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Atlanta is one of the fastest growing high-technology cities in the nation, with 13,000 technology companies comprised of nearly 200,000 employees. Technology companies in Atlanta include Cox Enterprises, IBM Corporation, General Electric, Siemens, ADP Inc, McKesson, and more. Atlanta is also home to one of the nation’s largest tech organizations, The Technology Association of Georgia, (TAG), which brings together the tech community through various initiatives and networking opportunities, and the . Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the nation’s leading educational institutions.
In 2011, the Metro Atlanta area mobile technology cluster increased its notoriety in the industry by acquiring AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets’ newly developed division called “Digital Life Services,” which develops technology to manage home security, energy use, and health care from mobile devices. Additionally, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Shepherd Center’s Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center was awarded a $4.75 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education as a means to create software applications for people living with disabilities.
The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce manages the Technology Leadership Council (TLC) which highlights the tech community’s leaders, and dedicates itself to advancing the tech industry by promoting economic growth and job creation.
Recent Technology wins in Atlanta (Projected number of jobs in 2011)
- Capital Payments (50)
- Proximus Mobility (125)
- SPC International (50)
- Asurion (250)
- CCH Small Firm Services (200)
- NanoLumens, Inc. (175)
- Dell SecureWorks (150)
- CCP Games (150)
- Proximus Mobility (125)
- ThyssenKrupp (110)
Industry Companies in Atlanta
- AT&T
- Cox Enterprises
- IBM Corp.
- Dell/SecureWorks
- Global Payments
- First Data
- Evalon
- General Electric
- Siemens
- Verizon Wireless
- ADP Inc.
- McKesson
- Cisco
- Google
- Equifax
- HP
- ChoicePoint
- Kimberly Clark
- Merial
- UCB
- Sciele
- Pharma
- NCR
- Exide Technologies
Industry Associations in Atlanta
- Technology Association of Georgia
- Advanced Technology Development Center (Georgia Tech)
- Gwinnett Technology Forum
- MIT Enterprise Forum – Atlanta
- Venture Atlanta
Workforce Statistics
The technology industry cluster employees nearly 200,000 workers. As Atlanta is home to several world-class biotechnology, Internet and telecommunications companies, it’s a breeding ground for advancement and growth in the technology sector.
Available Incentives, Credits, Services from Invest Atlanta
City of Atlanta Economic Opportunity Fund – This Invest Atlanta administered deal-closing fund supports the growth of targeted industries in the City of Atlanta. Invest Atlanta uses the fund to recruit and retain businesses resulting in job retention and creation. This discretionary fund is structured on a project by project basis based upon criteria such as job retention and creation in the City of Atlanta, financial strength of the business, and amount of business investment in the project.
Lease Purchase Bonds – Invest Atlanta has the ability to abate a portion of real and personal property taxes for projects that stimulate job creation and investment. Invest Atlanta holds title to the client’s real and personal property allowing for a ten year partial abatement on these taxes starting at 50% and decreasing by 5% for the next 9 years until they are paying full taxes in year 11 of the project. Invest Atlanta may not be able to offer this program in a TAD since the TAD’s rely on the property tax increment to fund their bonds.
Small Business Loans – Invest Atlanta offers a variety of small business loan programs. The Phoenix Fund provides loans ranging from $10,000 - $100,000 for 3 to 7 years and ½ of prime plus 2%. The Opportunity Loan Fund provides gap financing from $100,000 - $200,000 for 3 to 7 years at ½ of prime plus 2%. Invest Atlanta is also an SBA 504 lender for loans up to $4 million for a maximum term of 20 years at an interest rate based on a 10-year Treasury note.
Permitting Assistance – Invest Atlanta can act as an advocate for developers or tenants in their permitting approval process with appropriate City departments. Invest Atlanta can help clarify the process to obtain a permit and make connections between the client and the appropriate department to help expedite the process.
Permitting Assistance – Invest Atlanta can act as an advocate for developers or tenants in their permitting approval process with appropriate City departments. Invest Atlanta can help clarify the process to obtain a permit and make connections between the client and the appropriate department to help expedite the process.
Invest Atlanta Contact Information
Bill Cronin
Vice President Economic Development
Invest Atlanta
86 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
404.880.4100
404.880.0863 fax
wcronin@investatlanta.com
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Sources: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Metro Atlanta Economic Briefing, Year-End 2011; Georgia Power Job by Industry Reports; Technology Association of Georgia
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