FIFA World Cup 2026™
Prepare, Connect and Grow Your Business
Atlanta is on the world stage as a host city of multiple FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches—including a semifinal. Invest Atlanta and our Partners are here to ensure local small businesses can maximize the moment and build lasting momentum by connecting entrepreneurs to financing, technical assistance, and market access every step of the way.
Our goal is to ensure that all businesses, including small, minority- and women-owned businesses, have the support needed to take advantage of these historic opportunities while directing economic impact throughout more neighborhoods and corridors.
PROGRAMS
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Business Readiness & Activation Playbook
Developed in collaboration with the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta,( Atlanta Beltline Inc?) the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the FIFA World Cup Host Committee, the Business Readiness Toolkit and Activation Playbook is a comprehensive resource designed to help small businesses prepare for and participate in World Cup-related activities.
The guide provides key information, resource links, practical readiness checklists and planning considerations to help businesses prepare for increased foot traffic, visibility, and demand, while also offering clear guidance on how businesses, organizations, and community groups can host events and activations in compliance with FIFA and City of Atlanta guidelines.
Showcase Atlanta Event Registry
Showcase Atlanta connects major-event planners and corporations with local businesses through its official digital directory.
Showcase Atlanta Game Day Watch Parties & Vendor Markets
Get description from Lamar on the forthcoming vending opportunities they are putting together. Even if not live, need a description.
Atlanta Business Readiness Loan Fund
Access $5,000 to $15,000 in low-interest loans to help your business prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and other major events. Funds are available for marketing, inventory, technology upgrades, and customer experience improvements. Applications opening in January 2026.
[Need a Webpage for this Program]
Downtown Pop-up Opportunity Fund
Access $5,000 to $50,000 in grants to support short-term leasing for new retail businesses activating vacant storefronts ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and other major events. Program is a partnership between Atlanta Downtown, Showcase Atlanta and Invest Atlanta.
Small Business Improvement Grants
Atlanta’s Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) fuel small business growth and community reinvestment. Small businesses and property owners located in TADs may be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to make interior and exterior improvements to their space. (add a link to the Beltline Small Biz programs, SBIG isn’t available in Beltline TAD)
Technical Assistance
Got questions or need advice on how to position your business for success during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and other major events? Invest Atlanta’s Small Business team offers no-cost technical assistance, including business plan development, marketing, licensing, and financial management support. Add description and link to the app that Showcase Atlanta is setting up for Showcase Certified. Link to schedule of Showcase Technical Assistance Events (Kelsey and Lamar)