Small Business and Labor Market Growth

Georgia is home to one of the nation’s strongest entrepreneurial ecosystems — especially in Atlanta. Yet too many small businesses and working families still face barriers to capital, contracts, workforce access, and opportunity. Our campaign is focused on delivering bold, practical solutions that expand economic growth for every community.

Expand Access to Capital

• Launch a Georgia Small Business Equity Fund with state-backed loan guarantees.

• Partner with trusted community lenders like Citizens Trust Bank to reach underserved entrepreneurs.

• Provide micro-grants and startup support for first-generation business owners.

Protect and Promote Local Businesses

• Support commercial property ownership with down payment assistance.

• Reform zoning and licensing rules to reduce red tape.

• Prevent displacement in historically underinvested business corridors.

Open Doors to State Contracts

• Increase small business participation in state procurement.

• Break large contracts into smaller, competitive bids.

• Provide technical assistance so local businesses can compete and win.

Invest in Workforce and Innovation

• Expand job training and apprenticeships tied to high-growth industries.

• Partner with Georgia’s HBCUs, including Morehouse College and Spelman College, to strengthen entrepreneurship and workforce pipelines.

• Increase access to affordable childcare and transportation so more Georgians can work.

• Expand broadband and infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.

• Promote second-chance hiring and enforce pay equity and anti-discrimination protections.

Why It Matters

When small businesses grow, jobs grow.

When families can access opportunity, neighborhoods stabilize.

When we invest in every community, Georgia thrives.

This plan ensures economic opportunity does not depend on your ZIP code — and that every entrepreneur and worker in Georgia has a fair shot at success.