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.

RESOURCES

The Road to FIFA and Beyond

In Summer 2026, Atlanta will host the world’s biggest sporting event. Learn more on how to get involved. Learn more: The Road to FIFA - ATL Direct

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.

PROGRAMS

Showcase Atlanta Event Registry

Showcase Atlanta is dedicated to supporting and promoting local businesses eager to participate in major events hosted in our city.

By registering, you’ll join Atlanta’s supplier network and Showcase Atlanta’s business directory, ensuring you’re informed about contract opportunities, connecting major-event planners and corporations with local businesses for major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Learn More and Register

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. This program is a partnership between Atlanta Downtown, Showcase Atlanta and Invest Atlanta.

Learn More and Apply

Showcase Atlanta Small Business Resources 

Showcase Atlanta is excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new slate of small business events, engagement opportunities, and impact-driven resources designed to support growth and connection. Be sure to sign up with Showcase Atlanta to stay informed on small business resources and essential City of Atlanta coordination updates. (Coming Soon)

Technical Assistance

Are You Large Scale Event Ready? 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.

Take the Showcase Atlanta 10-min Assessment to find out how your business can benefit from major events in Atlanta, you will get a personalized readiness report and gain access to Large Event Readiness Courses and Live Sessions.

Begin the assessment here: Showcase Business Assessment 

Beltline Landing Page - https://beltline.org/fifa-world-cup/

The Beltline has launched a centralized FIFA World Cup Digital Information Hub, serving as a one-stop resource for residents, small businesses, creatives, and visitors alike. The hub will feature World Cup related information, live event listings across the nearly 17-mile activation corridor, dining, recreation, and cultural recommendations, and resources and guidance to help small businesses participate in and benefit from World Cup opportunities. 

Beltline Business Ventures - https://beltline.org/work/small-business/beltline-business-ventures/

Beltline Business Ventures is a small business accelerator Office that supports local businesses by providing the tailored services, technical assistance and resources they need to scale and physically locate their businesses in the Beltline Planning Area. This year’s cohort is to help businesses prepare for large-scale events like FIFA World Cup.

Business Readiness & Activation Playbook - https://a-us.storyblok.com/f/1020195/x/d0f134abdc/fifa26-readiness-toolkit.pdf

A single, comprehensive guide designed to help businesses prepare for increased visibility and demand, understand how to participate in World Cup–related activity, and navigate City and FIFA guidelines for activations and public viewings along the Atlanta Beltline. The Digital Hub will continue to be updated with additional resources, opportunities, and information as plans evolve.