Small businesses are the heart and soul of Georgia’s economy, making up over 99.7% of all businesses in the state, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. To highlight their economic influence and emerging industry trends, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) has released the 2025 edition of “Small Business and Its Impact on Georgia”.

This annual publication provides key data on Georgia’s 1.3 million small businesses, including insights into business owner and employee demographics and how the state’s shifting population trends may shape the future of small business.

The 2025 edition takes a closer look at industry trends in two key regions—Atlanta and South Georgia. It examines Atlanta’s growing technology and construction sectors while exploring the evolving roles of health care and AgTech in South Georgia’s economy.

With 18 offices statewide, the UGA SBDC provides affordable training programs and no-cost, confidential consulting to small business owners. Over the past five years, entrepreneurs who have worked with the UGA SBDC have launched more than 2,100 new businesses, created over 15,000 jobs, secured $1.25 billion in loan and equity financing, and generated more than $9.5 billion in sales.

“Small businesses are important to every community in Georgia,” said Allan Adams, state director of the UGA SBDC. “UGA SBDC locations across the state are available to help entrepreneurs improve their chances for business success.”