Decide DeKalb will celebrate Economic Development Week 2026 with a series of free public events May 4-8, including complimentary coffee and breakfast giveaways, the launch of a first-of-its-kind women-owned business guide, and a pre-recorded fireside chat with the developer of Lulah Hills.
The week kicks off May 4, with the “Make You Love Monday” promotion, in which Decide DeKalb will offer 100 complimentary food and drink items at three DeKalb County small businesses.
“Economic Development Week is a reminder that thriving communities begin with thriving small businesses,” said Randi Mason, executive vice president of economic development and chief operating officer of Decide DeKalb in an email release. “Our mission is to build equity, opportunity, and prosperity through strategic partnerships. And why not help people love Monday while we’re at it?”
DeKalb Economic Development Week is part of a national initiative organized by the International Economic Development Council to celebrate the contributions of economic development agencies in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Make You Love Monday
On May 4 from 8 to 10 a.m., giveaways will be held at The Reading Room, 429 Church St in Decatur, and The Corner Cup, 2380 Main St. in Tucker. From 9 to 11 a.m., Buttermilk Biscuit ATL, 7655 Mall Parkway, Suite M in Stonecrest, will also participate. No registration is required. Items are free while supplies last.
DeKalb Women-Owned Business Guide Launch
Also on May 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Decide DeKalb will unveil the 2026 DeKalb Women-Owned Business Guide – the first such guide in the county’s history. The event will be held at The Book Bird, 70 N. Avondale Road, Suites 120-130 in Avondale Estates. In 2024, Decide DeKalb released a similar guide focused on Black-owned businesses.
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Business Resources 101
On May 6 from 2 to 4 p.m., Decide DeKalb will partner with the Better Business Bureau and the South DeKalb Family YMCA for a free workshop covering funding and educational resources for business growth. The event will be held at the South DeKalb Family YMCA, 2565 Snapfinger Road in Decatur.
Fireside Chat With Lulah Hills Developer
A pre-recorded fireside chat will be released May 7, at 2 p.m. on the Decide DeKalb website. The conversation features Tiffany Wills, vice president of redevelopment and strategic initiatives at Decide DeKalb, and Herbert Ames, managing director of Edens, who is leading the Lulah Hills redevelopment project.
Decide DeKalb is the primary economic development agency for DeKalb County. The county has a population of 760,000 and includes portions of Atlanta as well as the cities of Decatur, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, Stonecrest, Lithonia, Doraville, Brookhaven, Clarkston, Avondale Estates, and Tucker.
Since 2020, Decide DeKalb has facilitated more than $2.4 billion in investment and helped generate or retain more than 11,000 jobs. For more information, visit the organization’s website.
