Georgia's Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, will introduce a new bill in the General Assembly to reform the state's current business licensing process. Annually, about 460,000 people apply for business licenses in Georgia, and Kemp believes his bill could cut the approval process down from months to weeks.

The initiative would create a single Georgia Board of Licensing and Regulation that approves and handles business licenses. At present, there are 43 licensing boards that approve myriad types of business and professional licenses. Kemp's bill would limit those programs to policy-making duties only, and he believes this consolidation will expedite the business licensing process and aid applicants who are looking to begin their business as quickly as possible.

"One of the most consistent issues I hear from qualified applicants for professional licenses concerns the amount of time it takes to receive approval so they can enter the work force," he said. Kemp also said that if his bill passes, it will remove "unnecessary layers of government bureaucracy and red tape so Georgians can start work sooner and grow out economy."

It takes time to deal with applications for a new business, and there are hearings and appeals that come with rejected candidates. The legislation proposed by Kemp sounds like great news for entrepreneurs and aspiring business professionals in the state of Georgia.

If you are applying for a new business, discuss the process with a reputable business law professional. Such legal representation could help you earn licensing approval, achieve your business goals and keep your company on track for success.

Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle, "Kemp to push overhaul of Georgia business licensing," Dave Williams, Jan. 23, 2012