The City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the recipients of their latest round of small business improvement grants, with $116,000 approved across 13 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 $84,000 still available during the new application window, which reopened January 15 and runs through February 7.
Originally introduced in 2023, the CFIG program supports projects focused on enhancing and beautifying storefronts and awnings. In this round, 12 applications were submitted, with 10 gaining approval for a total of $74,503: Belen de la Cruz Parilla Argentina, $3,207 for exterior painting and new signage; The Chapel on Sycamore, $6,690 for exterior lighting and safety lighting; Fawn Wine and Amaro Bar, $10,000 for a complete façade renovation; Little Shop of Stories, $10,000 for façade reconstruction; O’Sullivan’s On The Square, $9,439 for replacing wood framing and a new front door; Opo Coffee, $8,453 for an exterior mural and bike rack; Takumi Cuisine, $592 for the installation of new electrical signage; Sharian Rugs, $8,662 for new lighting for their showroom; Smiley’s Burger Club, $10,000 for new masonry for bathroom and patio seating area; and 547 East College Avenue Automotive, $7,500 for a new awning and lighting.
The CBIG focuses on reinforcing the interior aspects of commercial buildings by repairing walls, constructing new internal spaces or making HVAC repairs and upgrades. Seven applications were submitted, with the following four given approval for a total of $32,075: Belen de la Cruz Parilla Argentina, $6,525 for interior painting tied to a new restaurant concept; Fawn Wine and Amaro, $10,000 to complete the interior buildout for a new restaurant and bar concept; Rebel Teahouse, $5,550 for refinishing, resealing and staining; and Smiley’s Burger Club, $10,000 for a bathroom addition to meet city requirements.
Aimed at helping small business owners maximize their online presence, the MDCG assists with the design and production of marketing materials and content for digital platforms. Of the eight applications received, five were approved for a total of $8,750, including: Float Atlanta, $1,875 for the creation of a demo video touting the benefits of float therapy; Kelly’s Market, $2,500 for a brand refresh and website maintenance; O’Sullivan’s On The Square, $1,875 for a social media campaign touting them as a lunch destination; and Smiley’s Burger Club, $2,500 toward a new website to process online orders.
“As we open 2025, it’s the perfect time to reveal the substantial investments we are making through our extensive grant programs,” said Conor McNally, DDA chair. “We saw a record number of approved applications in this latest round, and the most obvious sign of buy-in is how many entrepreneurs utilized multiple programs to truly transform their businesses in the new year. With our second application window now open, we look forward to more opportunities to showcase the DDA’s commitment to our small business community.”
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 and how to apply, please visit https://www.decaturga.com/ed/page/commercial-grants-program-small-business-decatur-georgia
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.
