Business F1RST

Through its Business F1RST initiative, the City of Johns Creek aims to connect local businesses with valuable resources to support their growth and expansion. Currently, the City’s business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts include periodic meetings with local companies and an annual gathering of the top 10 employers (JC10). Building on these existing efforts, the City is launching a more structured BRE program to collect comprehensive data and develop targeted action plans to address key business retention challenges.

Johns Creek is home to over 4,470 commercial establishments and a workforce exceeding 26,000. Research shows that existing companies account for 80% of net new job creation in local communities. To maintain its position as an emerging hub for health, wellness, and innovation, the City aims to further collaborate with local, regional, and state partners to continue fostering a supportive environment where businesses can thrive.

The Business F1RST initiative is designed to strengthen the local economy by equipping existing businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The program focuses on several key objectives:

• Foster effective communication with existing companies
• Strengthen relationships with business leaders
• Connect businesses to local and state resources
• Address challenges facing the business community
• Identify opportunities for retention and expansion projects

Business F1RST Friends (BFFs) play a vital role in advancing the goals of the Business F1RST program. This group consists of city staff, key stakeholders, community organizations, and resource partners such as the Small Business Development Center, Select Fulton, Georgia Power, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, among others.

The responsibilities of Business F1RST Friends include:

• Conducting business visits
• Reporting on business visits
• Addressing local issues and business needs
• Following up on action items
• Attending Business F1RST Task Force meetings
• Participating in program assessments

While Business F1RST serves all businesses, priority is given to those in the health, wellness, and innovation sectors. Targeted businesses are identified using a three-tiered approach: top employers, mid-sized companies, and small businesses. Business F1RST visits are conducted by city staff and the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, with resource partners involved as needed. After each visit, relevant data is shared with the appropriate Business F1RST Friends for follow-up actions. Business F1RST Friends complete action items and update the City’s client relationship management system (EDC Forge). The Business F1RST Task Force, comprised of key staff, meets regularly to analyze trends and make recommendations to address broader economic development challenges.