Invest Atlanta has launched two new technical assistance initiatives designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and foster more vibrant commercial districts.
The BizLabs Technical Assistance Program and the Sweet Auburn Municipal Market Technical Assistance Program will provide targeted support to entrepreneurs and business owners across the city. Both programs are designed to provide practical, hands-on assistance – including financial guidance, operational support and modern marketing strategy – that will translate into measurable business outcomes.
“Atlanta’s small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods and the heartbeat of our economy,” says Mayor Andre Dickens. “As we prepare to welcome the world, we are making sure our entrepreneurs are not just included – but positioned to lead and benefit from the opportunities ahead. These investments are about strengthening the businesses that define Atlanta and ensuring that growth reaches every corner of our city.”
BizLabs Technical Assistance Program
The BizLabs Technical Assistance Program, funded through Invest Atlanta’s partnership with Wells Fargo, will offer businesses access to expert guidance designed to strengthen internal operations and position them for sustainable growth. The program will be open to eligible businesses throughout the city of Atlanta. Participating businesses will receive support in two core areas:
Financial & Operational Technical Assistance
Advisors will work directly with business owners to improve financial management, strengthen operational systems and develop strategies for healthier cash flow and long-term stability.
Marketing & Digital Technical Assistance
Businesses will receive guidance on improving their digital presence, refining brand messaging, strengthening online infrastructure and deploying marketing strategies that increase customer engagement and sales performance.
Sweet Auburn Municipal Market Technical Assistance Program
The Sweet Auburn Municipal Market Technical Assistance Program, made possible through the Eastside Tax Allocation District (TAD), will focus specifically on businesses located within the historic Sweet Auburn Municipal Market, which has long served as a hub for culture, cuisine and community entrepreneurship. The initiative will amplify that legacy while equipping vendors with modern marketing tools to attract both local customers and visitors, with an emphasis on:
- Strategic digital marketing development
- Hands-on implementation support
- Tactics to increase online discoverability
- Tools to drive foot traffic and revenue growth
“We’re excited to provide creative resources to our small business community because we understand that every entrepreneur has unique needs as we all prepare to welcome the world to Atlanta,” says Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “Our technical assistance programs are a great example of how public and private dollars can be leveraged to fill gaps and support businesses across the city. When we invest in the growth of our small businesses, we strengthen our local economy while positioning Atlanta as a global hub for innovation, commerce and inclusive economic opportunity.”
Applications for both technical assistance programs opened on April 1 and remain available until all funds are fully allocated.
For more information about Invest Atlanta’s small business resources visit investatlanta.com/worldcup.