Nominations are now open for the 2027 Georgia Small Business ROCK STARS, an annual program recognizing Georgia businesses for innovation, community involvement and their commitment to growth and excellence.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association select five small businesses each year for the honor.

Businesses may be nominated by others, and business owners can also nominate their own companies.

To be considered, businesses must be based in Georgia. Recent ROCK STAR recipients have generally had fewer than 300 full-time employees, made positive contributions to their communities and been founded in Georgia.

The program has received more than 4,000 nominations since it began in 2013 and has recognized more than 50 Georgia businesses.

Northwest Georgia has previously been represented among the winners. American Dakota in Calhoun was selected as one of Georgia’s five Small Business ROCK STARS in 2025. The company produces American-made rugs and was recognized for its innovation and its connection to Northwest Georgia’s longtime flooring industry.

The 2026 winners represented businesses in Savannah, Valdosta, Ocilla and Hartwell and included companies involved in food, brewing, forestry, manufacturing and workforce training.

State economic development officials say the awards are intended to highlight small businesses that create jobs, invest in their communities and contribute to Georgia’s economy.

Nominations for the 2027 Small Business ROCK STARS close October 31, 2026.

Businesses and residents who know of a deserving local company can submit a nomination through the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Small Business ROCK STARS program.