U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $786,104 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Help Expand Minority-Owned Businesses on the Atlanta Beltline

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $786,104 grant to Atlanta Beltline, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, to create the Beltline Business Solutions Office. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

The Beltline Business Solutions Office will deliver tailored solutions to local small businesses seeking to expand across the 22-mile Beltline corridor with a prioritization on businesses owned by women and minorities. This EDA grant will be matched with $196,526 in local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support their locally-driven economic development strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “With an emphasis equity, we are proud to support this project to support women- and minority-owned businesses growth in Atlanta.”

“I remain focused on accelerating progress of the Beltline, a quality-of-life, infrastructure, and economic development priority for metro Atlanta,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.

“I am proud to have helped pass legislation that continues to invest in our small, minority-owned businesses in Georgia,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “The Atlanta Beltline is a key economic driver for our state that is creating jobs, connecting communities, and creating green space opportunities. I’m going to keep working to strengthen this resource for all Georgians.”

“The Atlanta Beltline was designed to increase equity through infrastructure in the Fifth Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05). “Today’s announcement helps deliver on this idea by prioritizing investments in women- and BIPOC-owned businesses along the Beltline. I will keep working to create a Fifth District that is equitable for everyone, no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your bank account.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). EDA funds ARC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.