Atlanta, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The City of Atlanta has announced the introduction of its first-ever Legacy Business Program aimed at supporting local businesses that have been in operation for 30 years or more. The program provides financial relief and promotional support to help these longstanding establishments cope with rising operational costs. Over 500 qualifying businesses will receive grants, improve infrastructure, and gain visibility through a new online registry accessible via a smartphone app. The initial phase has been allocated $300,000 from a total fund of $900,000 to boost these legacy businesses crucial to Atlanta’s economy.
Atlanta Launches Legacy Business Program to Support Longstanding Local Establishments
The City of Atlanta has officially introduced its first-ever Legacy Business Program, designed to support local businesses that have been operating for 30 years or more. This initiative offers financial relief and promotional support to longstanding establishments grappling with increased operational costs.
Over 500 businesses in Atlanta qualify for the program, which will provide grants to help with modernization, infrastructure improvements, and other business needs. Additionally, these businesses will be featured in a new online registry accessible via a smartphone app, enhancing their visibility to potential customers.
Mayor Andre Dickens, alongside the economic development agency Invest Atlanta, has spearheaded this initiative. The program has received approval for a $900,000 fund, with an initial distribution of $300,000 for its first phase, enabling immediate support for qualifying businesses.
Economic Context and Purpose of the Program
The necessity for this program has become more apparent as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 9.7% increase in wholesale food costs over the past year. This increase highlights the urgent need for support for local businesses facing economic challenges such as rising food costs and inflation.
Program Details
The grants available through the Legacy Business Program can be utilized for modernizing equipment, enhancing infrastructure, or addressing other essential business needs. Priority in grant applications will be given to businesses located in historically disinvested areas and those with minimal prior grant funding. Applications for these grants will open on May 1, with requirements including a current city business license and operation within Atlanta city limits.
The Atlanta Local Legacy Program features over 400 businesses, serving as critical economic anchors in their communities and employing more than 11,000 people. The ongoing success of the program is viewed as vital for sustaining Atlanta’s cultural and economic heritage. Eloisa Klementich, the President of Invest Atlanta, has emphasized the significant role of legacy businesses in preserving local culture and community identity.
Community Recognition and Support
At a recent event honoring such establishments, each participating business, including the notable Atlanta Voice—a significant player in the local media space for 60 years—was awarded the Atlanta Legacy Coin, a commemorative gift recognizing their invaluable contributions to the community. Mayor Dickens described legacy businesses as “pillars” of the community and stressed their significance during economically challenging times.
In summary, the Legacy Business Program aims to uplift local businesses that have stood the test of time, offering them an opportunity to modernize while contributing to Atlanta’s local economy and preserving community identity.
FAQ
What is the Legacy Business Program in Atlanta?
The City of Atlanta has launched its first-ever Legacy Business Program to support local businesses operating for 30 years or more.
What support does the Legacy Business Program offer?
The program offers financial relief and promotional support to longstanding establishments facing high operational costs.
How many businesses qualify for the program?
Over 500 businesses in Atlanta qualify for the program, which provides grants and inclusion in a new online registry accessible via a smartphone app.
When will grant applications open?
Grant applications will open on May 1, and businesses must have a current city business license and be located within Atlanta city limits.
How much funding is available for the program?
The program has received approval for a $900,000 fund, initially distributing $300,000 for its first phase.
What is the goal of the Legacy Business Program?
The initiative aims to uplift legacy businesses, offering them a chance to modernize while contributing to the local economy and community identity.
Key Features of the Legacy Business Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Businesses operating for 30 years or more |
| Support Offered | Financial relief and promotional support |
| Number of Qualifying Businesses | Over 500 businesses |
| Funding Amount | $900,000 fund, with $300,000 for the first phase |
| Application Opening | May 1 |
| Community Impact | Supports local culture, economy, and identity |
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Additional Resources
- The Atlanta Voice: Salute to Legacy Luncheon 2025
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Launches Legacy Business Program
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Local Legacy Business Program
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
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.
