Report: Finding qualified workers still challenging

(The Center Square) – Georgia’s small businesses continue to struggle with finding qualified workers, even as businesses say they are hiring, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

The organization randomly surveyed 883 businesses nationwide. Job openings are 36%, up four points from June to July. It’s the highest level since June 2025, according to the organization.

But labor availability remains an issue, rising eight points to 27%.

“Most of the primary spending driving the economy is heavily concentrated in big projects like new data centers for AI,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist for the National Federation of Independent Businesses. “Hiring plans suggest that small business owners are expecting a surge in business that will require more workers.”

Georgia businesses are having the same issue, according to Hunter Loggins, Georgia director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

“It’s still hard for many of them to find qualified workers,” Loggins said. “With...