Georgia Tech Assesses Dalton-Whitfield’s Readiness for a Business Incubator

In 2011, the Archway Partnership’s Diverse, Forward-Thinking Economy Issue Work Group began to consider how a business incubator might support potential startups and entrepreneurs in the community.  After several discussions, a presentation from Georgia Tech, and a tour of the Chattanooga business incubator program, the work group recommended that the Archway Executive Committee hire Georgia Tech to conduct a business incubator feasibility study.   The Executive Committee discussed this recommendation and agreed to move forward with the project with funding from the Joint Development Authority and the University of Georgia Archway Partnership. 

In May, Georgia Tech launched a community readiness assessment to determine whether the Dalton-Whitfield community can support a business incubator.  On Wednesday, October 17, the Georgia Tech team presented their findings to personnel from the Archway Partnership, the Joint Development Authority and the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.  Erin Rosintoski, a member of the Georgia Tech research group, presented the findings.

Erin Rosintoski presents Georgia Tech’s community readiness assessment research

In the presentation, Georgia Tech noted that the Dalton-Whitfield community has several challenges, including the educational attainment among the community’s adult population; a decrease in businesses and employment since the onset of the recession; and a lack of funding available to would-be startups.  However, they also noted several positive characteristics, including growth in the 55-64 year old age range, which is the age group with the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity nationally; growth in the local healthcare and social assistance, transportation and warehousing, and professional, scientific and technical service sectors; and the opening of over 500 new businesses in Whitfield County in the last two years.   In addition, Georgia Tech noted that 36% of the patents filed in Whitfield County were not flooring related, that over half of the obstacles to success noted by entrepreneurs could be overcome by a business incubator, and that there was support for a business incubator among the community’s leadership and business owners. 

Georgia Tech concluded that the Dalton-Whitfield area would benefit from the introduction of a business incubation program. However, the team proposed that the entity tasked with achieving this goal move with patience and caution, as there are significant key factors that must be addressed before an incubation program can be up and running. 

The Joint Development Authority and the Archway Partnership are currently working with Georgia Tech to host a meeting open to the community where the results are shared in full.  Following that meeting, community leaders will decide whether to pursue the next phase of the business incubator feasibility study.