Business startup and small business assistance and grants for single mothers in Georgia

Last updated: September 2025

This is a fast, no‑fluff hub written for Georgia single moms who want to launch or grow a business. It includes phone numbers, real dollar amounts, timelines, and direct links to official agencies and established nonprofits only.

Quick help box

• Emergency business cash or disaster help right now: Call 800‑659‑2955 for SBA Disaster Assistance or apply online through SBA disaster assistance. Hours are weekdays; you can also email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. SBA disaster loans can be up to $2,000,000 with long terms; apply even if you are also applying for FEMA help. (sba.gov)
• Free one‑on‑one startup coaching and classes: Contact the UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Find your nearest office and sign up for StartSmart, a statewide online program that’s $99 for 16 hours and runs multiple times a year. Phone 706‑542‑2762 or visit the SBDC StartSmart page. (georgiasbdc.org)
• Women‑focused coaching and capital: The ACE Women’s Business Center serves metro Atlanta and Savannah. Metro Atlanta 678‑335‑5600 ext. 3, Savannah 912‑521‑8114. See ACE WBC Metro Atlanta and ACE WBC Savannah Region. (aceloans.org)
• Procurement and government contracting help at no cost: Georgia Tech’s APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) has locations statewide, including Atlanta and Albany. Start at GT APEX Accelerator. (doas.ga.gov)
• City of Atlanta storefront or space improvements: Invest Atlanta offers Small Business Improvement Grants up to $50,000 inside eligible TAD areas; a 10% match is required. Details and contacts are on the Small Business Improvement Grants page. (investatlanta.com)
• Savannah business loans and microloans: Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) offers SBA Microloans up to $50,000\ast \ast (ratescurrently8.00$150,000 (rates as low as 4.00% in incentive zones). Phone 912‑232‑4700. See SBAC Microloans and City of Savannah loan programs via SBAC. (sbacsav.com)

Emergency section

• If you suffered damage from storms or other disasters: Apply for SBA Business Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Call 800‑659‑2955 or use the SBA disaster portal. Loan amounts can reach $2,000,000 depending on losses and financial condition, with long repayment terms. You don’t need to wait for a FEMA decision to apply. (sba.gov)
• If operations are interrupted in Atlanta by public works or city issues: Invest Atlanta periodically launches recovery funds. Watch Invest Atlanta’s news page and programs like Small Business Improvement Grants for targeted help. (axios.com)

Quick reference cheat sheet

Start here in Georgia

• Form your entity and stay compliant: The fastest route for liability protection is an LLC. File online with a $100\ast \ast fee;plan\ast \ast 7businessdays\ast \ast forstandardprocessingorpay\ast \ast$100 for two‑day or $250\ast \ast forsame‑dayservice.Fileyourannualregistrationby\ast \ast April1\ast \ast eachyearwitha\ast \ast$55 online fee to stay in good standing. (georgia.gov, sos.ga.gov)
• Register for taxes in one sitting: Use the Georgia Tax Center to register for sales and use tax and withholding in minutes. The state does not charge a fee to issue the initial sales and use tax certificate and it does not expire while your business remains active. State rule confirms no fee for the original certificate and only $1 if a suspended certificate must be reissued. (dor.georgia.gov, rules.sos.georgia.gov)
• Get your local business license: Cities call this an occupation tax or business tax certificate. In Atlanta, renewals are due by February 15 each year and you file through the ATLCORE portal. Expect an admin fee (currently $75) plus tax based on gross receipts and, in some cases, per‑employee charges; the city is considering higher fees in 2026–2027, so budget accordingly. Savannah renewals are due by March 1. (atlantaga.gov, litwinlaw.net, savannahga.gov)

Funding you can actually apply for now

Georgia’s SSBCI 2.0 programs through the Department of Community Affairs

Most “grants for business” aren’t really grants; Georgia’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a real, active program that runs through lenders to reduce your interest rate or help you qualify. You don’t apply to the state directly; you work through a participating lender or CDFI.

• What it offers:
  • Georgia Loan Participation Program buys up to 25% of a bank loan (up to 30% if the lender is a CDFI bank). State participation on loans may range from $100,000\ast \ast to\ast \ast$5,000,000 and currently caps the state’s piece at $1,250,000; terms up to 10 years; lenders capped at 3% fees and 18% interest.
  • Georgia Small Business Credit Guaranty provides a 50% guarantee on loans up to $1,000,000\ast \ast (stateassumesupto\ast \ast$500,000 of risk). Fees: $200 processing plus 1% of the guaranteed portion for lines or 2% for term loans up to five years.
  • Georgia CDFI Program funds CDFIs to blend low‑interest capital with bank loans.
  • Equity programs are run with Invest Georgia for startups.
  • SSBCI does not provide direct grants to small businesses.
  • State contact is 404‑679‑4840; email ssbci.manager@dca.ga.gov. (dca.ga.gov)
• How to use it fast: Call a CDFI that already works with SSBCI (examples include ACE and SBAC listed below) and say you’re a single mom entrepreneur asking about “SSBCI Georgia CDFI” or “loan participation/guarantee.” The lender handles underwriting and closes your loan; the state funds run in the background. (dca.ga.gov)
• Timeline reality check: Underwriting is still underwriting. Expect 3–8 weeks for complete packages; add time if collateral valuations or landlord approvals are required. If your credit file is thin, ask about microloans while your SSBCI package is building.

SBA microloans and Georgia CDFIs

Microloans are designed for startups and very small firms. You work with nonprofit intermediaries.

• Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE): Microloans $15,000–$50,000 at a posted fixed rate of 7.75%, terms up to 60 months; $100\ast \ast applicationfeeand\ast \ast 3$1,000,000 for larger needs. (aceloans.org)
• Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC, Savannah and coastal region): SBA Microloans up to $50,000\ast \ast withfixedratescurrently\ast \ast 8.00$10k) or 8.75% (< $10k),termsupto\ast \ast 7years\ast \ast .Phone\ast \ast 912‑232‑4700\ast \ast .SBACalsooffersCityofSavannahloansupto\ast \ast$150,000 at 4.00% inside incentive zones and 6.5% outside. (sbacsav.com)
• Official SBA intermediary list: Verify Georgia microlenders on SBA’s current list of microlenders (select Georgia). (sba.gov)
• What to submit first: Photo ID, last year’s personal tax return, simple 12‑month sales forecast, basic business plan, and a list of how you’ll use funds (equipment, inventory, marketing). Ask for a document checklist from the lender’s site.

City of Atlanta small business improvement grants

If your storefront is inside one of seven Atlanta Tax Allocation Districts, Invest Atlanta’s Small Business Improvement Grants can fund both interior and exterior work up to $50,000 (you match 10%). At least 25% must go to exterior work. Tenants and commercial property owners are eligible. Contact arivera@investatlanta.com or see program details online. (investatlanta.com)

Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) in Atlanta

WEI is the nation’s only municipality‑funded accelerator for early‑stage women founders. Cohort applications open periodically; the 2025 call sought Atlanta‑based, women‑led firms with $50,000+ revenue and a City of Atlanta business license. Watch WEI and Invest Atlanta for dates and apply early. (weiatlanta.com, investatlanta.com)

Rural energy grants for rural small businesses

If your business is in a rural area and you’re cutting energy bills or adding solar, USDA’s REAP can provide grant funding (and loan guarantees). Recent notices increased grant caps up to $1,000,000\ast \ast forrenewableenergyand\ast \ast$500,000 for energy efficiency projects, with quarterly competitions. Application windows and availability vary across fiscal quarters; check the program page and your Georgia Rural Development office before you spend on equipment. (rd.usda.gov)

Women‑focused coaching, certifications and contracting

• ACE Women’s Business Center: Free or low‑cost classes, one‑on‑one coaching in English and Spanish, and loan readiness support in Metro Atlanta (678‑335‑5600 ext. 3) and Savannah (912‑521‑8114). (aceloans.org)
• Georgia DOAS – Georgia Business Certification Program: The state now certifies Women‑Owned, Minority‑Owned, Veteran‑Owned (small and non‑small). Apply through Team Georgia Marketplace. This 2024–2025 rollout replaced the older MBE‑only approach and aims to streamline state purchasing access. For help, call 404‑657‑6000 or email procurementhelp@doas.ga.gov. (doas.ga.gov)
• GDOT DBE certification: For transportation‑related contracts with federal dollars, women are presumed socially disadvantaged and can qualify if they meet the criteria. Certification is free; the DBE Help Desk is 404‑631‑1273. (dot.ga.gov, gadbesupport.com)
• APEX Accelerator (Georgia Tech): No‑cost help to register in SAM.gov, find bids, create a capability statement, and prepare quotes. Start at GT APEX; centers operate statewide, including Atlanta and Albany. (doas.ga.gov)
• MBDA Business Center – Atlanta: For scaling and capital access. Address 75 5th St NW, Suite 3000, Atlanta; phone 404‑894‑7281. (mbda.gov)

Free mentoring and training that fit a single mom’s schedule

• UGA SBDC StartSmart: Four‑week virtual program ($99) that walks you from idea to plan to forecast. It includes a 90‑day subscription to business planning software. (georgiasbdc.org)
• SCORE mentoring: Free, flexible mentoring and webinars; Atlanta phone 470‑745‑0893 and locations across North and Metro Atlanta. (score.org)
• WorkSource Georgia: WIOA training and supportive services can include help with transportation and childcare while you’re in approved training; entrepreneurial training is explicitly allowed. Start with your local one‑stop and ask about supportive services for training. (tcsg.edu, wioaplans.ed.gov)
• Quick Start (for product businesses adding jobs): Georgia’s top‑ranked workforce training program provides customized, no‑cost training when you are creating jobs in manufacturing or similar sectors. Good to know if you’re moving beyond solo and hiring. (georgia.org)

Georgia‑specific costs and timelines you asked us to verify

• LLC formation: $100\ast \ast online;optional\ast \ast$100 two‑day or $250\ast \ast same‑dayexpedite;mail\ast \ast$110; standard online processing about a week. (georgia.gov)
• Annual registration: Due by April 1; $55\ast \ast online;\ast \ast$25 late fee; $10 extra if you file on paper. (sos.ga.gov)
• Sales and use tax registration: No initial state fee; certificate remains valid while business remains active; governed by rules confirming no fee for the original certificate and $1 if reissued after suspension. (rules.sos.georgia.gov)
• City license renewals: Atlanta renewals due February 15; Savannah renewals due March 1. (atlantaga.gov, savannahga.gov)

Tables you can scan in under a minute

Startup steps, fees, and timing at a glance

Capital snapshot for Georgia single‑mom founders

Certifications and contracting map

Support that helps you juggle business and family

Regional resource quick list

How to apply step‑by‑step without wasting time

• Start with a five‑page plan: SBDC templates keep it tight. Focus on the problem, customer, how you’ll reach them, pricing, and first‑year numbers.
• Pick the capital type that fits your timeline: Microloans close faster than bank loans; SSBCI can lower rates on larger loans but adds paperwork.
• Call before you click: If you’re eyeing an Invest Atlanta grant or a city loan, email the program manager first to confirm eligibility, match requirements, and timelines.
• Prepare documents once, reuse often: Keep digital PDFs of ID, proof of address, bank statements, tax returns, lease (or letter of intent), and your plan. Every lender will ask for them.
• File state basics in one sitting: LLC, sales tax account, and EIN can all be done in an afternoon. That alone unlocks a bank account and eligibility for programs. (georgia.gov, dor.georgia.gov)

Real‑world examples

• Pop‑up to storefront in Savannah: A candle maker received an SBAC Microloan of $25,000 at a fixed 8% to outfit a small retail space and buy supplies, then layered a City of Savannah loan for exterior signage at 4% because the shop sits inside an incentive zone. They opened within 90 days after lease signing because funding and permitting timelines were aligned. (sbacsav.com)
• Mobile detailing side‑hustle in Gwinnett: A single mom used ACE’s microloan ($18,000 at 7.75%) for a van and water reclamation system. The ACE Women’s Business Center helped price packages and set up a simple CRM. She booked recurring apartment‑complex contracts within 60 days. (aceloans.org)
• Rural bakery reducing power bills: A rural bakery added a small solar array with a REAP grant covering part of the cost after an energy study. Monthly utility savings stabilized summer cash flow. Call your USDA Rural Development state office to confirm current windows. (rd.usda.gov)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using personal cash without a paper trail: Open the business account immediately, then fund from your personal account so it’s clean for lenders.
• Skipping the annual registration: Georgia dissolves entities that don’t file; set calendar reminders for April 1. (sos.ga.gov)
• Waiting to apply for disaster help: If you’re in a declared area, apply to SBA right away. You can decline later; you can’t go back if the deadline passes. Phone 800‑659‑2955. (sba.gov)
• Ignoring permits: Food and childcare businesses have special rules. Use the state’s First Stop Business Information Center for contact lists. (sos.ga.gov)

Application checklist

• Basic identity and formation: Photo ID, EIN letter, Articles of Organization, operating agreement.
• Financials: Last year’s personal tax return, current bank statements, 12‑month cash‑flow projection, any existing business financials.
• Collateral list: Equipment, vehicle title (if applicable), or UCC‑eligible assets.
• Real estate or lease: Signed lease or letter of intent with landlord contact details.
• Insurance: Liability coverage quote or binder; if you have 3+ employees, proof you’re arranging workers’ comp. (sbwc.georgia.gov)

Diverse communities and tailored help

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Look for inclusive mentors through SCORE’s “SCORE for All” initiative and ask APEX about local supplier diversity events where LGBTQ+‑owned firms are welcome. (score.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network offers self‑employment coaching and benefits planning resources; pair this with WorkSource supportive services for training and transportation. (dol.gov, tcsg.edu)
• Veteran single mothers: Use APEX and DOAS certification pathways and ask SBDC about veteran‑focused lending programs and mentors.
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: SBDC services are open statewide; for language access, ask ACE WBC about Spanish‑language coaching and webinars. (aceloans.org)
• Tribal citizens: MBDA and APEX programs have dedicated capacity to assist Native‑owned firms; contact MBDA Atlanta and ask APEX about Native‑focused resources. (mbda.gov)
• Rural single moms with limited internet: Call your nearest SBDC or APEX office to schedule phone appointments; USDA Rural Development and SBAC both support rural entrepreneurs. (sbacsav.com)
• Single fathers: All the resources above serve fathers as well. Ask SBDC or ACE WBC for one‑on‑one help if you need flexible hours.
• Language access: Many Georgia agencies can arrange interpretation on request; ACE WBC offers services in English and Spanish, and state hotlines can route through 7‑1‑1 relay services. (aceloans.org)

Ten Georgia‑specific FAQs

• How much does it cost to start a Georgia LLC online: $100\ast \ast plusoptionalexpediting(\ast \ast$100 two‑day or $250 same‑day). (georgia.gov)
• When is my Georgia annual registration due and how much is it: Due by April 1 each year; $55\ast \ast online;\ast \ast$25 late fee if you miss it. (sos.ga.gov)
• Is there a fee for a Georgia sales tax certificate: No fee for the original certificate; the certificate remains valid while your business is active. (rules.sos.georgia.gov)
• What is the fastest place to get free coaching: The UGA SBDC and SCORE. Start with SBDC (706‑542‑2762) or SCORE Atlanta (470‑745‑0893). (georgiasbdc.org, score.org)
• Are there real grants for starting a business: True startup grants are rare. In Atlanta, improvement grants exist for storefronts in specific TADs (up to $50,000 with a 10% match). City and county programs change; check Invest Atlanta and your local economic development office. (investatlanta.com)
• How do I get certified as a woman‑owned business for state purchasing: Apply through DOAS’s Georgia Business Certification Program via Team Georgia Marketplace. It recognizes Women‑Owned and Small Women‑Owned, among others. (doas.ga.gov)
• If I want to bid on transportation projects, what certification helps: GDOT’s DBE certification; it’s free and recognized across agencies that receive USDOT funds. Phone 404‑631‑1273. (dot.ga.gov)
• Can I get a microloan if my credit isn’t perfect: Yes. ACE and SBAC look at the full picture. Expect to explain any issues and provide a plan; rates currently start at 7.75%–8.75% for microloans. (aceloans.org, sbacsav.com)
• Does Georgia have help for energy‑saving upgrades for rural businesses: Yes; USDA’s REAP has higher grant caps in effect. Verify current application windows before you invest. (rd.usda.gov)
• Where do I report or fix broken links in this guide’s sources: Use the contact forms on the agency pages (for example, the SBA “Contact SBA” page) or email us at info@asinglemother.org if you find an issue here. (sba.gov)

What to do if a program says no

• Ask for a specific reason in writing: Then ask the same lender if you can switch to a smaller microloan or SSBCI‑backed option that fits your profile.
• Try a mission lender first: If your bank declines, call ACE (678‑335‑5600) or SBAC (912‑232‑4700) and say you’re looking for micro or SSBCI options. (aceloans.org, sbacsav.com)
• Stack resources: Improvement grant + microloan + vendor payment terms can be enough to launch and stabilize cash flow.
• Switch to a lower‑cost launch: Sell first via pop‑ups, mobile service, or online before signing a retail lease. Use SBDC to tune your pricing so you don’t undercharge.

Reality checks and timelines

• Permits and inspections can be the long pole: Food, childcare, and personal services need extra time. Call your city’s permitting office early.
• Underwriting takes time: Microloans can close in 2–5 weeks; bank/SSBCI loans often take 4–8 weeks.
• Grant cycles open and close: Invest Atlanta and USDA REAP publish windows; missing one usually means waiting for the next round. (investatlanta.com, rd.usda.gov)

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Georgia Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified: September 2025, next review: April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

Information changes quickly: Programs, amounts, deadlines, and eligibility rules can change with little notice. Always confirm details with the agency or lender before you apply.

Security tip: Only enter personal or banking details on secure, official sites (addresses begin with https and show a lock). Avoid sharing documents over unencrypted email when portals are provided.

No legal advice: This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.

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Sources with dates

• Georgia SBDC StartSmart overview: updated 2025. (georgiasbdc.org)
• GA LLC filing fees and timelines: Georgia.gov, accessed September 2025. (georgia.gov)
• Annual registration fee and deadline: GA Secretary of State, accessed September 2025. (sos.ga.gov)
• Tax registration and sales tax certificate: GA DOR site and GA Administrative Code confirming no original fee, accessed September 2025. (dor.georgia.gov, rules.sos.georgia.gov)
• WorkSource Georgia services and entrepreneurial training: TCSG, accessed September 2025. (tcsg.edu)
• Quick Start program details: Georgia.org, accessed September 2025. (georgia.org)
• SBA microlender list: SBA, accessed September 2025. (sba.gov)
• ACE microloan terms: ACE, updated 2025. (aceloans.org)
• SBAC microloan and City of Savannah loan terms: SBAC, updated 2025. (sbacsav.com)
• Georgia SSBCI programs and contact: DCA, updated 2022–2025. (dca.ga.gov)
• DOAS Georgia Business Certification: DOAS, updated 2024–2025. (doas.ga.gov)
• GDOT DBE: GDOT, accessed September 2025. (dot.ga.gov)
• APEX Accelerator: DOAS resource page linking to Georgia Tech APEX, accessed September 2025. (doas.ga.gov)
• Invest Atlanta Small Business Improvement Grants: Invest Atlanta, accessed September 2025. (investatlanta.com)
• WEI accelerator: WEI and Invest Atlanta pages, accessed September 2025. (weiatlanta.com, investatlanta.com)
• SBA disaster assistance contacts and loan info: SBA, 2024–2025 notices. (sba.gov)
• USDA REAP updated caps: USDA Rural Development, 2025. (rd.usda.gov)
• City license deadlines: Atlanta media advisory and Savannah Revenue pages, accessed September 2025. (atlantaga.gov, savannahga.gov)
• Workers’ compensation threshold: State Board of Workers’ Compensation, accessed September 2025. (sbwc.georgia.gov)
• CAPS policy and family fee/registration amounts: DECAL CAPS policy manual, revised March–July 2025. (decal.ga.gov)

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What we improved versus typical search results

• Numbers you can act on: Verified LLC costs, annual fees and deadlines, microloan rates, SSBCI caps, and city renewal dates — all with links and phones.
• Local, women‑focused options: Side‑by‑side ACE WBC, WEI, and SBAC information — many lists miss these or use outdated contacts.
• Plan B guidance: For every path we included a fallback and realistic timelines.

If you spot something out of date, email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll update within 48–72 hours.

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🏛️More Georgia Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Georgia

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• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery