Partnerships
Businesses looking for a competitive advantage can realize their dreams through Georgia’s unique culture of private–public partnerships. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Chamber of Commerce and dozens of other development agencies across the state collaborate on an ongoing basis to create proactive partnerships that help guarantee the future health and strength of Georgia’s economy and the companies that fuel it. They’ve also developed innovative programs that work to accelerate industry growth, drive awareness of a pro-business environment, educate diverse workforces and reach out to business leaders. These programs have generated billions of investment dollars, thousands of new jobs and hundreds of new businesses across the state.
Georgia’s innovative Quick Start program successfully provides high-quality training services at no cost to new or expanding businesses across the state. Almost 40 years of Quick Start training has helped hundreds of thousands of Georgians succeed in their job and aided thousands of businesses throughout the state. A network of 34 technical colleges, four university programs and satellite campuses across the State help Georgia’s workers adapt and thrive in the fast paced economy of the 21st century.
Capitalizing on the momentum of the Atlanta’s 1996 Olympic success, the Georgia Allies initiative is a partnership between state government and private corporations that helps accelerate Georgia economic development efforts. By turning the individual initiatives of its members into a targeted program that aggressively promotes the state’s business development, the Georgia Allies creates a powerful voice for increasing awareness of Georgia’s pro-business climate. Annual Red Carpet Tours bring business executives from around the world to Georgia for a five-day event showcasing the regions and industries of the state. With more than 23,000 new jobs, 71 expansion projects and more than $3 billion in investments so far, the Georgia Allies initiative is helping to ensure that Georgia continues its strong growth.
The private, non-profit Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) combines Georgia’s research universities, business community and state government to act as a catalyst for producing investment in new technologies and businesses. Through investments in the people, laboratories and equipment needed to fuel innovation, the GRA has delivered more than $2 billion in federal and private funds to the Georgia economy, helping to start more than 100 new technology companies. Between 1995 and 2002, Georgia’s biotech industry grew by almost twice the national average.
Other successful programs include: The Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia discount program which allows for workers compensation premium discounts to employers who are certified by this initiative; and the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) which focuses on improving school performance statewide through state, local and private funds and advocating education policy reforms to help Georgia become and remain more competitive.
Georgia Business Resources:
Georgia Business Calendar
Georgia Business Newsletter
International Offices
Innovation and Technology
Entrepreneur and Small Business
Existing Industry Support
Film, Video & Music
Georgia Workforce
Available Buildings
Georgia Allies
Related Sites:
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Quick Start
Georgia Research Alliance
The Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia
Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education