MARCH UPDATE
The grant application has closed. To ensure grant funds can be expended in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the grant application deadline was March 6, 2026.
Applications are under review and grant award winners will be announced soon.
Program Overview
The Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund is a grant initiative supported by the Eastside and Westside TADs. It is designed to accelerate the lease and activation of vacant or underutilized small commercial storefronts within this boundary of Downtown Atlanta.
The program specifically supports independent, locally owned retail and restaurant businesses seeking to occupy storefront locations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other upcoming large-scale events.
Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, helping cover tenant improvement costs that may otherwise prevent businesses from securing downtown space.
The Fund is administered by Central Atlanta Progress in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Showcase Atlanta.
Informational Webinar Recording: Listen Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Download Here
Small Business Interest Form (Link): Please fill out if you are interested in obtaining a list of available spaces for lease within the program boundary.
Property Owner Interest Form (Link): Please fill out if you are interested in obtaining a list of businesses looking for short-term leasing opportunities through this program
ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS:
Grant funds may be used for physical improvements in a previously vacant space that:
- Comply with local zoning, design and historic preservation guidelines.
- Enhance customer experience and storefront appearance, function, and condition.
- Examples include:
- Construction of walls, ceilings, and structural elements
- Flooring, painting, lighting
- Booth-specific electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Signage, canopies, awnings, vendor branding
- Food prep surfaces, counters, fixed displays
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (up to 20% of total grant)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Qualified Small Business
- Locally Owned & Independent: Be independently owned and operated by a local entrepreneur; franchises and national chains are ineligible. Local is defined as the Metro Atlanta area, with a preference to City of Atlanta based entities.
- Business Type: Be a retail or restaurant operator, including soft good retailer, café, bakery, bar, full-service restaurant, or specialty retailer. Professional services (e.g., accounting, legal, marketing, consulting) that do not primarily serve retail consumers are ineligible
- Location: Must have a new letter of intent, lease, or license agreement for a vacant storefront in the Downtown area within Eastside or Westside TAD boundaries. [Address Look-up Tool]. Note: Businesses currently operating in an existing leased space are not eligible, and funds cannot be used to improve an already-occupied location.
Property Owner
- Own commercial property within the Downtown Atlanta area within Eastside or Westside TAD boundaries. [Address Look-up Tool]
- Control vacant or underutilized storefronts available for lease to eligible small businesses.
- Have legal authority to enter into a lease or tenant improvement agreement with qualifying small businesses
- Have a new letter of intent, lease, or license agreement for a vacant storefront in the eligible area.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
All other questions can be directed to retail@atlantadowntown.com with “Program Questions” as the subject line.