Georgia Recognizes Five 2026 ‘Small Business ROCK STARS’
SAVANNAH, Ga. – April 29, 2026 – Governor Brian P. Kemp, alongside the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), celebrated the five 2026 Small Business ROCK STARS at the GEDA Spring Conference in Savannah. The event precedes Georgia Small Business Week, recognized May 3-9.
“Georgia’s small businesses are driving opportunity, strengthening our communities, and creating jobs for hardworking Georgians across our state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “First Lady Marty Kemp and I know firsthand what it takes to sustain a business, and we are grateful for the entrepreneurs who invest in their communities every day. We are honored to congratulate this year’s Small Business ROCK STARS, and we thank all the small business owners who continue to keep the Peach State growing.”
The 2026 Small Business ROCK STARS include:
- Big Bon Bodega in Savannah, Chatham County.
- Georgia Beer Company in Valdosta, Lowndes County.
- Greenfield LLC in Savannah, Chatham County.
- Innotek LLC in Ocilla, Irwin County.
- Fabritex, Inc. in Hartwell, Hart County.
“Small businesses power the Georgia economy. From rural towns to growing metro areas, these small business ROCK STARS demonstrate the remarkable strength and diversity of Georgia’s economy, while highlighting the critical value of local ties,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Through innovation, resilience, and unique character, our small businesses define communities across our state. We appreciate the local leaders, resource partners, and economic developers who work shoulder-to-shoulder with them to help small businesses succeed and grow.”
The Georgia Department of Economic Development, in partnership with the Georgia Economic Developers Association, created the Small Business ROCK STARS awards to recognize and commend the innovations, community engagement, and positive impact of the state’s small businesses. Recipients have fewer than 300 full-time employees, are involved in charitable organizations in their communities, and were founded in the State of Georgia.
“Economic development is not just about attracting new companies to Georgia. It is about nurturing and supporting the local businesses that are the bedrock of thriving communities,” said GEDA President and CEO Grant Cagle. “The Small Business ROCK STARS program gives us a chance to recognize these outstanding entrepreneurs. We are proud to welcome five new ROCK STARS to this growing group of Georgia businesses making a real impact.”
For additional information about Georgia’s Small Business ROCK STARS awards, visit georgia.org/rockstars.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm. It is Georgia’s lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, and locating new markets for Georgia products. As the state’s official destination marketing organization, it drives traveler visitation and promotes the state as a location for film and digital entertainment projects. GDEcD is responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development, fostering innovation and the arts to drive opportunity from the mountains to the coast. www.georgia.org
About GEDA
The Georgia Economic Developers Association is a nonprofit association of professionals, volunteers, and supporters. The association provides networking and professional development opportunities for its members and supports public policies that promote quality job creation and sustainable economic development throughout the state. www.geda.org.
Economic Development Contacts
Jessica Atwell - Communications Manager
Georgia Department of Economic Development
[email protected]
Rebecca Marshall - Communications Specialist
Georgia Department of Economic Development
[email protected]