Federal Opportunity Zone

As a part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Qualified Federal Opportunity Zones were created to help spur economic growth in low-income communities. The program allows investors to take capital gains from other investments and re-invest it in these designated areas while deferring federal taxes.

The City of East Point has a Qualified Federal Opportunity Zone!

For more information about the Federal Opportunity Zone, please visit: https://www.dca.ga.gov/community-economic-development/incentive-programs/federal-opportunity-zones and the interactive map showing the qualified Federal Opportunity Zone parcels can be found here: https://georgia-dca.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e0a3b024d844437bd88d8069d7182a3.

Job Tax Credits

LDCT
The City of East Point has LDCT’s which qualifies businesses that are located in those districts eligible to apply for Tier 1 level job tax credits ($3500-min. 2 jobs).

State Opportunity Zone
On August 20, 2012, Commissioner Gretchen Corbin of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded an Opportunity Zone designation to the City of East Point. This designation means that any business, existing or new, within the Opportunity Zone which creates at least 2 new jobs on or after January 1, 2012, is eligible for a Job Tax Credit of $3,500.00 per job. The credit may be applied against Georgia income tax liability and state payroll withholding for 5 years, beginning with the tax year in which the new jobs were created. Opportunity Zone Interactive Map

Process:

1. Create at least the minimum number of jobs to become eligible. For an overview of the eligibility requirements and claims process, please read this Program Overview.
2. Complete part one of the Opportunity Zone Certification and send a signed copy to EconomicDevelopment@eastpointcity.org. After review by the Georgia DCA, the requesting business and the East Point OZ coordinator will each receive approved copies of the certification.
3. Complete Form IT-CA (2012) to determine the amount of Job Tax Credit that may be claimed. The credit must first be applied against your corporate income tax liability. Any excess credit may be carried forward to future tax years or applied against your Georgia Withholding Tax liability.
4. To claim credit against withholding, file Form IT-WH with the Department of Revenue at least 30 days prior to filing the Georgia Income Tax Return on which the credit will be claimed.
5. File the Georgia Income Tax Return by the due date (or extended due date) along with a completed Form IT-CA (2009) and a copy of the accepted Opportunity Zone Certification to claim the Job Tax Credit for the Opportunity Zone.
6. The Department of Revenue will send a letter to the business within 90 days of the date the Georgia Income Tax Return was filed stating the amount of credit available to claim against withholding taxes and when the business may begin claiming the credit.

Tier 3 County
East Point is located in a Tier 3 County which qualifies businesses to apply for Tier 3 level job tax credits ($1750 – minimum of 15 eligible jobs created) offered by the State.

Hub Zone

The City of East Point has several areas identified as HUB Zones. The HUB Zones program provides a variety of benefits for businesses, including Federal preferential consideration for set-aside contracts and a 10% price evaluation preference in open contracts. For more information on the qualifications needed and how to apply for the program, visit: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program. To determine if your location is eligible, visit the SBA’s website here: http://map.sba.gov/hubzone/maps/.

LCI (Livable Centers Initiative)

The Livable Centers Initiative is a program that awards planning grants, on a competitive basis, to local governments and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the grant is to prepare and implement plans for the enhancement of existing centers and corridors consistent with regional development policies. It also provides transportation infrastructure funding for projects identified in the LCI plans. East Point’s Department of Economic Development, in partnership with Public Works was awarded a nearly $5 million grant to implement many of the plan’s recommended transportation, pedestrian and cycle-related improvements in just the first phase. Additional phases have now been approved, and the improvements are underway in various stages of both planning & construction.

Private Power Company

The City of East Point has its own Power Company (thru MEAG/Electric Cities of Georgia) offering extremely competitive utility rates.

Power Water Source

The City of East Point has its own private Water Reservoir (Sweet Water Creek) – so its not dependent on Atlanta’s water supply and can provide abundant water for industrial, commercial and residential needs.

TAD (Tax Allocation Districts)

The redevelopment of the City of East Point is an important step in enhancing the quality of life in the city’s downtown and older, established neighborhoods. Creating and maintaining lively and attractive streets and buildings will stimulate investment in East Point’s commercial core, adjoining historic neighborhoods such as Conley Hills and the major corridors – Main Street, Cleveland Avenue and Washington Road – that lead into and through the heart of the city. There are many factors that point to a positive future for the City of East Point. As with other older revitalizing urban areas, there exists a sense and continuity of place and community. There is a sufficient amount of social and physical urban fabric that remains intact to serve as a basis and guide for revitalization efforts. Recent demographic patterns show a renewed interest in urban living as a preferred lifestyle. This has resulted in land use and behavioral changes aimed at reducing the reliance on the automobile and re-establishing pedestrian-oriented places. New economic sectors, such as the digital and communications industries are providing additional markets for the rehabilitation of underutilized or abandoned buildings and properties, such as are found in the East Point Corridors TAD area.

The foundations for this East Point Corridors Redevelopment Plan and Tax Allocation Bond District can be found in several recent plans, much of which is incorporated into this TAD Redevelopment Plan. In addition to the City’s own 2006 Comprehensive Plan Update, this TAD Redevelopment Plan relies heavily on two recently completed studies: (1) the 2005 City of East Point Livable Centers Initiative Report prepared by Pond & Company in association with The Collaborative Firm, Sizemore Group and Market+Main; and (2) the 2006 Cleveland Avenue Corridor Study: Masterplan prepared by Urban Studio, Inc. in association with WK Dickson & Co., Inc. and Iteris, Inc. The 2005 East Point MARTA Development: Real Estate Development Methods study prepared by the East Point MARTA Development Consultants team was also reviewed.

Executive Summary – Corridors / Downtown TAD
Corridors / Downtown TAD – Approved 2006
Camp Creek / I-285 TAD – Approved 2001

The City of East Point is an active member of many business associations throughout the City. We encourage businesses to join these organizations for business development assistance, networking purposes and also a way to meet/greet fellow business owners in the City.

ATL Airport Chamber

The ATL Airport Chamber (TAAC) is a non-profit organization focuses on improving the overall business climate and helping to promote the surrounding local communities as a desirable place to live, work, prosper and play. TAAC is dedicated to the promotion, development and growth of business and professional activities within the airport area to ensure they thrive. They host a series of educational programs and networking events throughout the year.

Atlanta Aerotropolis Alliance

As the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a primary driver of metro Atlanta’s Economy. The Atlanta Aerotropolis Alliance aims to transform the airport vicinity into a world-class Aerotropolis, making the area more attractive to international corporations, logistics companies and others that can benefit from proximity to the world’s busiest airport. The Alliance is comprised of businesses, local governments, nonprofits and other interested parties located in the general ATL area.

Atlanta Technical College

Our services provide resources for individuals, business, industry, government, and professional groups desiring to supplement their in-house training and workforce development initiatives. The programs offered through this division are fully coordinated with you, the business customer, and flexible to accommodate shift schedules and location. Most programs can be offered at your business location, and convenient to the workforce involved in the training.

Camp Creek Business Association

The Camp Creek Business Association (CCBA) was established in 2013 for the purpose of bringing quality businesses to the Camp Creek Area. CCBA is comprised of Camp Creek Market Place business owners and managers.

Electric Cities of Georgia

Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) prides itself in offering economy of scale resources with its Economic and Community Development services. It is committed to the development and promotion of the ECG participant communities through its world class marketing, sales and professional development services. ECG’s statewide Economic Development efforts allow the organization to be a full partner with its communities and the state of Georgia in identifying high growth domestic and international businesses through industrial and commercial recruitment.

GDEcD (Georgia Department of Economic Development)

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, aligning workforce education and training with in-demand jobs, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

GEDA (Georgia Economic Developers Association)

The mission of the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) is to provide and promote networking and professional development opportunities and to shape economic development public policy. GEDA is the leading professional association dedicated to enhancing Georgia’s economic vitality.

Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute

Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) is Georgia Tech’s business outreach organization and serves as the primary vehicle to achieve Georgia Tech’s goal of expanded local, regional, and global outreach. EI2 is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive university-based program of business and industry assistance, technology commercialization, and economic development. When compared to counterparts at other universities, EI2 is unique because we bring all of these areas of expertise into a single organization and are able to connect our clients to more than one program or service to meet your individual needs.

Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta’s quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region. The Chamber is also focused on expanding the region’s innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta’s innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate and telling Atlanta’s story.

South Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The South Fulton Chamber of Commerce has been in existence for over six decades. The mission chamber is to create synergy for business development and expansion by attracting, retaining and advancing the business interests of South Fulton. They host a series of educational programs and networking events throughout the year.

UGA Public Service & Outreach

UGA is a national leader in university outreach with faculty, staff and students in all of UGA’s schools and colleges contributing to Georgia’s short- and long-term prosperity. In addition, eight Public Service and Outreach units focus specifically on serving Georgia. Learn more about UGA’s Economic Development StartupGA

The 8 @ 8 Corporate Business Meetings

The 8 @ 8 Corporate Business Meetings are a Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE) co-hosted by the Department of Economic Development and the City Manager’s Office. When the meetings are hosted, a different group of eight East Point business owners or organizations are invited to an informal breakfast with the City Manager, and various City Department directors, to discuss issues, ideas, successes and other topics of interest.

Downtown Businesses have access to a lot of great resources they can take advantage of, just by being located in the Downtown District!

Grand Opening Assistance

We can assist you with getting the word out about your grand opening to Mayor and Council, and the surrounding community. Simply let me us know the date/time at least 4 weeks in advance (ideally) and we can publish it in the upcoming edition of the Community E-Newsletter and circulate it to Council. If your grand opening is scheduled less than 4 weeks in advance, you can still post the grand opening announcement on the Downtown Facebook page. You can also use the department’s ceremonial ribbon cutting scissors, ribbon and ribbon stands!

Community E-Newsletter

Businesses can submit hiring ads, specials, open houses, etc. To participate, simply email them to the department by the end of the month prior to the desired month of distribution and they will be included for free.

Business Announcements E-Newsletter

Business Announcement E-Newsletters are sent out to businesses throughout the year – with important information about special offerings or programs that can benefit your company.

Downtown Business Feature Article

These are FREE and produced throughout the year and circulated in the Community E-Newsletter. If you are interested in being featured, please reach out to the department.

Downtown Facebook Page

This offering is in partnership with the East Point Main Street Association – Downtown District businesses can post upcoming events, specials, promotions for your business, or businesses can simply “like” the page to find out what is going on: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownEastPoint/.
There is also a Facebook page for our weekly Farmers Market here: https://www.facebook.com/EastPointFarmersMarket/.

City of East Point’s Facebook Page

Filled with real time posts with important information to keep the community informed: https://www.facebook.com/cityofeastpoint/.

Access East Point App

Residents and Businesses are encouraged to download this app to receive real time notifications, like power outages, water restrictions, etc.

Networking/Community Outreach Opportunities

• Quarterly Tri-Cities Networking Event Series – a partnership between the cities of East Point, College Park and Hapeville – each City takes turns hosting the event on a rotating schedule in their respective cities. This event is free and is advertised by all three cities each quarter. Just bring your business cards and mingle! There are opportunities to sponsor this event – inquire for more information!
• Quarterly Filming 101 Session – typically hosted the same evening as the Tri-Cities Networking Event when it is in East Point – a great way to network with those in the film industry, or those interested in learning more about the film industry. There are opportunities to sponsor this event – inquire for more information!
• Monthly Downtown Business Meeting – produced by the Department of Economic Development in partnership with the Police Department – the meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month (barring a holiday (like 4th of July or Christmas) from 8:30am-10am in the back room of the Kupcakerie, 2781 Main Street. Free to attend, no “agenda” just mingle with other area businesses and talk about upcoming opportunities for businesses or current issues businesses are facing.
• Booth/Vending/Sponsor at Downtown Events – there are a variety of events throughout the year that businesses can sponsor or set-up a booth at and meet-n-greet with the community. Inquire for more information.
• Coming Soon! “East Point Entrepreneurs” – a free Quarterly event that features a local East Point entrepreneur “Rock Star” that has been successful here in the City- they will share lessons learned, best practices and encouragement for other local entrepreneurs!
• Coming Soon: Attendee/Booth/Sponsor at the East Point Small Business Symposium – This event features a different slate of topics focused on getting your business started and/or taking your business to the next level. Inquire for more information.
• Coming Soon: Attendee/Booth/Sponsor at the Bi-Annual Real Estate Development & Investment Forum – This event focusses on targeting real estate developers and covers current development opportunities in the City, potential incentives, etc. Inquire for more information.

Camp Creek Business Center/Duke Realty

The Camp Creek Business Center is located in the comprehensive Business Park of the City of East Point off 1-285.The development is accessible via two highway exits- Camp Creek Parkway and Washington Rd thanks to the main north/south road in the park: North Commerce Drive. From 285 you can easily connect to with three other major interstates – I-20, I-85, and I-75 within minutes. It currently has 2.9 million square feet of industrial and office space developed plus the capacity for an additional 2.0 million square feet. To date, Camp Creek Business Center has created more than 1,500 jobs. With more than 1.2 million people between the peak employable ages of 20 and 64 within 30 minutes of Camp Creek Business Center, businesses are solidly positioned to have the workers they need for a successful.

If you are looking for ideally located, quality warehouse or office space in the Atlanta-metro area, turn to Duke Realty and the Camp Creek Business. Not only do we have a premier portfolio of existing properties, we have acreage to support up to 2.0 million square feet of new space. Plus, we provide the highest –quality care and service, making sure your space is right for your business and well maintained.

Camp Creek Shopping District

Camp Creek Shopping District is at Camp Creek Parkway and I-285 – it is East Point’s vibrant shopping area, with a variety of shops and restaurants on both sides of the Parkway. This area along Camp Creek Parkway is East Point’s/South Fulton County’s largest retail district. There is a total of 1.2 million square feet of retail space at this location. Camp Creek Marketplace is 98% occupied with in-line retail lease rates over $25/sf. It is also the 2nd most successful TAD development in the State of Georgia.

• Camp Creek Marketplace – The northern side of the Parkway is Camp Creek Marketplace which is anchored with a Target, BJ’s, Lowes and a cluster of retailers like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Five Below, as well as, a variety of high producing restaurants.
• Camp Creek Pointe – The southern side of the Parkway is the Camp Creek Pointe development which houses hotels, more shops and fast food restaurants.

Lawrence Avenue Industrial Park

Lawrence Avenue Industrial Park is flanked on the northern section by Arthur Langford Parkway and Connally Drive on the southern section of the park consisting of 200 plus acres of land. The strength of Lawrence Avenue has been maintained by the manufacturing company of William C. Meredith since 1921. William C. Meredith Company has been family owned and operated since its inception. Today, our primary business is manufacturing and supplying Pentachlorophenol treated poles to Bell South, Verizon, Forest Technology Sales, and many electric utilities and municipalities throughout the Eastern United States. Our East Point plant is located adjacent to Norfolk Southern Railroads Industry yard and is serviced by daily switching.

Oakleigh Industrial Park

Oakleigh Industrial Park is also flanked by Lankford Pkwy which connects people to the heart of Atlanta’s fastest growing economic boom in the Television and Film Production industry. EUE/Screen GEM Studios, a 10 Stage, 33 acre Atlanta Studio Complex, is one mile off of Lankford Pkwy on the east end of the parkway, whereas; Tyler Perry Studios is a 60 acre, 5 sound stage campus holding down the west end of the parkway. The strength of this park is PPG architectural coatings plant produces latex and oil-based paints for residential and commercial architectural finishes under the Olympic®, PPG Pittsburgh Paint and Glass®, and Lucite® brands. The plant also manufactures coatings for the protective and marine, automotive refinish and industrial markets. The plant began its East Point operations in 1952.

Southmeadow Business Park

McDonald Development Company is a privately owned industrial real estate development company that was founded in 1988 and has developed over 10 million square feet of real estate. The company specializes in developing industrial real estate across the southeastern United States. McDonald Development Company is headquartered in Atlanta. The company developed the Southmeadow Business Park on Welcome All Road near Camp Creek Parkway in East Point, GA. McDonald Development Company has owned the property for over 25 years and has proudly been a part of bringing companies to the area, including Porsche, the Georgia Department of Revenue, Medical Depot and Martin Brower. McDonald Development Company still owns 150 acres to be developed within the Southmeadow Business Park that can accommodate individual users up to 1 million square feet.

Willingham Industrial Park

The Willingham Industrial Park’s main road is Central Avenue. This major corridor and a key road connects East Point to Hapeville, Atlanta, and I-85. The industrial uses here include automotive repair shops, warehousing facilities, manufacturing and recycling). These character areas might come with special zoning concerns but are major employment and economic providers for the city. With excellent access to major transportation infrastructure, these industrial areas will continue to be important economic assets and employment centers

Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP)

The Strategic Economic Development Plan (SEDP) provides City leaders an objective assessment of East Point’s competitive position in attracting new business. It identifies potential opportunities East Point may have in specific industries, and locations within the city limits. The plan provides a road map for the City to succeed in attracting private investment within an extremely vibrant and competitive regional market.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan

In the fall of 2012, East Point completed a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan and Market Feasibility Study for two nodes along US 29 (Main Street) envisioned as catalyst redevelopment sites located near the East Point and Lakewood/Ft. McPherson MARTA stations. This plan details the immediate opportunities in the Downtown corridor and the City’s vision to recruit signature mixed-use projects that capitalize on the area’s existing quality housing, access to MARTA, and major employment centers.

TOD Market Analysis

City of East Point Comprehensive Plan 2022-2023 Update

Incentives Program

The City of East Point recently adopted its first ever “Small Business Incentives Program” which offers a variety of benefits for new and existing businesses. The benefits range from permit and license fee waivers to tax and utility discounts. The program is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs lower the cost of doing business. The goal is not only to help businesses get started, but to help them grow and become successful small business enterprises. A small business, for the purpose of qualifying for these programs/incentives, is defined as a business with 9 employees or less. Small Business Incentive Program Brochure

Resources

• SBA – Small Business Administration
  • Starting Business:https://www.sba.gov/starting-business
  • Write Your Business Plan: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/write-your-business-plan
  • Choose Your Business Structure: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/choose-your-business-structure
• SBDC – Small Business Development Center
• SCORE
• GA State Small Business Credit Incentive (SSBCI)
• GA Tax Center
• Department of Revenue
• East Point Library Business Programs each month
• Additional Business Services & Programs

Small Business Symposium

The Small Business Symposium is an annual Business Retention and Expansion Program (BRE) designed to educate current and potential East Point businesses about programs, financing products and other resources. The symposium features multiple panels of experts from State and local agencies providing information of interest to local businesses.