Partner Programs

Centers of Innovation

The Centers of Innovation program is charged with providing the resources and services needed to foster growth in the areas of aerospace, agriculture, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing, energy and information technology; areas of strategic focus as designated by Governor Sonny Perdue in 2003. The Innovation Program works directly with existing businesses and entrepreneurs to foster growth within each sector.

GA-ESB

The Georgia Entrepreneur and Small Business Outreach (GESBO) is funded by the OneGeorgia Authority and is in partnership with Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2) and University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC). These outreach efforts are to bring training, education and mentoring services and resources to small businesses in rural Georgia.

Georgia Academy for Economic Development

Provides programs designed to enhance understanding of the complexities of economic and community development.

Georgia Rural Development Council

The Georgia Rural Development Council (GRDC) advocates for rural Georgia, champions new development opportunities and partners with public and private initiatives to strengthen rural communities. The GRDC is Governor Perdue’s primary advisory board for rural issues. In addition, the GRDC serves as a clearinghouse for policies and initiatives affecting community and economic development in rural Georgia.

The Fanning Institute

Lead partner to the Community Leadership Initiative which provides seed or challenge grants to communities that have never conducted a leadership development program or that do not have a sustained effort in place. This initiative is designed to identify and train leaders and serve as a feeder program to the Georgia Academy’s regional leadership program and to other community efforts. The intent is to promote active and informed leadership as an essential component of successful community economic development, to build local capacity, and, ultimately, to reduce dependence on state funding for leadership programs. Eligible applicants for this seed grant include: local governments, regional development centers, local development authorities, chambers of commerce or non-profit organizations.

Youth Leadership Initiative

Along with the Georgia Rural Development Council, the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program for Youth is lead partner in the Youth Leadership Initiative. The Georgia Youth Summit is designed to create an awareness of state and local issues, to enhance youth-adult partnerships on the local level and to equip youth to become active locally in the betterment of the community. Every Georgia county will have full scholarships for four youth and one adult to attend this community leadership event. The conference targets emerging leaders in the 10th and 11th grades to encourage the delegates to return home and act locally to improve their community.

Georgia Market Maker

An interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Georgia, providing an important link between producers and consumers.

Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission

The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) provides soil and water resource information; education; technical, financial, and planning assistance; and program oversight to locally led soil and water conservation districts, landowners/users, and local, state, and federal governments to maintain, conserve, and wisely use the soil and water resources for all Georgians.