Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms recently launched two new relief funds for the city’s creative industry and beauty industry workers who have encountered economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Invest Atlanta will serve as the program administrator for the two funds.

The Strength in Beauty Fund provides grant opportunities through a fiscal partnership with the United Way to assist the independent cosmetology workforce, including barbers, manicurists, skincare specialists and makeup artists.

“Atlanta is a vibrant city and international hub for creatives and entertainment industry leaders,” said Mayor Bottoms. “We want to ensure our talent and cultural arts sectors are stable and well-supported during this time. This fund will help our creative artists continue to enrich our lives and our communities.”

The creATL Relief fund will assist Atlanta’s creative community working in the gig economy with grants to alleviate economic hardship caused by project cancellations and other pandemic-related disruptions. The fund was launched through a public/private collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Mayor’s Office of City Planning, Invest Atlanta, and City National Bank.

“Atlanta has thrived on its rich history as home to some of the most skilled and creative cosmetologists and beauty brands for decades,” said Mayor Bottoms. As a city, we want to uplift those that take their time each day to brighten the lives of so many through their work.”

Both funds offer grants of $1,000 per applicant. Both funds are actively accepting additional donations through atlstrong.org/donation/.