How to Start a Business in Rome, Georgia

Why Rome for Your Business

Rome, Georgia sits at the confluence of three rivers: the Etowah and the Oostanaula converge here to form the Coosa. The city spreads across seven hills. It is named deliberately after its Italian counterpart, complete with a replica of the Capitoline Wolf statue that stands as a city landmark. If that sounds like civic pride backed by history — it is. But the economics behind that identity are what make Rome worth serious consideration as a business location.

$2 billion in business investment since 2019. That number comes from the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority, and it reflects a city actively attracting capital — not coasting on legacy industries. Microsoft has invested in data center infrastructure in the region, adding technology presence to a historically manufacturing-heavy economy.

Manufacturing, healthcare, and education — three pillars in one city of 38,200 people. Most comparable Georgia cities have one of these. Rome has all three at meaningful scale.

Manufacturing: 116 manufacturers currently operating in the Rome area. The list includes Suzuki Manufacturing — which has produced more than 500,000 ATVs at its Rome facility, one of the largest manufacturing milestones in northwest Georgia history. Other significant employers include Kellanova (formerly Kellogg’s snack division), Pirelli, Ball Corporation, International Paper, and Summit Hill Foods. This industrial base generates demand for suppliers, services, logistics, skilled trades, and B2B professional services.

Healthcare: Atrium Health Floyd is a 304-bed regional hospital and the county’s largest employer at 3,400+ staff. Harbin Clinic is a major regional multi-specialty practice. These institutions anchor a substantial healthcare economy that creates demand for medical support services, healthcare technology, staffing, facilities management, and patient-facing businesses.

Education: Five educational institutions are based in Rome.

• Berry College — one of the most distinctive college campuses in the United States, with 27,000 contiguous acres (the largest contiguous college campus in the world). Berry’s student body provides workforce pipeline, research partnership potential, and a consistent consumer population.
• Shorter University
• Georgia Highlands College
• Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) — technical and skilled trades pipeline directly relevant to manufacturing
• Darlington School — a prestigious prep school that attracts families to the region

Sports tourism: The Rome Tennis Center and Barron Stadium generate over $10 million in annual economic impact through tournaments and events. Tourism-adjacent businesses — hospitality, food service, specialty retail — benefit from this recurring visitor traffic.

Location: 65 miles northwest of Atlanta, accessible via US-27, GA-20, and I-75 (20 miles east). Close enough to metro Atlanta for supply chain connections; far enough to have significantly lower operating costs.

Cost structure: Median household income approximately $54,435. Median home value $234,300 — dramatically more affordable than metro Atlanta. Commercial real estate costs reflect this; you can establish a meaningful physical presence in Rome for a fraction of Atlanta-area costs.

City Hall: 601 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161. Phone: (706) 236-4400.

Choose Your Business Structure

Your legal structure determines liability exposure, tax obligations, and how your business is governed. Take time to choose deliberately — changing structures later involves refiling fees and potential tax complications.

LLC (Limited Liability Company) File online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov (Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division) for $100, or by mail for $110. Processing: 5–12 business days standard. Expedited: $100 for 2-day processing, $250 for same-day. Annual Registration: $60/year ($50 fee + $10 mandatory service fee, effective September 6, 2025). Due January 1 through April 1 each year. $25 late penalty after April 1. Administrative dissolution after 60 days past the deadline (approximately June 1).

Sole Proprietorship No state filing required if operating under your legal name. If you want a trade name (DBA), file with the Floyd County Superior Court Clerk. No state formation fees, but no liability protection either — your personal assets are exposed to business debts and judgments.

Corporation File with the Georgia Secretary of State for $100 online, $110 by mail. Same $60/year Annual Registration requirement as an LLC. More administrative overhead than an LLC but appropriate for businesses seeking outside equity investment or planning to issue stock.

S-Corp Election A federal election made on IRS Form 2553 after forming your LLC or corporation. Provides pass-through taxation while maintaining corporate or LLC structure. Useful for businesses with profitable operations where self-employment tax savings justify the administrative requirements.

For healthcare-adjacent businesses: Given Atrium Health Floyd’s presence, many Rome businesses serve the healthcare ecosystem as vendors, service providers, or staffing agencies. An LLC with appropriate professional liability insurance is typically the recommended starting structure for these businesses.

For manufacturers and industrial suppliers: LLC or S-Corp structure provides liability protection on contracts and product liability, while pass-through taxation avoids double taxation on profits.

Name reservation: Georgia allows — but does not require — name reservation before filing. Fee is $25.

Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division: 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Suite 313, West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334. Phone: (478) 207-2440.

Register with the State

Complete these steps before applying for your Rome business license.

Georgia Secretary of State — Entity Formation File your LLC, corporation, or other entity at ecorp.sos.ga.gov. After approval, download your Certificate of Organization (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (corporation) for your records.

Georgia Tax Center (GTC) Register at gtc.dor.ga.gov for:

• Sales and use tax: Total rate in Floyd County is 7% (4% state + 3% local). Register before you make any taxable sales.
• Employer withholding: Required as soon as you have any W-2 employees.
• Corporate income tax: If organized as a C-Corp.

Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR): dor.georgia.gov. The state income tax rate is a flat 5.19% for 2025 (dropping to 5.09% for 2026 under HB 111). Georgia does not have a local income tax anywhere in the state.

EIN (Employer Identification Number) Obtain free from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Takes approximately 5 minutes online. Required if you have employees, operate as a partnership, or have elected corporation tax treatment for your LLC.

Manufacturing Sales Tax Exemptions If you operate a manufacturing business, Georgia provides:

• 100% state and local sales tax exemption on qualifying manufacturing machinery and equipment
• 100% sales tax exemption on energy (electricity, natural gas, other fuels) used directly in manufacturing

These exemptions are substantial for capital-intensive operations. Register for them through the Georgia Tax Center. The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority can assist with identifying additional incentive programs.

State Professional Licenses If your business requires a state license — contractors, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, cosmetologists, attorneys, physicians, and other regulated professions — obtain your license from the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards at sos.ga.gov/PLB (phone: (478) 207-2440) before applying for your Rome business license.

Get Your Rome Business License

Rome uses the term “Business License” — one of the Georgia cities that retained this terminology rather than switching entirely to “Occupation Tax Certificate.” That’s actually less confusing for most newcomers: you need a business license, and it is called a business license.

City Clerk’s Office

• Address: 601 Broad Street, lobby floor, City Hall/Auditorium building, Rome, GA 30161
• Business License Administrator: (706) 236-4459
• General City Clerk: (706) 236-4400
• Online inquiry: romega.us (complete Business License Application Inquiry to start the process)
• Required for every business operating within Rome city limits

Starting the process online: Go to romega.us and complete the Business License Application Inquiry. This connects you with the Business License Administrator, who will confirm the specific license type, fees, and documentation required for your business.

Fee structure: The cost is calculated based on three factors:

1. Type of business license
2. Estimated gross revenue
3. Number of workers

Rome does not publish a simple flat-rate schedule online. This is unusual but reflects the fact that business types vary significantly and the calculation requires case-specific review. Contact the Business License Administrator directly at (706) 236-4459 for your specific calculation before budgeting.

Mandatory affidavits: Both of the following are required under Georgia state law. There are no exceptions.

SAVE Affidavit (O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1): Notarized verification of lawful U.S. presence. Attach a copy of your Secure and Verifiable Document (Georgia driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID, or equivalent).

E-Verify Affidavit (O.C.G.A. § 36-60-6):

• 11 or more employees: provide your E-Verify employer identification number
• Fewer than 11 employees: submit the exemption affidavit

State professional license required where applicable. Present a copy with your application.

Businesses outside Rome city limits: If your address is in unincorporated Floyd County — outside Rome city limits — you do not need a general business license from Floyd County. The county only requires licenses for specific categories: alcohol sales, self-service fuel, and precious metals dealers. This is a significant distinction. Floyd County’s no-license policy for general businesses means entrepreneurs who can locate just outside city limits operate with fewer licensing requirements. If you’re unsure whether your address is inside or outside city limits, call the City Clerk’s Office at (706) 236-4459 with your address before proceeding.

Zoning and Inspections

These approvals happen as part of the business license process. Plan for them in your timeline before signing a lease or setting an opening date.

Zoning Verification The city reviews your business address against the zoning map to confirm your proposed use is permitted in that zone. Zoning verification is included in the application process — you do not arrange it separately. However, if you verify your zoning before applying, you can identify potential problems earlier.

Certificate of Occupancy Commercial locations require a Certificate of Occupancy from Building Inspection. This confirms the physical space is approved for your intended business use. If your space requires renovation or build-out, the C.O. process may take longer than the license application itself.

Fire Inspection Commercial locations require a fire inspection. Ensure your space meets fire safety requirements: clear egress paths, working fire suppression, properly stored flammable materials, and adequate fire extinguishers.

Food Service: Floyd County Health Department If your business involves food preparation or food service — restaurant, bakery, catering, food truck, grocery — you need an inspection from the Floyd County Health Department. This is a county-level requirement, separate from the city business license process.

Signs: Check with Community Development before ordering or installing signage. Rome has signage regulations that apply to commercial areas, and the historic downtown has additional standards. A $5,000 sign order that doesn’t meet code is an avoidable expense.

Incentives and Economic Development Resources

Rome and Floyd County have an active economic development infrastructure. These programs are available to businesses that qualify, and they can meaningfully reduce startup and operating costs.

Rome-Floyd County Development Authority The Development Authority at developromefloyd.com is the primary economic development organization for the region. They assist with site selection, state incentive applications, workforce analysis, and connections to available infrastructure. If you’re considering a significant capital investment or job creation, contact them early in your planning process.

Job Tax Credits Georgia’s Job Tax Credit Program applies to qualifying businesses in Floyd County. Create 25 or more net new full-time jobs and qualify for $1,250 per job per year for 5 years — up to $156,250 in credits over the credit period. Credits apply against Georgia income tax liability. Contact the Development Authority for current qualification requirements.

Manufacturing Sales Tax Exemptions As noted in the state registration section: 100% exemption on qualifying manufacturing machinery, equipment, and energy used in production. For manufacturers establishing or expanding in Rome, these exemptions can offset a significant portion of capital expenditure.

Georgia’s Single Factor Gross Receipts Formula Georgia taxes corporate income based on a single factor: the percentage of sales made within Georgia. If you manufacture products in Rome but sell the majority outside Georgia, you pay Georgia corporate income tax only on the in-state portion of your sales. For manufacturers with national or international distribution, this can produce substantially lower Georgia tax liability than states using multi-factor formulas.

Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce The Chamber at romega.com provides networking events, business advocacy, demographic data, and connections to the regional business community. Active membership is particularly valuable for businesses serving other local businesses — the Chamber functions as an introduction network for B2B relationships in northwest Georgia.

Open for Business

Workers’ compensation insurance: Required in Georgia if you have 3 or more employees (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-2). Obtain coverage before hiring your third employee. Georgia requires it — this is a statewide rule, not specific to Rome or Floyd County.

Banking: Multiple local and regional banks are established in downtown Rome, including regional community banks. Open a dedicated business checking account to maintain the separation between personal and business finances that protects the liability shield of your LLC or corporation.

College and technical school partnerships: Berry College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College are active partners with regional employers. Berry College’s programs in business, communications, and liberal arts provide a talent pipeline for professional services and office-based businesses. GNTC’s technical programs feed directly into manufacturing, skilled trades, healthcare support, and logistics — the categories that define Rome’s economy.

Tourism and outdoor recreation businesses: Rome’s three rivers, Rocky Face Ridge, Disney Trail, Haig Mill Lake Park, and sports venues create ongoing demand for outdoor recreation businesses, guide services, equipment rentals, hospitality, and food service. The Rome Tennis Center and Barron Stadium generate consistent event traffic. If your business serves visitors or event attendees, connect with the Rome-Floyd Chamber and the Development Authority to understand seasonal patterns and event calendars.

The three rivers, seven hills identity: Rome’s self-image as a city of rivers, hills, and civic character is not marketing spin — it’s a genuine community identity that shapes who moves here, who stays, and what kinds of businesses succeed. Businesses that connect with the outdoor character, the historical character, or the health and wellness community that has formed around the Atrium Health Floyd ecosystem find receptive customers. Understand the place you’re entering.

Practical Checklist for Getting Your Rome Business License

Before your first appointment with the Business License Administrator:

• Decide on your business structure and file with the Georgia Secretary of State
• Obtain your EIN from irs.gov/ein
• Register with Georgia Tax Center for applicable state taxes
• If applicable, obtain your state professional license
• Prepare your SAVE Affidavit (notarized) with a copy of your Secure and Verifiable Document
• Prepare your E-Verify Affidavit (notarized) — either your E-Verify number or the exemption affidavit
• Confirm your address is inside Rome city limits (not unincorporated Floyd County)
• Complete the Business License Application Inquiry at romega.us or call (706) 236-4459

For most straightforward business types, the Business License Administrator can confirm fees and requirements in a single conversation. Come with your business structure, projected gross revenue, and employee count, and the conversation will be efficient.

Rome’s active economic development environment, three-sector economy, and genuine civic investment in its downtown and riverfront infrastructure create a business environment that rewards entrepreneurs who choose it deliberately. The place has momentum.