and residential real estate loans, microloans, lines of credit, and term loans to clients, many of whom are women, minorities, and first-time borrowers.
Mercer Innovation Center
Here in Macon, it’s never too early to dream of your own business. That’s why the award-winning Mercer Innovation Center (MIC) provides entrepreneurial students with the education, community, office space, tools, mentors, student interns, and access to investors necessary to turn their business dreams into a reality. Those who are 18 years or older—student or not—can apply to the Mercer Innovation Fellowship for the chance to receive invaluable support including $20,000 in cash for startup costs and coaching from experienced business leaders.
Central Georgia’s First Makerspace
Offering classes, workshops and memberships, SparkMacon has the resources needed to bring your ideas to life. Equipped with tools and space for all stages of your creative process, from brainstorming to manufacturing a prototype, SparkMacon is ideal for the beginnings of your business. Not only can you benefit from the expansive workspace, but also the sense of community. Collaboration and in-house support is important when starting up, and the encouragement from other makers and local businesses will surely fuel your determination. Make your dream a reality at SparkMacon.
