Atlanta creates grant program for the city’s longtime businesses

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Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier met with the Portis family to celebrate 50 years of their family business operating in Atlanta's West End Neighborhood.

Credit: Jason Dozier / Twitter

Atlanta businesses that have been in operation for at least 30 years will have access to financial assistance through the city’s Legacy Business Program.

A unanimous vote from the Atlanta City Council on Monday approved $300,000 to fund the project. The grant money can be used for things like property improvements, marketing efforts and technical assistance.

Councilmember Jason Dozier said the goal  of the program is to support local businesses who need the money, not larger corporations like Coca-Cola.

“I know many of our grant programs across the city that are implemented by Invest Atlanta can be oversubscribed,” Dozier said. “There’s a lot more folks that are in need than there’s money to give out. This creates a separate opportunity for these legacy businesses to be able to tap in to that funding.”

The legislation was modeled after other cities who have launched similar programs including Birmingham, Ala., Los Angeles, and San Antonio.

Dozier said small businesses shape the culture and identity of Atlanta.

“Especially with the World Cup coming, we want German tourists to have a uniquely and authentic Atlanta experience,” he said. “That is kind of the idea behind this program is to not only protect and preserve our legacy business, but also to help grow them.”

Invest Atlanta will run the program, determine eligibility and decide how much applicants will receive.