The City of Atlanta announced that the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved $925,000 in Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding to support local small businesses. The initiative aims to help businesses improve their spaces and capitalize on major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Invest Atlanta Board Chair, emphasized the importance of small businesses to Atlanta’s economy. “Every TAD investment we make is a direct investment in our city’s future, ensuring that we create economic engines that strengthen our neighborhoods,” Dickens said.
Small Business Improvement Grants
The funding includes $250,000 in Small Business Improvement Grants for interior and exterior upgrades, such as signage, lighting, storefront enhancements, and code compliance repairs. The grants aim to improve business visibility, customer experience, and neighborhood vitality.
Recipients include:
- Bottle Rocket Fine Food & Beverage – Up to $50,000 for upgrades at 231 Mitchell St. SW in Castleberry Hill.
- Big Daddy’s Kitchen – Up to $50,000 for improvements at 3085 Campbellton Rd. SW in Southwest Atlanta.
- Crate’s – Up to $50,000 to modernize its South Downtown location at 215 Mitchell St. SW.
- Strikeout Wingz – Up to $50,000 for enhancements at 2061 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW.
- Subs & Salads Junction – Up to $50,000 for interior and exterior improvements at 76 Forsyth St. SW.
Marcus Sabir, owner of Big Daddy’s Kitchen, said the funding will help them better serve the community and enhance their space.
Small Business World Cup Opportunity Fund
An additional $500,000 from the Eastside and Westside TADs will support microgrants ($5,000–$50,000) to activate vacant or underutilized commercial spaces downtown ahead of the World Cup. The program will be managed by Central Atlanta Progress.
“A focus on small businesses strengthens the character of our neighborhoods, which will be on full display during events like the World Cup,” said A.J. Robinson, President of Central Atlanta Progress.
Soccer in the Streets
Funding from the Hollowell/ML King TAD will provide $175,000 to build a StationSoccer facility at the HE Holmes MARTA Station, supporting free soccer programs for 200 players ages 6–12 and emphasizing social and emotional learning.
Invest Atlanta and city leaders celebrated the funding at a board meeting with representatives from the supported businesses.
More details on the TAD program are available at investatlanta.com.
