Golden Isles Development Authority

We recently joined economic development leaders at Area Development’s Consultant Forum in New Orleans, where one message stood out: strong communities win.

Workforce, collaboration, and long-term investment in people and infrastructure continue to shape opportunity across the country—and those same strengths are growing every day here in the Golden Isles.

Small businesses are the heart of the Golden Isles economy and community. As we kick off Small Business Week, we’re celebrating the entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and local teams that help our region thrive every day.

According to the latest U.S. Census data, at least 10,171 of Glynn County’s 10,829 business establishments, about 94%, have fewer than 10 employees or no paid employees. That means small businesses make up the overwhelming majority of our local business community and play a critical role in driving economic growth and resilience across the Golden Isles.

This week and beyond, we encourage our community to shop local, support small, and invest in the businesses that make the Golden Isles unique.