Highlighted by Fortune for its unmatched business climate, Georgia continues to lead the way in attracting investment, building infrastructure, and supporting innovation across every sector. Decades of strategic planning and collaboration, supported by reliable, low-cost energy, have made the agriculture-rich Peach State a magnet for industries of the future looking to grow and a place where communities thrive alongside them.  

Smart Policy. Measurable Results.  

Georgia’s pro-business strategy has been cultivated over decades. With a corporate tax rate of just 5.19%, a AAA bond rating, and targeted incentives like the Job Tax Credit and Quality Jobs Tax Credit, the state has built an environment where both startups and Fortune 500s succeed.

“For more than 30 years, Georgia leaders have been very intentional in how we have planned and readied the state for economic development,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.Global Access Starts Here

Georgia’s world-class logistics ecosystem provides seamless access to domestic and international markets. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest, connecting more than 150 U.S. cities and 70 international destinations.  

The Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing container terminal in the U.S., handling more than 5.4 million TEUs annually. The Port of Brunswick is the top port for automotive and heavy-equipment. An extensive rail and interstate network connects the ports inland, across the Southeast, and beyond.  

Talent That Powers the Future

With more than 5 million skilled workers, Georgia’s talent pipeline is unmatched in the Southeast. The University System of Georgia offers high-quality, affordable education through 26 public institutions, with top-ranked schools including the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, and Georgia State University.  

Programs like GEORGIA MATCH and the HOPE Scholarship are helping more students access higher education and career pathways. Meanwhile, Georgia Quick Start, the nation’s leading workforce training program, partners with businesses to deliver custom training at no cost.  

As Governor Brian P. Kemp recently pointed out, Georgia is carefully “aligning our education pathways with the needs of job creators so the students of today are ready for the unprecedented number of jobs coming to the No. 1 state for business and success beyond the classroom!”

Explore Georgia’s workforce development programs.

Industry Diversity That Drives Growth  

Georgia’s economy thrives on industry diversity. “Whether you’re looking at manufacturing or headquarters opportunities, we are creating jobs across the bandwidth of the economy,” explained Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson to Fortune.

In 2024, the state exported $12.6 billion in aerospace products, powered by more than 800 aerospace-related companies and over 219,000 workers in the field. The sector is bolstered by the No. 1 aerospace engineering undergraduate and graduate programs among publicly funded institutions at Georgia Tech’s Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering.

Meanwhile, the fintech sector continues to surge as companies operating in Georgia process more than a third of all U.S. debit, credit, and gift card transactions. In addition to Georgia’s universities and colleges, collaborative career academy initiatives such as the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta create a pipeline of talent with technical skills and on-the-job experience. Georgia’s universities and colleges, collaborative career academy initiatives such as the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta create a pipeline of talent with technical skills and on-the-job experience.Georgia’s universities and colleges, collaborative career academy initiatives such as the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta create a pipeline of talent with technical skills and on-the-job experience.

Advanced manufacturing also plays a critical role, accounting for more than half of the state’s new project investments in 2024. International partners like Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and Kia Georgia and their network of suppliers are investing billions in e-mobility manufacturing across Georgia.    

Empowering Rural Georgia

The metro Atlanta region is thriving, and Georgia’s unique communities are attracting business growth well beyond its borders, too. In 2024, 84% of all manufacturing expansions and new project locations took place outside the region.  

With more than 40 University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia campuses across the state, companies can access local talent and regional workforce initiatives. Home to Georgia's only public School of Aviation, Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation program taps into talent in the heart of Georgia to fill high-demand roles as mechanics, pilots, and more.

The state’s Rural Site Development Initiative is part of its strategy to meet the needs of businesses and priorities of communities alike. The state has already allocated $20 million to the program to help communities prepare shovel-ready sites to attract even more growth.  

By focusing on long-term infrastructure and talent development, businesses of all sizes can thrive wherever they locate in the state.  

Tourism, Film, and Quality of Life

Georgia has set records for tourism visitation in recent years, and the next two years present a pivotal opportunity to deepen its special brand of hospitality and “speed of business” reputation with fans and guests. Atlanta has been selected as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ – the largest sporting event in history. Team Base Camps in Macon, Marietta, Kennesaw, and another in northwest Georgia will put the state on the world’s stage.  

Georgia is ready. Whether they are arriving on Delta Air Lines at the world’s busiest airport, boating in along Georgia’s 100-mile shoreline, or driving from neighboring states, millions of visitors explore engaging attractions, scenic getaways, historic towns, and more each year. In 2023, the state welcomed 171 million visitors, generating nearly $80 billion in economic impact.  

From mountain trails to barrier islands to a booming film industry, Georgia offers opportunity far beyond the boardroom. Its creative economy is felt in its storied musical heritage, vibrant arts and cultural scenes, and the small businesses and independent artists that make their home in the state. Each of these aspects are part of the beating heart of Georgia.  

A Future that Works for Everyone

Whether in advanced manufacturing, film, or tourism, Georgia’s economy continues to grow because it is built to include everyone.  

Six key industry ecosystems are supported by the Georgia Center of Innovation housed within GDEcD. Exclusive to Georgia, the Center provides industry expertise, encourages collaborative research, and enables partnerships to help foster growth in strategic industry ecosystems. Similarly, the state’s Trade team provides export services that help companies increase their international sales. Each of these branches of Georgia’s government work collectively with government partners, the private sector and nonprofits to support small and medium-sized businesses operating in every corner of the state. Combined with its business-friendly environment, Georgia’s collaborative and solutions-oriented approach to economic development leads to innovation and growth. and growth.

“Georgia offers whatever you need, and that’s been key to our success in attracting businesses,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.

Read The Georgia Advantage in Fortune