Economic Navigator: Supporting Growth in Georgia’s Small Businesses
Published June 11, 2025
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy—making up 99% of all businesses and employing half the American workforce. Small businesses account for 99.7% of total businesses in Georgia, the vast majority of which—1.1 million— are operated by entrepreneurs with fewer than 20 employees.¹ Supporting our small businesses is critical to the vitality of our communities. Providing resources to our small business partners is also critical in growing entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.
The latest data from the Small Business Credit Survey shows that nationally, expectations for revenue and employment growth remain relatively steady. However, cash flow and higher prices challenges persist, particularly related to operational expenses and hiring talent.² The National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index has declined through the second quarter of 2025, with 34% of businesses reporting that they have open positions they cannot fill.³
Despite overall uncertainty, small businesses in Georgia are experiencing notable sales growth. Nationally, small business growth has been up 4% year-to-date. Most of the South is growing at two to three times the national rate, with Georgia being one of the leaders. Regionally in Georgia, professional services and construction sectors are driving significant sales growth, and Atlanta and Savannah are performing at or above national levels.³
Leverage small business resources in Georgia, including chamber of commerce networks and programs, to support small businesses.
Public and private partners have programs in Georgia to help support emerging small business owners and entrepreneurs such as the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Centers.
Identify growth opportunities within current contracts and explore opportunities to diversify supply chains and networks.
SCORE, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosts several small business summits, and offers resources, mentors and low-interest financing options.
Identify ways your organization can be a proactive small business partner or incorporate small businesses into your initiatives and supply chains.
Georgia’s economy thrives because of the diversity and ingenuity that small businesses bring to partnerships, contracts and regional economies. Continuing to proactively include small business partners in big business strategies and regional initiatives strengthens opportunity and supports statewide resiliency.
¹U.S. SBA State Profiles, (2024) Georgia State Profile
²Fed Small Business, 2024 Small Business Credit Survey
³National Federation of Independent Business, April 2025 Small Business Optimism Report (Accessed 6.2025)
⁴Fiserv Small Business Transaction Data, in partnership with Fiserv, Inc.
The Georgia Chamber Foundation dedicates itself to producing in-depth economic analyses and actionable insights for Georgia’s businesses. Our mission is to develop policy, equip businesses, and foster economic development across the state, ensuring a prosperous future for all Georgians.
To read our 2025 Economic Competitiveness Redbook click HERE.
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Join us for our Future of Small Business event on June 18 at Fall Line Station in Macon, GA. Register now HERE.
The 2025 Georgia state-level competition for the National Civics Bee will be held at the Carter Center on June 27. For more information, contact scamuso@gachamber.com.
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