By Georgia Department of Economic Development
As a long-term leader in economic growth, Georgia’s momentum continues to grow in 2025. Over the past decade, Georgia has leveraged its strategic assets: a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment to fuel key sectors. From aerospace to cleantech and headquarters to logistics, Georgia has become a global hub for innovation, attracting investments and creating new opportunities for its citizens. As the state continues to build on its solid economic foundation, its pace is only accelerating.
Workforce Development: Training the Workforce of Tomorrow
A robust, diverse workforce is a foundational element of Georgia’s economic success. With a labor force of 5.3 million, the state’s investments in educational programs, apprenticeships, and training initiatives are cultivating skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Central to these efforts are the partnerships between the state’s Technical College System of Georgia and industry. Georgia Quick Start, the nation’s top workforce training program, partners with industries to provide customized training and has empowered over a million individuals with the expertise required by fast-growing sectors. By equipping workers with specialized skills, this program plays a critical role in helping businesses quickly adapt and expand in Georgia’s dynamic economy.
SK Battery America (SKBA) shared that its partnership with the State of Georgia and its educational institutions, including Georgia Quick Start and one of Georgia’s 22 technical colleges, allowed SKBA to “attract and train workers with a speed and scale that would be difficult for any company to do on its own.” These collaborations help ensure a continuous flow of talent prepared to meet industry needs.
Prominent institutions like Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia also contribute to the state’s economic progress by providing a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. AIG, Cargill, Duracell, and TriNet are just a few of the companies that have recently chosen the State of Georgia as a long-term partner in their growth.
By utilizing the GEORGIA MATCH Direct College Admissions Initiative, high school seniors are directly notified of the state’s public colleges and universities they are eligible to attend, and a seat is held for them. This initiative helps ensure an educated and prepared workforce pipeline and improves access to educational opportunities for young Georgians.
Cutting-edge Infrastructure
Georgia’s robust transportation and logistics network is integral to its economic prowess, driven by strategic investments across air, sea, rail, and road networks. The state’s integrated transportation system connects businesses to both national and international markets, making Georgia a renowned global logistics hub.
This network includes Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport; the Port of Savannah, the largest and fastest-growing container terminal in the U.S.; and the Port of Brunswick, the No. 1 port for automotive Roll on/Roll off cargo. These facilities are gateways to international markets, solidifying Georgia’s role as a global logistics hub.
The state’s extensive rail network and inland port system provide critical intermodal connectivity, streamlining cargo flow throughout the Southeast. Cold storage facilities support key industries like agriculture and food processing, ensuring the safe transport of temperature-sensitive goods.
In 2024, Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary, further highlighting Georgia’s central role in global transportation and logistics. The airline’s ongoing investments in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are instrumental in maintaining Georgia’s role as a critical hub for global business.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, reflected, “Delta’s 100-year history in Georgia is intertwined with the state’s economic growth. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to supporting Georgia’s role as a leader in global connectivity.”
Speed-to-market Solutions
Understanding the importance of speedy development, Georgia has introduced innovative site certification programs to simplify and accelerate the establishment of new facilities. The Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Certification Program highlights the state’s dedication to speed-to-market solutions by offering pre-qualified industrial sites with completed due diligence.
As a result of recent years of success, Georgia has established the Rural Site Development Initiative grant program to enhance its portfolio of ready for development sites in communities across the state.
Georgia leaders recognize that its status a top state for business for over a decade comes from vigilant investments into its future. “The Rural Site Development Initiative is just one of the ways we’re making sure Georgia remains in pole position for economic development for years to come,” said Governor Brian Kemp.
Georgia’s economic landscape is characterized by its supportive business environment and strategic partnerships. Utility partners like Georgia Power, Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), and Electric Cities of Georgia (ECGs) play a vital role in this ecosystem, providing reliable and affordable energy.
These utility partners are also investing in carbon-neutral options like solar and nuclear. With Units 3 and 4 producing emission-free power for over a year, Plant Vogtle is the largest generator of clean energy in the U.S. These investments along with grid upgrades ensure businesses can thrive without concerns over energy reliability.
Driving Innovation and Growth
Bolstered by its robust and diverse workforce and educational opportunities, Georgia’s business ecosystem fosters the expansion of emerging sectors like manufacturing, cleantech, and aerospace.
Aerospace manufacturing is a key sector driving Georgia’s growth, with the state being home to a strong network of aerospace companies, including major manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers. This industry continues to prosper as Georgia capitalizes on its aerospace and engineering graduates, strategic infrastructure, and business-friendly environment to attract investments from leading aerospace companies.
A prime example is StandardAero Business Aviation, a global leader in aircraft MRO services, which is expanding its operations in Georgia. The company’s new facility at Augusta Regional Airport will allow them to service larger aircraft models, including the Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Bombardier jets, addressing the growing demands of the aerospace sector.
Similarly, the medical device industry is thriving. With Georgia being one of the nation’s top exporters of medical products, companies like Gerresheimer AG, a manufacturer for the pharma and life science industry, have chosen to expand in the state.
Dietmar Siemssen, CEO of Gerresheimer AG, explained, “The U.S. market is an important growth driver for us, and the expansion of our operations in Peachtree City will be key for growing our medical device business in the U.S. We are glad that we have found such favorable conditions and a highly motivated and skilled staff here.”
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, and the sector is embracing technology to meet global market demands. Companies like 4 Fungi’s Regenerative, a sustainable controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and food production company, adopt innovative practices focusing on sustainability and efficiency. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the exciting innovative ag movement that’s being home grown here in Georgia,” said 4 Fungi’s Regenerative CEO Grant Anderson. “Our focus is on providing regional food that’s resilient to global market volatility, that nurtures the health of our communities and our soil, and that grows our local economy.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Georgia’s Economy
Georgia’s focus on excellence remains paramount as it plans for the future. With outstanding infrastructure, continued investments in workforce development, and dedication to speed-to-market solutions, the state consistently attracts investments from industries looking to grow in a thriving and supportive climate.
