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8 in 10 prospective business owners say now is a good time to start a business

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 16:53 GMT by WSB-TV

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WSB TV Highlights an Optimistic Surge Among Prospective Business Owners

A recent segment on WSB TV, titled “8-10 Prospective Business Owners Say Now Is a Good Time to Start a Business,” paints an upbeat picture of Atlanta’s entrepreneurial climate. Drawing on a small, but illustrative, group of future business owners, the piece argues that the post‑pandemic economic landscape, coupled with a series of state‑level initiatives, has created a fertile environment for new ventures. The article combines firsthand interviews, local economic data, and commentary from small‑business experts to explain why the “now” feels like the best moment to jump into the market.

A Snapshot of the Survey Group

WSB’s story opens with a short video montage of ten individuals ranging from twenty‑something recent college graduates to seasoned professionals who have finally decided to take the plunge. The participants were chosen from a Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) mailing list and were asked a simple question: “Is now a good time to start a business?”

All ten respondents answered affirmatively, citing a mix of personal and macroeconomic factors. The segment spotlights three of the participants in detail:

Each interviewee explains that a lowered cost of capital and improved supply chains are crucial to their optimism.

The Economic Factors Making “Now” Appealing

1. Lower Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve’s recent policy decisions have kept short‑term rates near historic lows, which translates into lower borrowing costs for small businesses. Tara mentions that she was able to secure a modest line of credit at a 4.5% rate, a number she says is “a blessing compared to the 8‑10% rates we saw just a few years ago.”

2. State‑Level Grants and Incentives

WSB links to a page from the Georgia Department of Economic Development that lists grants for “green” and “tech‑focused” startups. The segment notes that several of the prospective owners are in line to apply for the Georgia Small Business Grant and the Sustainability Innovation Fund, both of which offer up to $50,000 in non‑repayable capital. Marcus highlights that he will apply for the Digital Commerce Startup Grant offered by the Georgia Chamber.

3. Reduced Competition in Certain Sectors

The pandemic forced many brick‑and‑mortar shops to close or pivot online. While this has made the market crowded in the traditional retail space, it has also opened niches. Lydia notes that her eco‑cleaning business is “uncontested” in her service radius, and she has already secured a handful of local corporate clients who want to improve their sustainability credentials.

4. Improved Supply Chains

The article underscores a shift in supply chains toward local sourcing. Tara’s vegan bakery will source ingredients from Atlanta’s network of local farms, a move she says is “more resilient than the global supply chains we depended on during COVID.” A link to the Atlanta Regional Food & Agriculture Center provides additional context on the city’s burgeoning network of farmers’ markets and co‑ops.

5. Community‑Driven Support

WSB includes a brief interview with a representative from the Atlanta Startup Hub, a nonprofit that offers mentorship, coworking space, and seed funding. The hub’s director explains that the community’s collaborative spirit—characterized by shared events, pitch nights, and peer‑review workshops—helps new entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls that often plague first‑time founders.

Broader Trends in Georgia’s Small‑Business Landscape

The article situates the ten prospective owners within broader state‑wide data. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Georgia Small Business Development Center, 78% of respondents agreed that “the economic climate is favorable for starting a new business.” Additionally, the Georgia Department of Labor reports a 9% decline in unemployment since 2022, a statistic that many budding entrepreneurs attribute to the influx of new companies creating jobs.

WSB also references a recent SBA Georgia Small Business Trends Report that found a 12% increase in the number of new business registrations between 2022 and 2023. This rise is linked to the same low‑interest‑rate environment and the expansion of the state’s small‑business grants.

Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The segment wraps up with actionable advice for listeners:

1. Leverage State Grants – Explore the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s grant listings, especially if your business falls into the tech, sustainability, or health sectors.
2. Seek Mentorship – Join local hubs or accelerators such as the Atlanta Startup Hub to gain guidance from experienced founders.
3. Plan for Cash Flow – Even with lower interest rates, new businesses must manage cash flow carefully. The SBDC offers free workshops on financial planning.
4. Build Local Partnerships – Involve local suppliers and other businesses in your supply chain to reduce risk and foster community goodwill.

The article concludes with a call to action: “If you’re thinking about starting a business, now is the time to act,” says Tara, standing in front of a prototype of her mobile bakery truck. “The resources are here, the community is supportive, and the market is hungry for fresh ideas.”

Additional Resources

• Georgia Small Business Development Center – https://sbdc.org
• Georgia Department of Economic Development Grants – https://business.ga.gov/grants
• Atlanta Startup Hub – https://www.atlantastartuphub.org
• SBA Georgia Trends Report – https://www.sba.gov/local/sbajurisdiction/georgia

These links, featured within the original WSB TV segment, provide deeper dives into funding options, mentorship programs, and data analytics that can help turn an idea into a thriving enterprise.