Georgia Department of Economic Development: Driving Business, Tourism, and Innovation
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the primary state agency responsible for business investment, international trade, tourism promotion, film and entertainment industry growth, and arts development in Georgia, USA. With a strategic focus on economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness, GDEcD has positioned Georgia as a top-ranked state for business, investment, and cultural development.
Core Mission & Strategic Focus
GDEcD’s mission is to facilitate economic prosperity in Georgia by attracting new businesses, fostering international trade, promoting tourism, and supporting the state’s creative industries. The agency provides resources, incentives, and strategic support to help businesses, entrepreneurs, and industries thrive.
Key Divisions & Services
GDEcD operates across multiple economic sectors, offering customized support and incentives for businesses, investors, and industries.
1. Business Investment & Site Selection
GDEcD helps businesses expand, relocate, and invest in Georgia through customized site selection assistance, incentives programs, and workforce training.
- Site Selection Assistance: Helps businesses find optimal locations with access to infrastructure, workforce, and tax benefits.
- Incentives & Tax Credits: Offers corporate tax incentives, investment credits, and grants to attract business investments.
- Workforce Development: Collaborates with Georgia Quick Start, one of the nation’s top workforce training programs.
2. International Trade & Export Assistance
GDEcD supports Georgia businesses in expanding globally, providing export assistance, market research, and international trade missions.
- Export Assistance: Helping businesses reach over 200 global markets.
- Trade Missions & Delegations: Facilitating participation in international trade fairs and business networking events.
- Market Research & Compliance Support: Providing insights on tariffs, regulations, and trade logistics.
3. Tourism Promotion & Marketing
GDEcD operates Explore Georgia, the state’s official tourism marketing division, which attracts millions of visitors annually.
- Marketing & Branding: Showcasing Georgia as a top travel destination.
- Visitor Information Centers: Managing 11 visitor centers along Georgia’s highways.
- Event & Conference Support: Promoting cultural festivals, sporting events, and major attractions.
4. Film, Music & Digital Entertainment
Georgia is known as the "Hollywood of the South", ranking among the top film production destinations worldwide.
- Georgia Film Office: Assists with location scouting, permitting, and production resources.
- Film & TV Production Tax Credits: Offering up to 30% tax credits for productions filmed in Georgia.
- Music & Digital Media Support: Supporting gaming, animation, and digital entertainment industries.
5. Arts & Cultural Development
Through the Georgia Council for the Arts, GDEcD provides grants and funding to support artists, cultural programs, and community arts projects.
- Arts Grants & Funding: Supporting local artists, museums, and performance arts organizations.
- Community Arts Programs: Developing creative placemaking initiatives.
- Cultural Tourism Promotion: Showcasing Georgia’s rich artistic heritage.
Economic Impact & Achievements
GDEcD has played a critical role in establishing Georgia as an economic powerhouse.
- Ranked No. 1 for Business by Site Selection Magazine for 10 consecutive years.
- $21.2 billion in new investments attracted in FY 2022.
- 51,000+ new jobs created in FY 2022.
- $42 billion impact from Georgia’s tourism industry in 2022.
- Georgia’s film industry generated $4.4 billion in direct spending in 2023.
- Top 10 exporting state in the U.S., with $47.4 billion in exports in 2022.
Global Presence & International Partnerships
GDEcD maintains 12 international offices across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, fostering global partnerships and foreign investments.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Attracted $5.3 billion in FDI in 2022.
- Top Trade Partners: Canada, Mexico, Germany, China, and Japan.
- International Business Recruitment: Partnering with over 300 multinational companies.
Certifications & Industry Recognition
GDEcD adheres to strict economic development standards, ensuring global best practices in business and investment.
- ISO 9001: Quality Management System – NA
- Certified Economic Development Organization (IEDC) – NA
- Industry Recognitions: Multiple awards for economic development, tourism promotion, and workforce training.
Competitive Advantage & Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
GDEcD differentiates itself through:
- Business-Friendly Policies: No. 1 state for business, pro-business tax structure.
- Top Workforce Training Program: Georgia Quick Start, recognized nationwide.
- Leading Film & Entertainment Hub: $4.4 billion film industry, top production incentives.
- Global Trade & Investment Leader: International business expansion & export assistance.
- Thriving Tourism & Cultural Sectors: $42 billion impact from tourism, strong arts development.
Conclusion
The Georgia Department of Economic Development is a driving force behind Georgia’s economic growth, making the state a top destination for business, investment, tourism, and entertainment. With a commitment to innovation, global competitiveness, and economic prosperity, GDEcD continues to position Georgia as a global leader in commerce, culture, and creative industries.
