Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD)

GRAD Certification Process Overview

The following process applies to both new and renewal applications:

1.  The applicant completes the interest form to request an overview (via an audio or video conference call) of the GRAD program and to review the sample new or renewal application in detail. Required information includes: (a) the names and email addresses of all participants; (b) dates/times of availability for all participants for the next ten (10) business days for scheduling purposes; (c) a real estate flyer or other aerial photograph with the proposed site clearly marked. The objective of the call is to review the application requirements; program policies/procedures and identify any site issues that may prevent certification or certification renewal. Please note that the applicant must be either a property owner, Development Authority or Economic Development Office.
2.  At the conclusion of the conference call, a confirmation to proceed with the application is sent to the applicant along with a unique URL to the online application. If needed, a list of engineering and site consulting firms with experience in the GRAD Certification process can be provided.  We suggest you engage a qualified engineering or site consultant firm in the certification process.
3.  The new or renewal application is submitted entirely online and is reviewed by a third-party consultant to ensure that all requirements have been met. Each applicant must provide complete written and graphic exhibits that clearly meet or exceed the Data Required elements. Clarifications and additional documentation may be requested.
4.  After your application is reviewed, you will receive a detailed findings report based on the submittals. This findings report will explain what follow-up is needed for any application sections that have not met the Data Required elements. Each applicant may then resubmit a completely, updated application. Any deficiencies are expected to be resolved in a responsive, timely manner consistent with a high level of professional skills and care.
_{NOTE: GDEcD reserves the right to pause, invalidate or void any application or any subsequent submissions if responses are deemed non-responsive or failed to exercise a reasonable level of professional skills and care.}
5.  If all requirements have been met, our consultant’s recommendation is reviewed by the GRAD Board of Advisors.
6.  Notice of the approval or disapproval of the application is typically sent within ten (10) business days.
7.  If approved, the certificate of designation is presented at an upcoming GEDA Spring Workshop or Annual Meeting. 

_{NOTE: Each applicant is expected to exercise a standard of care to submit an application that is executed as expeditiously as possible, is accurate, complete, truthful, and is consistent with a high level of professional skills and care.}

GRAD Certification New Application (SAMPLE)

GRAD Certification Renewal Application (SAMPLE)

Application Submissions
GRAD applications are reviewed and approved continuously throughout the year, so there are no annual deadlines for submitting applications. *However, there are limitations to the number of times an application can be submitted for a review. Since the GRAD Certification is an important milestone in a community's economic development efforts, the certificates are typically awarded at a public ceremony to provide a photo opportunity for local press releases. These ceremonies are held during the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) Annual Meeting each September and during the GEDA Spring Workshop each May. If you would like to target one of these ceremonies for the awarding of your GRAD certificate, please plan to submit your application at least three months prior to the GEDA meeting date. This provides ample time to review the application; for the applicant to provide any additional information that may be needed; and for the GRAD Board of Advisors to approve the final submission.

Please contact us at: [email protected] with any questions.