Georgia reported a new record in economic development investments for Fiscal Year 2025, according to an announcement from Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, GDEcD’s Global Commerce team supported 423 facility expansions and new locations across the state. These projects represent more than $26.3 billion in investment and are expected to create 23,200 new private-sector jobs in the coming years.
“Georgia has been the No. 1 state for business for over a decade because of our unmatched ability to attract new companies and create an environment where existing employers can grow and thrive,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Today’s numbers are just the latest confirmation that our partnership approach and the hard work of our incredible economic development team are delivering results for Georgians that will pay off for generations. I also want to thank our partners in the legislature, whose support makes it easy to promote Georgia to both current and prospective employers.”
Expansions by companies already operating in Georgia made up 74% of these projects, further building on an estimated workforce of about 50,000 Georgians.
“Today’s record breaking announcement would not be possible without support from this Administration, legislature, and businesses investing in Georgia’s workforce and future,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “We continue to invest in workforce programs to ensure a steady talent pipeline with our existing industry partners: the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, College Career Academies, and other stakeholders. These investments and initiatives will ensure we have a workforce that is growing and able to meet skillsets for jobs of today and tomorrow.”
A significant portion—77%—of all expansions or new locations occurred outside Atlanta’s core ten-county region during FY25. However, Metro Atlanta remains an important business hub; companies such as TriNet, A.I.G., CRH, Duracell, and Mercedes-Benz expanded or established corporate functions there.
“Here in Georgia, our leaders have consistently prioritized fostering collaborative partnerships and making strategic investments that strengthen our opportunities for growth in every corner of the state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “From our ports at Savannah and Brunswick, extensive rail network, and vast energy infrastructure to our world-class roads, bridges, and highways—doing business here in Georgia is easy, affordable, and accessible. The House looks forward to continuing to work alongside Governor Kemp and the Senate to keep Georgia the best place for business for generations to come.”
The state attracted more than 6,500 jobs from international firms expanding or establishing U.S.-based operations. The Republic of Korea (South Korea), Japan, and Canada were among the leading sources of international investment into Georgia.
International companies pledged over $3 billion toward expansion or relocation efforts within Georgia; most (64%) was allocated toward expansions within existing sites across the state. Examples include Irving Tissue’s Macon expansion; GreenBox Systems’ establishment in Butts County; as well as KISS USA’s expansion project located in Bryan County.
“Over the last decade, Georgia has achieved sustained steady growth in job creation,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our stable reliable business climate gives companies the confidence to plan for long term. Whether a company is new to Georgia or already here domestic or international—the question is no longer if they’ll expand in Georgia—but when.”
Georgia continues its top ranking as “No. 1 state for business” by Area Development magazine—a position it has maintained consecutively for more than ten years.
To encourage further growth outside urban centers,the state is allocating over $18 million through its Rural Site Development Initiative. This program supports site improvements throughout rural communities while adding more properties into what is now over seventy certified “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) sites statewide.
“By investing in site development today we’re preparing Georgia for opportunities of tomorrow,” said Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Misti Martin. “Programs like Rural Site Development Initiative—and our site-readiness certification—help communities attract new jobs investment by offering speed-to-market solutions that meet needs growing companies have today.”
