Atlanta, December 29, 2025
News Summary
The City of Atlanta has approved $925,000 in funding to support small businesses as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. This funding includes grants for improvements to enhance visibility and operations of local businesses. Mayor Andre Dickens expressed the significance of small businesses, highlighting the investment’s aim to attract customers through infrastructure enhancements. The initiative will also activate vacant commercial spaces, providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs during major events.
Atlanta Approves $925,000 in Funding to Support Small Businesses Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
The City of Atlanta has taken a significant step to bolster its small business community by approving $925,000 in Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding. The Invest Atlanta Board of Directors endorsed this allocation to enhance investments within the local small business sector as part of an overarching strategy to help them benefit from upcoming major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mayor Andre Dickens, who simultaneously serves as the chair of Invest Atlanta, emphasized that small businesses are indeed the backbone of Atlanta’s economy. The approved funding consists of various components designed to enhance the operational capabilities and visibility of small businesses across the city.
Of the total funding, $250,000 has been specifically designated for Small Business Improvement Grants. These grants provide financial support of up to $50,000 for eligible small businesses seeking to make essential interior and exterior improvements. Such enhancements may include signage upgrades, improved lighting, storefront renovations, and necessary repairs for compliance with city codes. The primary goal of these grants is to help businesses attract and retain customers while improving the overall appearance of Atlanta’s business districts.
The president and CEO of Invest Atlanta noted that the Small Business Improvement Grant Program has already played a pivotal role in supporting many local businesses, particularly in under-resourced areas of the city. Since 2022, Invest Atlanta has disbursed over $30 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance to small businesses throughout the city.
As part of the recent funding approval, five local businesses were awarded funding from the Small Business Improvement Grants. These businesses include:
– Bottle Rocket Fine Food & Beverage, located at 231 Mitchell St. SW, receiving up to $50,000.
– Big Daddy’s Kitchen at 3085 Campbellton Rd, SW, also receiving up to $50,000.
– Crates, which will receive up to $50,000 for improvements at 215 Mitchell St SW.
– Strikeout Wingz, set to improve their venue at 2061 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW with funding of up to $50,000.
– Subs & Salads Junction, receiving up to $50,000 at 76 Forsyth St. SW.
In addition to the Small Business Improvement Grants, another $500,000 has been allocated for the “Small Business World Cup Opportunity Fund.” This initiative aims to accelerate the activation of vacant commercial spaces in downtown Atlanta. Under this fund, a microgrant program will disburse amounts ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to stimulate opportunities for independent local small businesses ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. The microgrant program will be managed by Invest Atlanta’s community development partner, Central Atlanta Progress.
The president of Central Atlanta Progress underscored the vital role of small businesses in reflecting the character of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, especially during prominent events. Furthermore, the remaining $175,000 of the funding will be utilized to construct a StationSoccer facility at the HE Holmes MARTA Station. This facility is expected to service up to 200 players aged 6-12 and will anchor Soccer in the Streets’ free soccer programming.
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm among representatives from the funded businesses, the City of Atlanta’s Showcase Atlanta team, and city leaders during the recent Board meeting.
Funding Overview
| Funding Type | Amount Allocated | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business Improvement Grants | $250,000 | Support for interior and exterior improvements |
| Small Business World Cup Opportunity Fund | $500,000 | Activation of vacant commercial spaces |
| StationSoccer Facility | $175,000 | Construction of soccer facility for local youth |
FAQ
What is the total amount of funding approved by the City of Atlanta?
The City of Atlanta announced that the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved $925,000 in Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding.
Who will benefit from the Small Business Improvement Grants?
The Small Business Improvement Grants provide up to $50,000 for eligible small businesses to make interior and exterior improvements, such as signage, lighting, storefront upgrades, and code compliance repairs.
What is the Small Business World Cup Opportunity Fund?
An additional $500,000 is designated for the “Small Business World Cup Opportunity Fund” aimed at accelerating the activation of vacant commercial spaces in downtown Atlanta.
How much funding will be used for the StationSoccer facility?
The remaining $175,000 of the funding will assist in constructing a StationSoccer facility at the HE Holmes MARTA Station.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Public Artwork ‘Myriad’ Unveiled in Piedmont Park
Invest Atlanta Approves $400,000 for Small Business Grants
Atlanta Housing Authority VP Charged with Fraud
Atlanta Public Schools Relaunches Food Distribution Program
Federal Government Shutdown Threatens SNAP Benefits in Georgia
Atlanta Mayor Unveils $5 Billion City Initiative
Atlanta Prepares for FIFA World Cup with Big Boi Concert
Georgia Small Businesses and Food Banks Strain Amid Shutdown
Impact of Federal Government Shutdown on Georgia’s Small Businesses
Man Arrested for Livestreaming Threats at Atlanta Airport
Additional Resources
- Atlanta Daily World
- Google Search: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economics
- Saporta Report
- Google News: Atlanta Small Businesses
- Atlanta News First
- Google Scholar: Small Business Funding Atlanta
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.
