The City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the recipients of the second and final round of small business commercial grants for the fiscal year 2024-25, with approximately $73,000 approved across 11 businesses in Commercial Facade Improvement Grants (CFIG), Commercial Buildout Improvement Grants (CBIG), and Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grants (MDCG). A total of $200,000 was allocated for the programs in the fiscal year that began July 1, 2024, with approximately $116,000 previously committed in the first round of grants awarded in January.
Created in 2023, the CFIG supports projects focused on enhancing and beautifying storefronts and awnings. In this round, seven applications were submitted, with four gaining approval for a total of $25,497, including: Farm Burger, $6,045 to replace a rusted back door for safety reasons and construct new seating on the front patio; Little Shop of Stories, $7,484 for redesigned storefront signage; TuTu School Decatur, $3,167 toward new electrical signage to improve visibility from N. Arcadia Avenue; and Pure Barre Decatur, $8,800 for the installation of new windows and doors.
The CBIG focuses on reinforcing the interior aspects of commercial buildings by constructing new internal spaces, repairing walls, or making HVAC repairs and upgrades. Eight applications were submitted, with the following five given approval for a total of $42,925, including: Glide Pizza, $8,935 to add restrooms, remodel the kitchen and improve the existing HVAC system; Lenz Marketing, $8,935 for extensive ductwork and HVAC replacement; Little Shop of Stories, $8,935 to expand the footprint of the bookstore and combine it with a new café; Parker’s on Ponce, $7,185 for the replacement of the mechanical system for its built-in freezer; and Siam Thai Restaurant, $8,935 for an overhaul of its walk-in cooler.
Intended to help small business owners enhance their online presence, the MDCG assists with the design and production of marketing materials and content for digital platforms. Of the five applications received, two were approved for a total of $5,000, including: Seamless Recovery Medspa, $2,500 toward consulting services helping them build a more dynamic website; and TE Wilcox Home LLC, $2,500 to support paid social media marketing campaigns.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, so the fact our team approved just under $189,000 to support them in a multitude of ways over this fiscal year speaks volumes about our commitment to helping them grow,” said Conor McNally, DDA chair. “Not only does this show our existing entrepreneurs how tangible the DDA’s support is, but it also serves as a beacon to others that Downtown Decatur is a place they can thrive.”
Grants cover up to 75% of the cost of any approved project, with the business owner responsible for the remainder. The CFIG and CBIG allow for minimum contributions from the DDA of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000, while the MDCG has a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $2,500 for approved projects. Once the new application window is closed, the DDA oversight committee will review all submissions. If approved, the project must begin within six months and be completed within 18 months, consistent with the City of Decatur’s permitting process.
For more information on the grant programs, please visit https://www.decaturga.
About the City of Decatur
The City of Decatur, located just east of Atlanta and home to 25,000 people, is characterized by world class big-city business assets, progressive attitudes, highly educated residents, an accessible local government and superb quality of life for those who live and/or work here. A recipient of the 2023 All American City Award by the National League of Cities, Decatur is home to Emory Health Care, Agnes Scott College, Columbia Seminary, the Task Force for Global Health and a vibrant mix of small, local professional firms.
About the Decatur Downtown Development Authority
The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was founded in 1982 to implement the Decatur Town Center Plan and to provide day-to-day management of the downtown development program. Since that time, our role has expanded to include responsibility for all of Decatur’s commercial districts. The Downtown Development Authority works with the traditional, downtown business district and the Development Authority has jurisdiction over the neighborhood districts. Both Authorities share a board and staff and exist to aid prospective business owners and developers interested in investing in Decatur’s economic development plans. These programs are housed within the City’s Community & Economic Development Department.
