A SERVICE BASED APPROACH:
RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS FOR EXISTING AND NEW BUSINESS
The City of Stonecrest economic development department is focused on your business’ success in the community, whether you are new to the area or have been operating here for decades. We know that when companies have the opportunity for community engagement, they become stronger local citizens and supporters, and we want to be sure that there is an easy path forward. In addition, companies with a presence already in the community are responsible for up to 80% of future new jobs which creates a healthy local economy and provides a strong quality of life for our residents.
To creatively support the business community in Stonecrest, we offer a robust business retention and expansion program that includes a business outreach program, focused workforce and talent attraction tools, public relations and marketing support to help companies gain exposure, local incentive services, and facilitating connections to regional and state level tax incentive and grant programs.
In addition, our team focuses on addressing local issues and challenges that affect your business operations, whether that means helping to find solutions to employee parking and transportation needs or finding a great local nonprofit for corporate volunteer opportunities.
BUSINESS OUTREACH PROGRAM
What is it?
The Business Outreach Program is a free service designed to help us identify the needs of local employers and connect you with resources and solutions to remove barriers to growth. In many cases, insights gained in visits with Stonecrest companies will result in the creation of completely new programs and services that are helping companies succeed and thrive in Stonecrest which address common business needs.
Central to the program is an in-person visit where WE come to YOU at your business and ask for one hour of your time or less.
Who participates?
Our visit will include a member of the City of Stonecrest economic development team, and depending on anticipated needs identified for your company prior to the visit, we may involve other local and state public, private and non-profit partners. These may include but not be limited to the Stonecrest Chamber of Commerce, the Decide Dekalb, Discover Dekalb, and workforce development professionals from local universities.
We will be interested in meeting members of your leadership team as well as any others you would like to invite, such as your facilities or human resources managers.
Then what?
First, the confidentiality of information or comments you share with us is our top priority, so rest assured we have that covered. After we better understand your company and its unique needs, we will focus on immediate follow-up on any urgent matters. We have a number of example success stories to share from helping companies fill key positions to providing proprietary economic and demographic data helping a company avoid relocation.
Finally, we want to remain your ongoing ombudsman team at the City, and your first call for all types of
questions or assistance throughout the year.
Items we can help with:
There are a wide range of issues our team is accustomed to addressing and assisting with, such as:
- FINANCIAL RESOURCES
- CONNECTIONS TO STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
- ENGAGING WITH FUTURE TALENT
- MUNICIPAL PLANNING OR INFRASTRUCTURE
- GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
- TALENT ATTRACTION & TRAINING
- PUBLIC RELATIONS/PROMOTION IN THE REGION
To request an outreach visit, contact us at
770.224.0200 or info@growstonecrest.com
STONECREST BUSINESS SERVICES
The City of Stonecrest’s economic development team is committed to providing exceptional customer service to its business community. Some of the current services available to your business include:
DATA AND RESEARCH SUPPORT
The department maintains access to databases and research tools helpful to companies in operations and expansion decisions. This can include labor market data, property and commercial rate comparisons, GIS-based analysis, community demographics, development cost estimating and housing analysis to name a few.
SITE/PROPERTY LOCATION ASSISTANCE
Utilizing real estate database searches, combined with City insight regarding zoning, infrastructure, and general plan land use designations, we can assist you in finding the perfect location for your business within the time frame required. To perform your own search use our free online tool at StonecrestSites.com which also includes local data layers such as transportation, schools, and amenities.
RELOCATED EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION SUPPORT
Have you relocated employees to your Stonecrest location, or have you recruited new ones from outside of Georgia? If so, we are here to help you support their integration into the community through welcome bags and materials to informational presentations about living in the desert southwest. We look forward to working with you to develop a custom assistance program.
DEDICATED PROJECT MANAGER
The team offers personal project management assistance to help companies developing in the city, whether it is with permitting and zoning of new or renovated facilities, applications for tax and licensing or in arranging consultations with our various departments.
BUSINESS TRAINING PROGRAMS
The department, in partnership with its partners, hosts a number of presentations to assist your business, many of which are available via YouTube. Programming and services include startup training classes and on-site mentorship hours. Ongoing education and training programs for existing companies occur throughout the year. For a full list of services and current programs visit growstonecrest.com.
CUSTOM WORKFORCE TRAINING ASSISTANCE
Through its various partners the Stonecrest team can assist with ensuring your new and potential employees are up to the task. This assistance includes helping companies access tailored training programs, in some cases in obtaining funding to defer the costs.
FUTURE PROGRAMS
TALENT ACCELERATOR INITIATIVE
The Stonecrest economic development team has developed a robust talent attraction strategy which includes:
1. Relocation materials to assist companies in talent recruitment, through our Relocation Guide publication available in print and online
2. A presence at job expos at national events.
3. An online information portal at GrowStonecrest.com/work that includes a Cost-of-Living Index Comparison tool
4. Seminars and programs designed to connect hiring managers and human resources professionals
5. The City also hosts regional events for talent attraction professionals to foster a spirit of collaboration amongst our recruitment partners and provide an environment to discuss best practices.