On Friday, April 12, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s newest affiliate, the Georgia Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial X-Perience (FLEX), will hold its second annual state finals competition at the Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy.  

Georgia FLEX is a fully immersive six-month entrepreneurial experience designed to engage high school students with business and community development projects, all while fostering the formation of new business start-ups, fully owned and operated by the students participating in the competition.  

“The Georgia Chamber Foundation’s Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness is excited to join alongside Georgia FLEX to encourage entrepreneurship and community involvement among our state’s high school students,” said Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “This innovative program develops critical workforce skills in Georgia’s young leaders and exposes the participants to the vital importance of small businesses in the economic landscape of their communities.”  

Georgia FLEX joined the Georgia Chamber as its newest affiliate in 2023, partnering with the Chamber Foundation's Center for Workforce and Talent Preparedness to expand the program into parts of north Georgia.  

“The mission of Georgia FLEX to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders aligns closely with the Georgia Chamber as they pursue efforts to build the workforce of the future across our state,” said Melissa Dark, executive director of Georgia FLEX. “Our program has already experienced growth with five additional counties participating in the competition this year. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Georgia Chamber to leave a lasting impact on our state’s students, communities and economy.”  

To learn more about Georgia FLEX and the Chamber Foundation’s Center for Workforce Preparedness, visit www.gachamber.com.