NEWS - Economic Development

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 23, 2012 - The City of Savannah has announced a new incentive for business owners and professionals who have offices within the incorporated limits of Savannah in neighborhoods that are economically challenged.  The goal is to retain businesses within the city limits in these areas.

The new incentive, called the Economic Development Credit, reduces their Business Tax Certificate fees by 50% in Year 1; 30% in Year 2, and 20% in Year 3.

The incentive is allowed under Article Y, Section 19 of the City of Savannah Revenue Ordinance, according to city officials.

To qualify, a business owner or professional must have:

- a valid Business Tax Certificate from 2010,

- employ a minimum of two full-time permanent employees (excluding spouses and dependents), - have a business location in one of five targeted corridors (listed below) or operate a business within one of the city’s three Enterprise Zones.

The ‘targeted corridors’ are:

- Waters Avenue (north of East Victory Drive),

- Wheaton Street

- Augusta Avenue (between East Lathrop and 516)

- Ogeechee Road (between West Anderson and West Victory Drive)

- West Bay Street (between East Lathrop and 516)

The city’s Enterprise Zones are:

- Sustainable Fellwood (East Bay to Richard, between Ferrill and West)

- Pennsylvania Avenue (Greenwood to Mississippi)

- MLK/Montgomery (MLK-West Charlton to West 52nd / Montgomery-West Gaston to West 52nd)

For more information, contact the Department of Economic Development at 912-651-3653 or

by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Economic Development Credit application and maps of  the seven qualifying locations are posted on that department’s website.