Often referred to as the "most diverse square mile in America," Clarkston's business community is heavily driven by immigrant and refugee entrepreneurship.
* **Local Businesses:** The city's commercial corridors, particularly along East Ponce de Leon Avenue and Indian Creek Drive, are bustling with international grocery stores, halal butchers, ethnic bakeries, and thrift stores. * **Non-Profits and Social Enterprises:** Clarkston is a major hub for non-profit organizations. Agencies focusing on refugee resettlement, education, and workforce development are some of the city's most significant employers and economic drivers. * **Retail Centers:** Small strip malls serve as micro-business incubators for newly arrived families looking to establish local retail and service shops. * **Proximity to Atlanta:** For corporate employment, many residents commute to nearby Atlanta, Decatur, and the broader metro area.