Mayor's Office - Enterprise Zones

Municiple Building Photo Augusta
Mayor's Office

Enterprise Zones

In order to revitalize geographic areas within the cities, encourage private businesses to reinvest and rehabilitate these areas, and increase employment opportunities, the Enterprise Zone Employment Act was passed in 1997.

Eligibility: Types of businesses that are eligible include, but are not limited to, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, tourism, research and development, processing, telecommunications, new residential construction or rehabilitation, finance, insurance, real estate. Businesses must also increase employment at least five new full time positions, and maintain those positions for the duration of the tax exemption period.

Incentives: Eligible businesses are exempt from state, county, and municipal ad valorem taxes, except for those collected for the school district.

100% exemption from property taxes first five years

80% exemption from property taxes the following two years

60% exemption in year eight

40% exemption in year nine

20% exemption form property taxes in the last year

In addition to tax incentives, the local governing body may create ordinances exempting or abating occupation taxes, regulatory fees, and other fees that may be imposed on an eligible business.

There are currently two Enterprise Zones authorized by local ordinance: Laney-Walker and Rocky Creek.

The $2,500 Mayor’s Business Investment Grant is a program designed to encourage an increase in new businesses in the Laney Walker Enterprise Zone within the City of Augusta. The program will provide a $2,500 reimbursement grant to eligible businesses on a first come-first served basis.

Criteria for participation:

Eligible businesses must be a new community-serving retail or service business in a store-front accessible to the public.
Eligible businesses must provide stimulation for blighted or distressed area.
The Business Owner must complete an approved business development training program and be licensed in Augusta-
Richmond County.
The business must comply within City regulations.
The grant funds may only reimburse legitimate start-up costs associated with opening the business.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Housing and Economic Development
925 Laney Walker Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Augusta GA 30901
(706) 821-1797