Atlanta Allocates Funding to Support Small Businesses

Atlanta, October 17, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta has approved $925,000 in grants to bolster small businesses ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funding, directed by the Invest Atlanta Board, includes $250,000 for improvement grants aimed at enhancing business facilities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to prepare for a surge in visitors during major events, with the aim of boosting the local economy and ensuring small business sustainability.

Atlanta has allocated $925,000 in Grants to support small businesses as part of an initiative to enhance the local economy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funding, approved by the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors, focuses on empowering small business owners to capitalize on upcoming major events that are expected to attract a significant influx of tourists and visitors to the city.

The allocation consists of $250,000 designated for Small Business Improvement Grants. These grants aim to provide financial assistance for various interior and exterior improvements to small businesses throughout the city. Eligible improvements include signage, lighting, storefront upgrades, and code compliance repairs, all aimed at attracting and retaining customers while improving the vitality of Atlanta’s business districts.

Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized the crucial role of small businesses in Atlanta’s economy, referring to them as the backbone of the community. He noted that these grants are instrumental in fostering growth and sustainability, allowing local businesses to thrive during major events.

According to Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, funding provided over the past few years through similar grants has significantly revitalized underserved areas. Since 2022, the program has contributed more than $30 million in assistance to local small businesses, ensuring they remain competitive and prosperous.

This latest round of funding has already benefited several local businesses. Notable grantees include:

• Bottle Rocket Fine Food & Beverage: $50,000 for improvements at 231 Mitchell St. SW, after 14 years of operation.
• Big Daddy’s Kitchen: $50,000 for upgrades at 3085 Campbellton Rd. SW, crucial for revamping the 14-year-old restaurant’s space.
• Crate’s: $50,000 for renovations at 215 Mitchell St. SW, supporting a music store in operation since 2015.
• Strikeout Wingz: $50,000 for enhancements at 2061 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, its second location.
• Subs & Salads Junction: $50,000 for improvements at 76 Forsyth St. SW, a 30-year-old restaurant.

In addition to the Small Business Improvement Grants, the city has launched the Small Business World Cup Opportunity Fund, offering up to $500,000 in microgrants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. These microgrants are aimed at leasing and activating vacant commercial spaces in Downtown Atlanta, which are expected to play a critical role during the World Cup.

A.J. Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress, remarked on the importance of supporting small businesses to help maintain community character, particularly during significant events like the World Cup. Further investment from the Hollowell/ML King Tax Allocation District (TAD) includes $175,000 allocated for constructing a StationSoccer facility at HE Holmes MARTA Station. This facility is designed to anchor Soccer in the Streets programming and will accommodate up to 200 players aged 6-12, focusing on building social and emotional skills.

With projections indicating an influx of over 300,000 tourists during the World Cup, these funding initiatives aim to create a vibrant environment, strengthening Atlanta’s small business ecosystem in anticipation of the global event.

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Additional Resources

• Saporta Report
• Wikipedia: 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Hoodline
• Google Search: Atlanta small business grants 2026
• Atlanta Daily World
• Google Scholar: Invest Atlanta
• AJC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: FIFA World Cup
• Rough Draft Atlanta
• Google News: Atlanta businesses World Cup

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.