Atlanta Beltline, Inc. Hosted Inaugural Funding Fair to Empower Small Business Owners

Atlanta Beltline, Inc. hosted its inaugural Funding Fair on Sept. 18, 2024, a groundbreaking event that was designed to empower small business owners by providing direct access to financial resources, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. The Funding Fair attracted over 70 Atlanta businesses, which attended to meet financial leaders and find resources to help build a strong foundation for growth and sustainability. 

The Atlanta Beltline Funding Fair offered a valuable platform for small business owners to connect with essential financial and technical resources. By facilitating access to capital, expert advice, and peer networking, the Beltline is helping support the growth and success of Atlanta’s small business community, particularly those who are or want to be located along the 22-mile trail. 

“At the Atlanta Beltline, we believe in creating opportunities for small businesses to grow and succeed”, said Natalie Jones, Atlanta Beltline Inc.’s Project Manager of the Beltline Business Solutions Office. “By bringing together financial experts, technical advisors, and business owners in one space, we’ve taken a step toward building a more vibrant and inclusive economy along the Beltline.” 

Devotis Lee (Mrs. D), owner of D Cafe + Catering and a participant in the Funding Fair, said, “As a longtime Beltline supporter, I can honestly say they knocked it out of the park with this event. There’s a strong presence of businesses, grants being awarded, and plenty of opportunities to engage directly with lenders and vendors to get valuable information. I truly hope more Funding Fairs like this are held in the future, especially for small businesses like mine that are working to figure out what they’re doing.” 

Along with the Funding Fair, the Commercial District Support Grant recipients were announced with eleven organizations awarded a combined total over $510,000 in funding. These organizations included Buckhead Business Association, Little 5 Points Alliance, Little 5 Points Business Association, Livable Buckhead, NW Business Association, Piedmont Heights Alliance, South Atlanta Business Association (Fiscal Sponsor is FCS Ministries), Sweet Auburn Works, Upper Westside CID, Virginia Highland District and West End Merchants Coalition.

Funding will be used to implement initiatives such as fundraising and membership strategies, wayfinding, technical assistance, and marketing. The Commercial District Support Grant is a capacity-building and business support program that partners with the commercial district organizations around the Beltline to increase economic growth and stability. 

“With this grant, we’ll be able to build on our existing initiatives, such as enhancing our farmers market through the help of a consultant and strategic planner,” said Katie Voelpel, Executive Director of the Virginia Highlands District and a recipient of the Commercial District Support Grant. “As we approach our fifth year, we’re prioritizing professional development and laying a strong foundation for our board. Additionally, a portion of the funding will go towards improving wayfinding, including sidewalk decals that guide visitors from the Beltline to our district, which is just a mile away.” 

The program aims to enhance the capacity of the organizations, stimulate business growth through support and training, and preserve and enhance commercial districts by stabilizing existing businesses and attracting new ones.