Some of Atlanta’s long-established businesses threatened by rising rents and development pressures could soon get assistance from the city.
The Atlanta City Council approved $900,000 to create the new Atlanta Legacy Business Program at its Aug. 19 meeting. The money would go toward helping small business owners with things like facade improvements, social media marketing campaigns, and technical assistance. A registry of legacy businesses is also in the works.
Legacy businesses are defined as brick-and-mortar stores operating for 30 years or more. Criteria for eligibility has yet to be defined. Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development agency, is receiving $300,000 of the total funding to operate the new program.
“The Atlanta Legacy Business Program will offer resources and protections, helping to alleviate the challenges of displacement and gentrification that often jeopardize the survival of our most cherished businesses,” District 4 Councilmember Jason Dozier said in a written statement. Dozier led the effort to get the legislation passed.
“By supporting these institutions, we are investing in the cultural and economic vibrancy of Atlanta, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain lively, inclusive, and steeped in history,” he said.
The program is set to roll out in two phases. No timeline has been established, but the first phase of the program would provide technical assistance and small marketing campaigns for legacy businesses.
The remaining $600,000 of the fund would be used during phase to go toward grants to repair commercial property and larger marketing campaigns, for example.
Legacy businesses are more than just places of commerce, Dozier said.
“They are cultural institutions that carry our neighborhoods’ history, stories, and spirit. They are the cornerstones that have provided stability, jobs, and a sense of identity to Atlanta’s diverse communities, especially in District 4,” he said.
