Atlanta, GA (July 18, 2024) — Invest Atlanta today announced the opening of a $750,000 grant opportunity for grocery store owners and operators seeking to make internal and external improvements to their commercial properties. This opportunity provides up to $50,000 per project and expands upon the Commercial Property Improvement Grant (CPIG) created within the Atlanta Open for Business Fund, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta. The Atlanta Open for Business Fund was made possible by a $20 million donation from Wells Fargo to help small business owners in Atlanta own more of their businesses’ assets, including property and equipment.
Qualified grocery businesses selling fresh food may use grant funds to maintain or expand properties with eligible expenses. Eligible improvements include façade enhancements, interior renovations, energy-efficient upgrades, and other modifications that contribute to a more inviting and functional shopping environment.
In addition to applying for grant funding, grocery operators can access technical assistance provided through the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) for the support and resources needed to help optimize supply chain processes and increase access to healthy affordable food for the community.
“The fresh food access grant program is a new way for our Administration to develop community partnerships to ensure access to fresh, nutritious food to all of Atlanta,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “In addition to closing the food access gap, these grants can help independent grocers expand and create jobs, become more energy efficient, enhance their property and a variety of added benefits for the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Highlights of the program include:
- Grant Amounts: Up to $50,000 per project with a 10% match from the grantee.
- Eligibility: Open to independently owned grocery stores and supermarket chains operating within the city limits.
- Application Period: The application window will open on Friday, July 26th at 8 a.m. and close on Monday, August 26th at 5 p. m.
- Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on the proposed project's impact on community accessibility, enhancement of the property, and alignment with the City of Atlanta’s food access goals.
“This program goes beyond just fresh food access by helping to support small businesses, create jobs, and improve retail infrastructure in more neighborhoods,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “Access to fresh food is not just a privilege, but a fundamental right that impacts our health and well-being. Alongside the City of Atlanta and our partners, we are working to ensure that investments to increase food access make a long-term, holistic impact on our communities.”
“All across America, independent grocery stores are the beating heart of the communities they serve, and Atlanta is no different,” said John Ross, IGA President and CEO. “Atlanta’s independent grocers bring fresh, healthy food and jobs to communities where they’re needed most, and they do so with far fewer resources than any national chain. The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) is proud to work with Mayor Andre Dickens and Invest Atlanta to provide tools, services, and resources to shore up the city’s independent grocery stores, enabling them to provide healthy food at a fair price for years to come.”
Interested grocery operators are encouraged to attend an informational webinar Thursday, July 25th at 6 p.m. to learn more about the application process, eligibility requirements, and program benefits. Registration details are available here.
Invest Atlanta and United Way are distributing the Atlanta Open for Business Fund as a mix of grants and loan programs with a focus on diverse-owned businesses. Learn more about that program here.
For more information about the Commercial Property Improvement Grant and to apply, visit Invest Atlanta’s website, investatlanta.com/cpig. To learn more about Grocery Technical Assistance, watch Invest Atlanta’s informational session with IGA.