Reviving the city’s traditional central business district by helping residents become entrepreneurs is among the main goals of a new partnership between Warner Robins and Middle Georgia State University (MGA).

Beginning April 4, MGA and the city are introducing the Warner Robins Entrepreneurship Series to teach participants how to develop small business plans, learn the ins and outs of zoning, building permits, and business licenses, and set up LLCs. Three free classes addressing these topics will take place at MGA’s Warner Robins Campus at 100 University Boulevard, across from City Hall.

“The city of Warner Robins is actively working towards a renaissance within the traditional central business district in and around Commercial Circle,” said Kate Hogan, the city’s director of Community and Economic Development. “While we continue to strive towards revitalization of the Commercial Circle area, we are also cognizant of the need to drive business to our future downtown. The partnership with Middle Georgia State University does just that. We are able to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs a place to start and hopefully visualize themselves as part of the renaissance of downtown Warner Robins.”

Dr. James Blackburn, MGA’s associate provost of Academic Innovation, worked with Hogan to organize the series.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the city of Warner Robins,” he said, “and support the small businesses that help to create a vibrant and sustainable business community.”

The three entrepreneurship classes the city and MGA are offering will take place on the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Walker Auditorium, located in the Academic Services Building on MGA's Warner Robins Campus.

The classes are free. Here is the schedule:

April 4, 2023 – “So You Want to Build a Business”

A strong business plan is essential to building a successful business. This session provides you with a structured business planning approach to help you explore your business idea in greater detail. This structured approach to business plan development will also help you identify new opportunities and relationships to help your business grow.

Presenters:

Simone T.A. Phipps-Prieto, PhD, MBA Professor of Management, School of Business, Middle Georgia State University
James Blackburn, EdD, MBA, Associate Provost of Academic Innovation, Middle Georgia State University
May 2, 2023 – “Starting a Business in Warner Robins”

Steering clear of regulatory headaches can save both time and money. This session provides valuable information about zoning, building permits, business licenses, utilities, and more. We are also available to continue our discussion on the structured approach to business planning started in our first session.

Presenters:

Kate Hogan, MPA, Community and Economic Development Director, City of Warner Robins
James Blackburn, EdD, MBA, Associate Provost of Academic Innovation, Middle Georgia State University
June 6, 2023 – “Setting up an LLC”

Protect your personal assets. This session explores the benefits of a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). You will learn the steps to create an LLC. As in prior sessions, we are available to discuss your business plan.

Presenters:

James Blackburn, EdD, MBA Associate Provost of Academic Innovation, Middle Georgia State University
Kate Hogan, MPA, Community and Economic Development Director, City of Warner Robins
For more information, contact the Warner Robins Community and Economic Development Department at 478-302-5518. Here is an MGA Warner Robins Campus map.