News Summary
Godfrey’s Feed in Madison, Georgia has been named one of five Small Business Rock Stars by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This honor highlights the vital contributions of small businesses to the state’s economy, with Governor Brian P. Kemp emphasizing their significant role. The awards focus on community engagement and innovation among businesses with fewer than 300 employees. Madison’s supportive environment for small businesses is bolstered by local investments and initiatives aimed at fostering growth.
Madison, Georgia – Godfrey’s Feed, a prominent business located in downtown Madison, has been honored as one of five Small Business Rock Stars in Georgia for 2025. This accolade, announced by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), coincides with Georgia Small Business Week, which is celebrated from May 4-10, 2025. The recognition highlights the vital role small businesses play in the state’s economy.
Governor Brian P. Kemp acknowledged the critical economic significance of small businesses, describing them as the backbone of Georgia’s economy. The GDEcD awards these businesses based on their community engagement, innovative practices, and positive contributions to the local environment. Each selected business must operate with fewer than 300 full-time employees, ensuring that recognition focuses on smaller-scale enterprises that demonstrate noteworthy impact.
This year’s selection process placed particular emphasis on the winners’ involvement in charitable organizations within their communities and their origins in Georgia. The Small Business ROCK STAR awards celebrate the achievements of these innovative businesses while highlighting their roles in fostering economic growth and supporting their communities. The initiative is run in partnership with the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA).
Support for Local Businesses
The Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA), under the leadership of executive director Joey Deason, has recently seen significant investments contributing to job creation within the region, indicating a thriving business landscape. Madison County has experienced a remarkable population growth of 14.6% over the last decade, showcasing its development as a favorable location for businesses. This growth reflects an increasing interest in the area as a viable place for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
In addition to Godfrey’s Feed, the awards reflect Madison’s growing reputation in the business community. The region has been recognized as one of the top metropolitan areas in the United States for starting a small business, ranking 15th among 100 metro areas in a recent Credit Review study. This demonstrates the area’s supportive ecosystem for new and existing businesses.
Infrastructure and Opportunities
Furthermore, Madison is home to a Mega Site that accommodates substantial projects, including the notable Amazon Web Services (AWS) investment. This landmark project indicates the area’s potential for growth, innovation, and economic expansion. The presence of such significant investments amplifies the importance of supporting local small businesses, which benefit from the economic activity surrounding these larger enterprises.
Local support for small businesses in Madison is enhanced by various government programs and a robust network of support organizations aimed at fostering business growth. The initiatives available to entrepreneurs and small business owners help to ensure their success, reinforcing the positive economic impact on the community.
Conclusion
The recognition of Godfrey’s Feed as a Small Business Rock Star epitomizes the ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving business community in Madison, Georgia. As small businesses continue to play a central role in the economic framework of the state, the future looks promising for entrepreneurs in the region, supported by local government initiatives and a growing population.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Morgan County Citizen
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Valdosta Today
- Google Search: Georgia Small Business Week
- Tone Madison
- Google Scholar: Local Business Support
- Jsonline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
