LISTEN: The Showcase Atlanta initiative will offer training, funding, and youth outreach to help small business owners prepare for the 2026 World Cup this summer. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports.
Atlanta’s small business owners can now access an expanded list of resources including grants and loans to prepare for the World Cup. It’s part of the Showcase Atlanta initiative.
The initiative includes marketing grants of $5,000 to eligible small businesses in downtown Atlanta to help prepare for large-scale local events like the World Cup.
Central Atlanta Progress and Invest Atlanta will also have new loans and grant options for small businesses. CAP President A.J. Robinson said the limited grants will go to downtown landlords seeking short-term occupants.
"Active occupied retail storefronts are a critical component to the walkable, safe and engaging street environment that all of us are focused on in delivering in the city center," he said.
Invest Atlanta’s Business Readiness Loan Fund will accept about 100 applicants. The program will also focus on small businesses preparing for major events. CEO Eloisa Klementich explained the loan terms.
"The loan will mature anywhere up to three years depending on the business," Klementich said. "Size will be anywhere from $5,000 up to $15,000 with a 5% match. And what's very exciting, thanks to the mayor, is that payments on these loans won't happen until August."
Showcase Atlanta will also run a youth entrepreneurship accelerator, offering training for people under 21 interested in building a business. The program is part of the FIFA Human Rights Action Plan all host cities must develop leading up to the World Cup.
Mayor Andre Dickens said there will be additional opportunities for a select few participants.
"Those young entrepreneurs will receive a special ATL Youth Vendor License, which will allow them to obtain opportunities, funding, and a vendor space to sell their goods during the upcoming FIFA World Cup games of 2026," he said.
Applications are open and a full list of grants is available on the Showcase Atlanta website.
