TIME just released their list of the best private companies in the U.S., and we aren’t surprised that so many Georgia companies made the list. From tech companies to hospitality and beyond, private companies in Georgia are thriving! Keep scrolling to learn more.
Which private Georgia companies made the list?
With 20 companies on the list, including a top 5 ranking, Georgia companies are thriving in 2026. That also means that 4% of the companies on the list.
Here are the Georgia companies that made the top 500 best private companies in the U.S. for 2026:
- Cox Enterprises, #5 (conglomerate)
- 1st Franklin Financial, #60 (banking and financial services)
- Chick-fil-A, #125 (hospitality, travel and leisure)
- Innova Solutions, #139 (professional services)
- Ambassador Personnel, #193 (business services and supplies)
- C2 Education, #205 (insurance, healthcare and social services)
- Rheem Manufacturing, #213 (engineering, manufacturing and medical technology)
- Insight Global, #215 (business services and supplies)
- Alvaria, #230 (technology, media and services)
- Pratt Industries, #240 (engineering, manufacturing and medical technology)
- BCD Travel, #245 (business services and supplies)
- Club Car, #250 (automotive industry and suppliers)
- Manheim, #252 (retail, wholesale and consumer goods)
- Aaron’s, #305 (retail, wholesale and consumer goods)
- Southwire, #375 (engineering, manufacturing and medical technology)
- Infor, #379 (technology, media and services)
- Alston & Bird, #388 (professional services)
- Delta Community, #406 (banking and financial services)
- Capstone Logistics, #417 (transportation, logistics and aviation)
- Waffle House, #443 (hospitality, travel and leisure)
Wait… these companies are private?
You might have read the headline and thought… wait, private? Yep. These companies are privately owned. In fact, according to TIME, “…the majority of the companies in the U.S. are privately owned and these companies are just as important to the economic ecosystem as the public ones.”
Of course, these businesses also provide millions o jobs and “contribute trillions to the economy.”