Georgia’s long-standing investments in education and workforce training have created a skilled and versatile workforce, capable of meeting a variety of needs for businesses looking to locate or expand in the state. In addition to its top-ranking colleges and universities and pipeline of qualified candidates for businesses, Georgia’s workforce training program has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for 11 consecutive years by Site Selection Magazine. The program delivers customized workforce solutions designed around the specific needs of each employer, and these services may be provided free of charge as a discretionary incentive to companies investing in Georgia for job creation.

Georgia is ranked No. 2 for infrastructure and access to global markets by Area Development. The state offers a robust rail and highway infrastructure, giving Georgia-based businesses access to more miles of rail than any other state in the Southeast. Georgia is home to the busiest airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and one of the busiest ports in the U.S., Port of Savannah, giving businesses the ability to move their products to more places more efficiently and cost-effectively. Metro Atlanta is also a key hub in the Southeast for fiber optic infrastructure, giving businesses access to the world’s fastest information networks.

The Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Program offers more than 60 industrial certified sites that are ready for fast-track construction projects. To qualify for GRAD status, available sites must meet the program's due diligence standards, be reviewed by a third party, and earn the final approval of a board of advisors comprised of public and private sector economic development professionals.

Georgia consistently ranks a leader in Cooperative & Responsive State Government by Area Development magazine. The state’s competitive incentives may reduce tax liability, including payroll withholding tax liability in some cases. And in 2020, for the 20th straight year, Georgia secured the highest ratings of AAA with a stable outlook from each of the three main credit rating agencies: FitchRatings, Moody’s Investors Service, and S&P Global Ratings. There is no state like Georgia that is better prepared to help your business succeed.

Georgia offers a diverse range of landscapes ranging from mountain vistas and farmland to dense forests and coastal beaches. The blend of city and country atmosphere, combined with a temperate climate colored by four distinct seasons, make Georgia one of the best places to live in the South. Georgia is steeped in rich history, offering world-class entertainment, an array of professional and recreational sports, and a nearly endless supply of attractions and outdoor recreation. Low taxes and a moderate cost of living compared to other U.S. cities make Georgia an affordable place to live. The state also boasts an abundance of top-ranked colleges and universities for those seeking higher education as well as job opportunities, which are compounded by the state’s sizable military presence and the number of large companies that are headquartered here.

Discover articles highlighting discussion points, interviews, and more from individuals, key decision makers, and thought leaders from the Georgia Department of Economic Development.