A Guide to Starting a Business in West Point, GA

Once you identify a tentative location for your business, contact the Community Development department to determine the permitted uses of that location. Do not invest any money in a location until you know the location is properly zoned for your proposed use.

The Community Development department can help you determine if your location and type of business are in compliance with our Zoning ordinance. The Community Development Director can also answer any questions you may have regarding signage. 

If you have questions regarding the permitted use of a specific site or building please contact the Community Development department at 706-645-3534. Be sure to provide your location's address or tax map & parcel number.

Plans must be sealed by a licensed architect or engineer. The State of Georgia requires that all contractors be licensed in order to perform contracted work. An affidavit is required from the contractor in order for work to proceed.

Land Disturbance

If you are constructing a site from the ground up, you will need to submit Land Disturbance Site and/or construction plans. You need to submit six (6) sets of plans no larger than 36" x 42". All applicaiton fees are paid at the time of submittal. Your plans must inlcude the following:

- Plan Index
- Site Plan
- Grading and Drainage
- Erosion and Sedimentation plan (per current Georgia Stormwater Manual)
- Landscape Plan
- Tree Protection Plan
- Storm Drain Plan and Profiles
- Water Distribution Plan and Profiles
- Hydrology Study
- Depending on your work, other plans may also be required

Once you have a fully approved set of plans, you should obtain a Land Disturbance permit from the Planning Department prior to starting work. If you have any questions regarding Site Plans, building permits and inspections, please contact our Community Development department at 706-645-3534.

- How is circulation and traffic flow in the area?
- Are there similar businesses in the area?
- Are there any tax incentives that you can take advantage of?
- How is waste disposal handled?
- When, where and how will you market and advertise?
- Can any of your supplies be purchased from a local vendor or producer?
- Tax types and paymenst required by the Georgia Department of Revenue.   

Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the University of Georgia (UGA) have teamed up to form the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC program is designed to provide quality business and economic development assistance to businesses and prospective businesses in order to promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity and improve management.

The SBDC offers classes, great step by step information, assistance with business plans, and insight into financing. Start UP Basics is a "must have" manual for anyone trying to start a business. Please visit https://www.georgiasbdc.org and download your copy today. There is also a great tool on the "how to" of business financing. "Why you should seek financing?" and "What kind of financing is available?" are answered in a packet available from the SBDC.

Georgia Secretary of State

The First Stop Business Guide is provided by the Georgia Secretary of State. The guide includes frequently asked questions of small business entrepreneurs, financing information, information on the business licensign required in the State of Georgia as well as a helpful directory of business related organizations that you will need. The directory includes information on obtaining Employer Identification numbers, sales tax, and other taxes you should know about. Please visit http://sos.ga.gov/ for more information.

LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber's mission is to help businesses grow and advocate for businesses at the local, state, and federal level. Chambers offer wonderdul business to business networking opportunities, marketing opportunities, and access in many cases to your elected officials. Please visit www.lagrangechamber.com for more information on benefits and membership.