Every year, the state of Georgia takes time to say a big “thank you” to the small businesses that help our communities grow. In 2025, Georgia is once again shining a spotlight on some very special companies. They’re called Small Business ROCK STARS—and they’re being celebrated during Georgia Small Business Week, which happens from May 4 through May 10, 2025.

These businesses aren’t just good at what they do. They also give back to their neighbors, create jobs, and make Georgia a better place to live and work.

Why Small Businesses Are Important

Georgia’s Governor, Brian P. Kemp, knows what it’s like to run a small business. He used to own one himself! That’s why he made a special announcement to honor all the small businesses in the state. He said that these businesses are the “backbone” of Georgia’s economy.

That means they hold everything together. They help people find jobs. They give us things we need like food, clothing, tools, and even airplanes. Small businesses can be found in every part of Georgia—from busy cities to quiet farming towns.

Meet the 2025 Small Business ROCK STARS

This year, five businesses were chosen as ROCK STARS. That’s a fun way of saying they are really, really great at what they do. Here are the winners:

1. American Dakota – Calhoun, Gordon County
   This company makes beautiful rugs and carpets. They take care to make products that people love and want in their homes.
2. Evans Tool & Die – Conyers, Rockdale County
   These folks make strong tools and parts that help build all kinds of machines.
3. Godfrey’s Feed – Madison, Morgan County
   A small-town shop that helps farmers and pet owners by selling food for animals like horses, cows, chickens, and dogs.
4. Maule Air, Inc. – Moultrie, Colquitt County
   Believe it or not, this small business makes airplanes! They’ve been helping people take flight for many years.
5. Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm – Glennville, Tattnall County
   This farm grows olives and makes delicious olive oil. They also teach people about farming and healthy food.

Each of these businesses has fewer than 300 full-time workers, but their impact is much bigger than their size. They are deeply involved in their towns and help their communities in many ways, like giving to local charities and helping out at events.

A Statewide Celebration

Georgia’s leaders and local helpers from places like the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) help make this celebration happen. They started the Small Business ROCK STAR program to say “thank you” to small businesses that go above and beyond.

Pat Wilson, the head of GDEcD, said that it doesn’t matter if a company has 10 workers or 10,000—every job helps Georgia stay strong. He also said that small businesses come in all shapes and sizes. You might find one making carpet in the north growing olives in the south. All of them matter.

Grant Cagle, the head of GEDA, said that economic growth isn’t just about building something new. It’s also about helping local businesses already doing great work. That’s why these awards are so special—they celebrate the people who are already making a difference.

What Is GDEcD?

The Georgia Department of Economic Development helps bring new jobs and businesses to Georgia. It also helps existing companies grow. GDEcD works on things like:

• Telling businesses why Georgia is a great place to work
• Helping Georgia-made products get sold in more places
• Showing travelers why Georgia is a fun place to visit
• Helping movies and TV shows get made in Georgia
• Supporting local art and new ideas

In other words, GDEcD helps Georgia shine—from the mountains to the beaches.

What Is GEDA?

The Georgia Economic Developers Association is a group of people who care about Georgia’s future. They work together to help towns and cities grow in smart ways. GEDA helps business leaders, city workers, and others come up with good ideas for creating new jobs and better lives for people all over the state.

Pros and Cons of Small Businesses in Georgia

Pros:

• Creates Local Jobs – Small businesses hire people from the community.
• Supports the Economy – Money spent in small businesses often stays in the local area.
• Builds Stronger Communities – Small businesses support schools, teams, and local events.
• Brings Unique Products and Services – They offer things you might not find at big stores.
• Helps Towns Grow – A good small business can attract visitors and make a town special.

Cons:

• Can Be Hard to Start or Keep Going – Small businesses sometimes don’t have a lot of money or help.
• Fewer Workers Means More Work for Each Person – Everyone has to pitch in.
• Competition with Big Companies – It’s hard for small shops to compete with huge stores or websites.
• Limited Locations – Some small businesses only serve their local area and can’t grow very big.

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Final Thoughts

Georgia’s 2025 Small Business ROCK STARS show us that big things can come from small businesses. They work hard, care about their communities, and help our state stay strong. Whether it’s making tools, raising olives, building planes, or helping animals, these businesses—and thousands more across Georgia—make a difference every day.

To learn more about this program, visit georgia.org/rockstars.