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Logo featuring a city skyline with the words "Better Business Community" in bold letters beneath it.

FAQ

A BETTER BUSINESS COMMUNITY

STARTS HERE

Building Trust. Strengthening Businesses. Empowering Athens.

Where businesses with integrity thrive and consumers find trust.

WELCOME TO A MOVEMENT OF TRUST & OPPORTUNITY 

THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS STARTS WITH YOU.

For too long, businesses that prioritize people and integrity have been overlooked.

We’re here to change that. This isn’t just a program—it’s a movement.

A movement to redefine success, uplift ethical businesses, and rebuild trust where it matters most—within our communities.

A group of smiling people standing in a circle with their hands stacked in the center, expressing teamwork and unity.

Here’s how we’re building stronger businesses and communities—together.

By working together, we’re turning values into action and strengthening the businesses that power our communities.

Three red infographic cards with text and icons. Card 1: "Growing a Thriving Business Network" with a graph icon. Text: "Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen communities." Card 2: "Bringing Together Leaders & Consumers" with people icons. Text: "Uniting businesses, leaders, and consumers to invest in a future built on trust and collaboration." Card 3: "Expanding a Model for Nationwide Change" with network icons. Text: "Creating a scalable framework that starts here and inspires ethical business success across the country."

it’s time to rebuild trust in business

Trustworthy businesses are the backbone of strong communities—but too many are struggling to be seen. Consumers deserve better. It’s time to raise the standard—one built on trust, transparency, and real impact.

Right now, ethical businesses are being overlooked while those who cut corners profit. But strong communities thrive when we support businesses we can trust.

The good news? Change is happening.

Across Athens and beyond, businesses, leaders, and consumers are coming together to redefine success and rebuild trust—right here, right now.

stronger businesses, stronger communities—powered by us

We’re not doing this alone. With the support of local leaders, industry partners, and community organizations, we’ve invested millions into accessible resources to help ethical businesses thrive.

Smiling man in a blue apron holding an open sign outside a bakery window with the words 'Always Welcome, Always Fresh' and 'Our Specialty Wedding Cakes.'

WHAT THIS MOVEMENT STANDS FOR

Redefining Business Recognition—In partnership with industry leaders, we’re prioritizing transparency, trust, and real impact over profit.

EMPOWERING ETHICS, ELEVATING BUSINESSES

Red circle with a white check mark
Red circle with a white check mark

Providing Real Support – Working with local organizations, we’re delivering accessible tools, funding, and visibility so businesses can focus on doing what’s right.

Empowering Consumers – By connecting businesses and communities, we’re giving people the confidence to support businesses that align with their values.

Red circle with a white check mark inside

We’re not just talking about change—we’re driving it.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

The Better Business Community isn’t built by one organization—it’s powered by partners, sponsors, and businesses like you who are ready to make a difference. We’ve invested millions into resources that are easy to access, so businesses can thrive, consumers can trust, and communities can grow.

Whether you’re looking to partner with like-minded businesses, sponsor impactful initiatives, or explore ways to get involved, there’s a place for you in this movement.

Select an option below to see how you can make an impact.

Have you scheduled your onboarding call yet? Let’s keep the momentum going—tap the link in bio to take the next step toward a better business community. 💼 #BetterBusinessCommunity #BBC #RootedinAthens #BuilttoLast
Still not over last Tuesday! We cannot thank you all for coming out and celebrating the launch of Better Business Community! We hope you’re ready for what’s in store. 😉🎉
Athens, you showed up — and this is just the beginning! The Better Business Community is here to grow, connect, and lead with you. Let’s build better, together. #RootedInAthens #AthensGA #BetterBusinessCommunity
WHAT A NIGHT! 🎉 Athens showed up, showed out, and proved what Better Business can look like when a community comes together. This is only the beginning. #BetterBusinessStartsHere #RootedInAthens #BetterBusinessCommunity
#RootedInAthens #BuiltToLast ❤️
What better place to kick off the Better Business Community than right here at @athenticbrewing —a true local gem in the heart of Athens. Tomorrow, we celebrate a new era of business, community, and collaboration. Get your tickets by clicking
Athens, let’s make history. The Better Business Community is launching—and YOU’RE invited to be part of this game-changing movement. 📍 Athentic Brewing Co. 📅 May 6th | 5–7PM This isn’t just another networking event.
Businesses shouldn't fail because they're overlooked. On May 6th, we’re launching a movement in Athens to change the odds. We’re standing behind ethical businesses with real visibility, meaningful support, and a strong community—b
🚨Athens Business Owners and Leaders 🚨 The future of business starts here — and it starts with YOU! Join us May 6 at @athenticbrewing for the launch of the Better Business Community, powered by trusted partners like Synovus, The Red & Bla

Change doesn’t happen alone. We’re working alongside local businesses, community leaders, and trusted organizations who believe in the power of ethical success. Together, we’re building a future where integrity drives business, and communities thrive.

  • Logo of Athens Area Chamber of Commerce with a stylized star above the text.
  • BBB logo featuring a torch and the text "Start With Trust."
  • Seal of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia with "AC" in the center.
  • Logo of Envision Athens with the tagline "our community • our future."
  • Logo of the National Basketball Association in bold red letters reading 'NBA', with a stylized basketball player silhouette.
  • Holman Hunt's painting depicting Jesus knocking on a vine-covered door. The scene is set in a garden with intricate details of foliage and light.
  • Visit Athens Georgia logo, featuring stylized red text for "ATHENS" with black "VISIT" and "GA" letters.

 FAQ’s

Have question about how the initiative works? We’ve got the answer.

  • The Better Business Community is a movement designed to elevate ethical business practices, strengthen local support systems, and promote economic development in Athens, GA. Backed by BBB, this initiative helps businesses stand out for their integrity—not their marketing budgets—by providing resources, visibility, and recognition to companies that operate ethically and transparently.

  • Athens offers a unique blend of a diverse business ecosystem, strong local leadership, and a culture of collaboration. With partners like the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Envision Athens, the City of Athens, and Red & Black Media, the city is perfectly positioned to serve as the launchpad for a national model of ethical commerce. Investing in Athens first allows us to build a strong, measurable foundation for future expansion.

  • Businesses in the Better Business Community will:

    • Gain increased visibility and credibility as ethical leaders in the marketplace.

    • Access marketing, HR, and administrative support to help grow their business.

    • Be recognized as part of a trusted network of companies vetted for integrity and ethical practices.

    • Receive tools and resources to stand out in a crowded marketplace—not based on how much they spend, but on how they operate.

  • Consumers often struggle to identify which businesses are truly trustworthy. The Better Business Community helps solve this by spotlighting ethical businesses and providing a clear system to recognize them. This protects consumers from scams, unethical marketing, and misleading business practices, empowering them to make informed choices and spend confidently.

  • Being part of the Better Business Community means more than just earning a badge—it’s about joining a collective effort to make business better for everyone. It means standing for transparency, fairness, and ethical leadership. Whether you're a business owner, consumer, or community partner, your involvement helps drive positive change and economic growth in Athens.

  • We’ve invested millions into Athens to make this initiative accessible. Thanks to partnerships, sponsorships, and strategic investments, we’re able to offer high-value resources to businesses at a fraction of the typical cost. The goal isn’t profit—it’s progress: creating a lasting impact that benefits both businesses and consumers.

  • Yes! Athens is the pilot city for the Better Business Community, but the long-term goal is to use this model to strengthen ethical business communities across the U.S. By proving success here, we aim to build a scalable framework that can help communities nationwide.

  • We’re just getting started—and there’s so much more to come! Stay connected and be the first to know about new resources, upcoming events, business spotlights, and success stories by:

    • Following us on Facebook and Instagram

    • Checking out our Better Business Community landing page regularly for the latest news and opportunities

    By staying plugged in, you’ll not only hear about what’s next—you’ll be part of shaping the future of ethical business in Athens.

Get in touch.

No matter who you are—a business owner, a consumer, or a potential sponsor—you play a vital role in strengthening our community. We're here to support ethical businesses, empower consumers, and create opportunities that drive real impact.

Sponsorship & Partnership Inquiries

Looking to sponsor initiatives, fund community-driven programs, or collaborate with us? Please contact jhares@atlanta.bbb.org.

for all other inquries and questions

If you have general questions, need assistance, or want to learn more about how you can get involved, reach out to kpalombo@atlanta.bbb.org.