Invest in
Heard County
Unlock competitive business incentives in
Franklin and beyond.
Heard County provides an ideal environment for business expansion and relocation. By leveraging our strategic location and business-friendly local government, we can put together a comprehensive package of financial advantages to reduce your bottom line. Whether you are eyeing land along the US Hwy 27 corridor or moving into an existing facility, our Development Authority is dedicated to helping you maximize your return on investment.
Funding and Site Infrastructure
Grants and Performance Awards
Qualifying projects may access state- or federally- funded grants and incentives designed to bridge financial gaps for infrastructure improvements or specialized facility development costs.
Financial Programs
The Development Authority will assist you in researching low-interest financing avenues and revolving funds that provide flexible capital for purchasing high-tech machinery or upgrading existing plant operations.
Infrastructure and Site Support
We collaborate with local providers to expand utility capacity and ensure seamless site access, keeping your construction and launch on a fast-track site.
Tax Incentives
That Hit the Mark
State
Job Tax Credit
Up to $4,000 per job, per year.
As a Tier 2 county — Heard County qualifies for higher Job Tax Credits. As a member of the 20/27 Corridor Joint Development Authority, Heard can offer additional tax credits.
Businesses creating 2 or more net new full-time jobs may claim up to $4,000 per job annually for 5 years.
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Minimum 2 net new full-time jobs required
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Up to $4,000 per job per year for 5 years
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Credits can offset 100% of Georgia income tax liability
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Unused credits carry forward up to 10 years
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Applies to manufacturing, distribution, processing, telecommunications, and more
Stacking Incentives -
These Programs Stack Together
Unlike many states, Georgia's incentive programs are designed to be combined. A single qualifying project in Heard County can simultaneously access job tax credits, quality jobs credits, property tax abatements, and free workforce training.
Incentive eligibility and amounts vary by project type, investment level, and job creation. Contact our team for a customized incentive analysis for your specific project.
Who Qualifies
Georgia's primary incentive programs apply broadly to businesses that create quality jobs and invest in the state.
As a Tier 2 county, Heard County qualifies for some of Georgia's most competitive incentive packages.
Stack state tax credits, local abatements, and free workforce training
to dramatically reduce your cost of doing business.
State
Quality Jobs
Tax Credit
Up to $5,000 per high-wage job
Businesses creating jobs that pay at least 110% of the county's average wage qualify for the Quality Jobs Tax Credit — an additional layer of incentive on top of the standard Job Tax Credit.
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Jobs must pay ≥110% of Heard County average wage
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Credit ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 per job based on wage level
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Minimum 50 qualifying jobs required
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Can be combined with standard Job Tax Credit
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Applies to same eligible industries as Job Tax Credit
Local Financial Tool
Industrial
Revenue Bonds
Below-market financing for capital projects. The Development Authority can issue Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) to provide tax-exempt financing for qualifying projects — reducing the cost of capital for land acquisition, construction, and equipment.
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Available for manufacturing and industrial projects
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Tax-exempt status lowers effective interest rate
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Can finance land, buildings, and equipment
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Issued through the Development Authority
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Typically requires $5M+ in capital investment
Example: 50-Job Manufacturing Facility
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Job Tax Credit (Tier 2) × 50 jobs × 5 years
$3,000/job/yr
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Quality Jobs Tax Credit × 50 jobs × 5 years
$3,000/job/yr
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Property Tax Abatement
Negotiated based on capital investment and no. of jobs
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Quick Start Training
Full training program
$0 cost
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Potential 5-Year Value
$1.75M+ In combined tax credits alone (before abatements)
Local Incentive
Property Tax Abatement
Negotiated on a project-by-project basis.  The Development Authority of Heard County can negotiate property tax abatements for qualifying capital investments. Abatements are structured to match the scale and economic impact of each project.
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Available for qualifying new construction and equipment
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Structured as a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement
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Duration and percentage negotiated based on investment and job creation
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Coordinated through the Development Authority
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Can be stacked with state-level incentives
The State of Georgia provides a wealth of tax incentives to businesses and industries locating or expanding in Georgia.
Local
New Investment
Tax Relief
New or Existing Manufacturers in Heard County can take advantage of property tax abatements.
State
Job Tax Credits
Companies expanding their workforce in Franklin can earn significant credits to offset state income tax liability, rewarding the creation of sustainable jobs within the community.
Targeted
Economic Zones
Strategic investments in specific local zones may qualify for multi-year property tax abatements, providing long-term predictability for high-impact industrial and commercial projects.
Heard County has two census tracts (9701 and 9703) which qualify for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Less Developed Census Tract (LDCT) program which allows specific, economically distressed census tracts in developed counties to qualify for the same lucrative Job Tax Credits as Tier 1 counties (the state's most economically distressed areas).Â
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Program Benefits & Requirements
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Tax Credit: Businesses creating 2 or more net new jobs can claim an income tax credit of $3,500 per job, per year for up to 5 years.
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Usage: Credits can be applied against 100% of Georgia income tax liability and state withholding taxes.
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Threshold Criteria: Qualifying tracts must share statistical similarities with the 71 lowest-ranked counties in the state and border at least 9 other designated LDCTs.
Georgia ranked No. 1 for Business
for 12th Straight Year
01
Project Mapping
Meet with us to define your project’s physical needs, expected capital spend, and anticipated local hiring milestones.
The Application Flow
02
Analysis Phase
Our agency connects you to State representatives who will evaluate your specific industry profile against available state and local packages to find your best financial fit.
03
Local Approval
The Planning Commission reviews the proposal to ensure the partnership aligns with our county's growth strategy then submits to Commission for final review and approval.
04
Deployment
Execute the necessary agreements and break ground with the continuous support of the Heard County business network.
Connect with Us
Explore how our tailored incentives can facilitate your next move.
Reach out to our Executive Director for a
private consultation regarding your relocation or expansion.