Decide what trade or trades you want to offer through your school. Investigate current vocational schools in the area to establish a need. Choose an area you have some interest in.
Contact Georgia state boards and national, state or local organizations associated with the trade. If the state requires workers in the field to hold a license, your program should lead toward that certification. If not, you still need to understand industry expectations and standards.
Develop a curriculum for each program you want to offer. Follow industry guidelines, examine what other schools do and investigate textbooks and online materials. Seek approval for your plan from boards or organizations if they offer such services.
Work with local real estate agencies to find a location and building. Good agents know what property is available, its advantages and disadvantages, and dealing with real estate agents helps get the word out about your school.
Make sure the building is easily accessible. If you hope to serve hundreds of students, they must be able to get to your facility. If your city has public transportation, consider sites close to stops. Make sure the area has adequate parking for the number of students you expect to serve.
Inspect the building for electrical and other trade-specific needs and capacity. Hire a local building inspector if you can't do the work yourself. If you will open a cosmetology school, for instance, you will need lots of sinks. For a computer academy, you will need good electrical systems.
Apply for a business name and license through Georgia's state office.
Contact your local government business office to see if there is further paperwork you need to fill out and/or inspections you need to set up.
Join appropriate groups like the Association for Career and Technical Education. These groups offer support finding information, getting funding and advertising your school.
Obtain liability insurance through a local agent. The agent can tell you exactly what is required in your Georgia city.
Hire instructors who know the subject well. Check with licensing boards to see if you need to follow particular guidelines regarding staff. For instance, cosmetology instructors in Georgia must have 15 hours of teaching coursework and hold a master cosmetology license.
Hire support staff. Your business will need people to answer phone and email inquiries, keep track of student information and maintain the building and grounds.
Retain and accountant and a lawyer. These may not be full-time necessities when you first open your tech school.