Atlanta mayor and economic partners roll out World Cup programs to expand small business capacity citywide

New loans, grants and pop-up support aim to position local entrepreneurs for FIFA 2026 visitor demand

Atlanta leaders on Tuesday detailed a package of new and expanded small business programs intended to help local firms prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the city is scheduled to host matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The initiatives combine city-backed financing, storefront improvement grants and a downtown pop-up fund focused on near-term leasing and build-out costs.

The announcements were made at City Hall as part of a broader effort to connect local entrepreneurs to procurement, vending and customer-demand opportunities tied to major events expected over the coming years. The city framed the work as an effort to ensure World Cup-related economic activity reaches neighborhood-based businesses, including newer and historically underserved firms.

Business Readiness Loan Fund: small-dollar capital with a matching requirement

A central element is a Business Readiness Loan Fund administered through the city’s economic development apparatus. The program is designed to provide low-interest loans to small businesses operating within Atlanta city limits, with loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 and a 5% matching requirement from borrowers. Eligible uses include working capital and customer-experience improvements intended to help businesses meet a surge in demand during major events.

Program parameters released by the city describe the loans as short-term financing meant to help businesses prepare in advance of event-related spikes in foot traffic and sales, while building longer-run operating capacity.

Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund: microgrants to activate vacant storefronts

Another component targets downtown storefront occupancy. The Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for independent, locally owned retail and restaurant businesses seeking to occupy downtown spaces ahead of the World Cup. The grants are structured to help cover tenant improvement costs that can be a barrier to signing leases, including build-out work needed to open in time for the tournament.

The program’s guidelines set a rolling review process and encourage early submissions to allow projects to be completed before World Cup matches begin.

Earlier approvals included $925,000 in Tax Allocation District funding

In a separate action approved in October 2025, Atlanta’s development partners backed $925,000 in Tax Allocation District funding intended to strengthen small businesses and support event readiness. The package included a set of $50,000 small business improvement grants for selected recipients to make property and storefront upgrades, alongside additional funding aimed at accelerating leasing activity and short-term commercial activation downtown.

Youth entrepreneurship: vendor licensing and training

City leaders also highlighted a youth entrepreneurship initiative designed for Atlanta residents under age 21. The program includes training on forming a legal business and obtaining a vendor license, with the goal of enabling participating youth entrepreneurs to sell goods during the World Cup period at designated city marketplaces and events.

• Loan support: $5,000–$15,000 with a 5% match requirement for eligible Atlanta businesses
• Pop-up microgrants: $5,000–$50,000 to reduce build-out barriers for downtown storefront activation
• Storefront upgrades: targeted grants and investments approved ahead of 2026 event timelines
• Youth pathway: training and vendor licensing support for entrepreneurs under 21

Atlanta officials said the combined approach is intended to increase readiness, visibility and capacity for local businesses ahead of the World Cup and other major events expected to draw visitors and spending into the city.

The city has not released a single consolidated estimate for how many businesses will ultimately receive assistance across all programs, but program materials outline ranges for loan sizes and grant amounts and set application timelines designed to complete improvements before summer 2026.