Spotlight on Ellijay, Georgia

How about them Georgia Apples?

Ellijay Georgia does not sneak up on you. When traveling into Northwest Georgia, the community unveils itself one summit at a time as the grand silhouette of the Blue Ridge Mountains comes into view.

Grey peaks and valleys speckled with the deep reds and golden hues of autumn’s last foliage greeted our team members as we approached last November.

Soon after seeing the “Apple Capital of Georgia” welcome sign, it’s hard to miss a stop at Penland’s Orchards and Farm Market, a family-run orchard and shop.

After stocking up on essentials – Georgia pecans, locally jarred pickles, jams, and of course, all varieties of apples – a visitor or prospective business may think this is a quiet rural town. But this stop is just the front door to a vibrant and evolving community.

With the steering wheel now adequately coated in the juice from a Penland apple specialty, “Wild Twist,” the heart of Ellijay is just ahead.

At the CORE

Since 2018, Excel at CORE has been rooted in the belief that unique talents and experiences can multiply exponentially through collaboration and shared purpose.

The space is part incubator, part resource center, and part collaborative space, providing a gathering spot for entrepreneurs and growing businesses to connect and collaborate.

Partner agencies like the Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority and Georgia’s Rural Center use the space for meetings, trainings, and more, offering their support and resources to the success of the businesses that call the region home.

These community organizations have even spearheaded a business mentorship program that supports both new and existing businesses in the region.

For Greater Gilmer’s community leaders, it’s about more than new business starts; it’s helping businesses navigate long-term growth and succession planning.

“No community wants to have a revolving door of businesses. We want to see them thrive once they've made their investment,” said Kent Sanford, Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority about continuing to invest in strategies for small business growth.

Elevating Main 

Some of those thriving businesses are along Ellijay’s main street or downtown district. From your morning coffee, lunch with a view, to your nightcap - a new bushel of entrepreneurs are doing their part to elevate Downtown Ellijay.

This buzz is attracting the attention of entrepreneurs that not too long ago had only considered Ellijay a treasured vacation destination.

Real estate investors, Matt and Jason, had been visiting Ellijay with their families for over a decade, staying in the same home along the Cartecay River. Inspired by the memories that spanned over a decade, they bought their first home in the area in 2014. Soon after, they set sights on the former Andy’s Jewelry building for its historic significance and beauty.

“Our dream was to do a rooftop restaurant but understood it would be impossible without the perfect structural support, especially in a historic building. Once we began renovations, our contractor told us that the building, in fact, already had steel support beams above the first floor. The dream began to look more like a reality. After we confirmed with engineers, The Roof was born,” explained Matt.

After elevating diners’ views on The Roof in 2022, the partners began their work at the basement level – opening The Door in 2024. The Door is a speakeasy that surrounds patrons in old-school glamour while providing cocktails as classic as the town itself.

Investments like theirs, in a well-loved community, began to have a trickle effect in and around downtown.

“If your community can be a mecca for small business and entrepreneurs, you’re going to continue to grow and thrive,” shared Tamara Brock, Georgia Power Regional Economic Development Manager for the Northwest Region.

Take a Bite Out of the Northwest Region

Tamara Brock is right – success attracts more success. This is especially true in the rural towns and cities that form Georgia’s Northwest region. Since 2010, the region’s population has grown by over 7%, adding more than 61,000 people.

Anchored by the beauty of mountains, lakes, and streams, the area is not only a great place for small business but boasts an increasing number of opportunities for manufacturers.

The recent expansion of the Georgia Port’s Authority’s Appalachian Regional Port has attracted businesses where rail and interstate connectivity are keys to success.

• About the Appalachian Regional Port (gaports.com):
• The facility has a capacity of 75,000 containers per year. A 10-year development plan will then double that capacity.
• Each round-trip container moved via the ARP will offset 710 truck miles on Georgia highways.
• Sits on 42 acres in Northwest Georgia’s Murray County.
• Exclusive CSX service on a direct, 388-mile rail route to/from Garden City Terminal.

Discover why heading to the mountains could be the right decision for your business by contacting Tamara today.