Commercial Down Payment Loan Assistance

The Commercial Down Payment Loan Assistance Program will provide a direct loan to applicants for up to 20% of commercial costs, not to exceed $250,000. All loans will have a six-month deferment before the first payment is due. After 10 years of consistent payments and meeting clawback provisions, the business can apply to convert the loan to a grant. The following are eligible:

• For-profit corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships:

  • Be an existing small business with a City of Atlanta business license

  • Be an existing small business interested in acquiring commercial real estate in the city of Atlanta with emphasis in low-income census tracts, Federal Opportunity Zone areas, disadvantaged neighborhoods, or a New Markets Tax Credit approved area neighborhood

  • Demonstrate growth potential in their industry

  • Be current with all personal and business debt when applying for financing

  • Plan to occupy 50% or more of the purchased building

• Non-profit organizations:

  • Satisfy the criteria for for-profit corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships

  • Derive 51% or more of their revenue from for-profit activities

• Food service businesses:

  • Satisfy the criteria for for-profit corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships

  • Derive 51% or more of their revenue from food sales