COED offers a diverse array of programs and initiatives designed to support local businesses & residents, and to strengthen Cherokee’s economy.
About COED
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) casts the vision and lays the foundation for Cherokee County’s long-term economic prosperity by convening public and private sectors in a collaborative effort to foster attractive & connected places, educated & talented workers, innovating & enterprising business, and a vibrant & inviting community to meet Cherokee’s needs.
Simplifying Business, Empowering Opportunity.
We’re here to make Cherokee the easy choice for new businesses, existing industries, and our highly educated residents.
Service Areas Include:
Cherokee By Choice (CBC) 2.0 is the bold strategic plan developed by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) in partnership with private and public sector leaders, partners, and stakeholders around Cherokee County to tackle the economic challenges facing the county.
The next-level five-year economic growth and resiliency initiative builds on existing goals, and prioritizes:
By revitalizing our community with engaging environments, we attract investment, boost local businesses, and drive innovation.
Our dynamic and highly skilled workforce is equipped with the education and training to fuel economic growth and vitality.
A thriving hub of innovation, cutting-edge industries, and start-ups, Cherokee is the ideal environment for businesses of all types to grow, collaborate, and excel.
Experience the warmth of our inviting community, where families, connections and activities flourish, nature abounds, and collaboration drives inspiration.
COED offers a diverse array of programs and initiatives designed to support local businesses & residents, and to strengthen Cherokee’s economy.
Startup Cherokee, a COED initiative, is a vibrant and energizing hub for trailblazing startups and bold entrepreneurs. Whether providing actionable education opportunities, connecting founders with mentorship, or cultivating a powerhouse community in our cost-effective coworking space, our mission is simple – to make launching and scaling your venture more accessible and less intimidating for entrepreneurs of all stages.
The Cherokee Workforce Collaborative is a community-based partnership that unites educators, community leaders, and industry decision-makers to strengthen Cherokee’s pipeline of skilled workers. Learn more about Workforce Collaborative programs and discover how you can get involved.
The Circuit is a coworking, collaboration, and innovation space for students, entrepreneurs, and the local community – and offers an in-house coffee shop only a short walk from Downtown Woodstock. As a collaboration between COED, the Woodstock Office of Economic Development, and Chattahoochee Technical College, the dedicated and shared office spaces have been specifically crafted for early-stage ventures to take advantage of professional amenities while building connections at an affordable rate. Explore the space.
Fresh Start Mornings brings together a dynamic network of fellow innovators, founders, and business leaders at all stages of growth to learn and share the challenges unique to entrepreneurship – while giving back to the community. These free presentations are the gateway to invaluable connections, collaborations, and support, fueling your business growth. See upcoming events or apply to present.
The North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service (NAV) offers free, team-based mentorship to ventures in high-growth target sectors looking to scale and grow. The first of its kind in Georgia, NAV is principled and trained by the MIT Venture Mentoring Service. Learn more about mentorship opportunities.
LaunchPad is a hands-on, transformative experience delivered in partnership with facilitators from KSU’s HatchBridge Incubator. Cohort members embark on an in-person, bootcamp style journey to turn their innovative idea into an actionable business model and go-to-market strategy. Get ready to launch your idea.
Hosted in partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Kennesaw State University, this series consists of a dynamic four-part program designed to empower small business owners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to elevate their businesses to new heights. Delivered quarterly, this series of expert-led workshops will equip participants with invaluable insights into business growth strategies, management best practices, and industry trends.
Ready to commit fully to the Cherokee By Choice lifestyle? There are many ways to get involved with COED and our initiatives.
In 2024 we were committed to business, people & place to build a sustainable foundation for Cherokee today, and Cherokee tomorrow.
Our professional, tireless economic development team strives every day to heighten the awareness of Cherokee County’s assets, create new jobs for our residents, and provide solutions & resources for expanding businesses & new companies. A conduit for collaboration, we value our partners and are excited about Cherokee’s future.
COED is uniquely powered by three highly qualified boards with diverse business backgrounds.
Questions? Reach out to our team of passion-fueled and professional individuals and let us help you find a solution.