Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said on May 4 that small businesses play a central role in Georgia’s economy and community life. In an article published exclusively in Hispatlanta, Holmes described the determination and creativity behind local enterprises across the state.
Holmes said that behind every business is “a neighbor who saw a need in their community and had the courage to become the answer.” She noted her experience as both an economic developer and now as commissioner, saying, “I’ve stood beside hundreds of these men and women on the day they flip that ‘Open’ sign for the first time. It’s a moment that stays with you. Yet a ribbon cutting rarely tells the full story of the late nights, the strategic risks, and the unwavering grit required to turn a dream into a payroll.”
According to Holmes, Georgia is home to more than 1.4 million small businesses—representing 99.7% of all businesses in Georgia—and these companies employ 1.8 million people while supporting over 40% of jobs statewide. She said these enterprises contribute $13.4 billion in exports and $9.5 billion in annual sales.
Holmes highlighted that Hispanic Georgians make up nearly ten percent of Georgia’s workforce but own more than ten percent of all small businesses in the state: “With a labor force participation rate of nearly 69 percent and unemployment at just 3%, this community is not waiting for opportunity; it is creating it.” She also stated, “When small businesses win, Georgia wins,” adding that continued alignment between workforce development efforts and employer needs will help maintain Georgia’s status as an attractive place for business growth.
The commissioner addressed challenges facing local employers: “Today, the biggest hurdle for small businesses is the hunt for talent.” She said her department works with partners across Georgia to connect employers with workers quickly: “Our mission is simple: Make sure a ‘Help Wanted’ sign doesn’t stay in a window a day longer than necessary. When a business is ready to grow, we ensure our workforce is ready to meet them.”
Looking ahead to summer events like the World Cup bringing visitors from around the world, Holmes emphasized how local storefronts will shape perceptions: “As the World Cup brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to our doorstep, our storefronts and restaurants will define the Georgia experience…the world will see what we already know: Georgia’s global story is built on small business.”
