Program Overview
The Downtown Storefront 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 in Downtown Atlanta.
The program specifically supports independent, locally owned retail and restaurant businesses seeking to occupy storefront locations ahead of the 2026 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 Atlanta Downtown in partnership with Invest Atlanta.
WHAT CAN FUNDS BE USED FOR?
Eligible Improvements
Grant funds may be used for physical improvements in a previously vacant space that:
Comply with local 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 a % of total grant)
Program Guidelines [PDF]
FAQs [PDF]