The City of Decatur is continuing its push to strengthen its downtown retail and restaurant scene through a new round of small business grants. The grants focus on enhancing and reinforcing these businesses. This time, the city has approved 27 grants worth $113,316 for the projects.
Decatur Approves $113K in Business Improvement Grants
Each fiscal year, the City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) allocate funding to support downtown small businesses. These funds are distributed through multiple grant programs designed to support downtown storefronts and operations. The grants support projects ranging from storefront upgrades and interior renovations to marketing and digital improvements.
A total of $200,000 was allocated to three programs, of which $113,316 has been approved for this round. In this round, 27 grants were awarded across 19 businesses. The remaining $86,684 will be available for new applicants, and the window for this reopened on January 5, running through January 23.
“As we begin a new year, we are thrilled to celebrate the latest recipients of our ongoing small business grants program—while opening up a new window for more of our entrepreneurs to participate,” said Conor McNally, DDA chair. “These programs have contributed more than $580,000 to Downtown Decatur businesses since their inception in 2023, supporting the critical work it takes to keep our restaurant and retail district as strong as any in Metro Atlanta.”
Here’s How the Grants Were Distributed
The grants have been allocated under three programs: the Commercial Facade Improvement Grants (CFIG), Commercial Buildout Improvement Grants (CBIG), and Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grants (MDCG). Under each program, several projects will take place, with the amount allocated to each.
Under the Commercial Facade Improvement Grants, 13 projects have been approved. Along with this, $60,705 has been approved for the same. The projects include murals, new signage, energy-efficient windows, facade repairs, and more. Approved projects include:
- Bench Warmers Sports Grill: A mural has been approved for installation.
- Chai Pani: Upgrade to energy-efficient windows and awnings has been approved.
- The Foodie’s Place: Facade repairs, painting, and updated lighting were approved.
- Foxtail Coffee Co.: Exterior lighted signage installation has been approved.
- Kimball House: Architectural upgrades, painting, and lighting were approved.
- Little Empire: The project includes storefront signage, lighting accents, and exterior seating.
- Mezcalito’s Cantina: Installation of energy-efficient windows and awnings has been approved.
- Phone Doc Atl: Installation of an exterior blade sign has been approved.
- Raging Burrito: The project includes the replacement of the back entrance door.
- Siam Thai Restaurant: Exterior, lighted signage was approved.
- Sushi Avenue: New exterior and lighted signage installation has been approved.
- Sushi Avenue on The Square: A lighted blade sign has been approved for installation.
- Toco Classic Barbers: New exterior signage was approved.
Under the Commercial Buildout Improvement Grants, nine projects have been approved. A sum of $43,424 has been approved for interior renovation projects. Here are the details of the projects:
- Adore Hair Studio: The project includes space built out to expand operations.
- Cat Eye Creative: Installation of accent lighting in the gallery has been approved.
- Clarity Fitness: The project includes the demolition and replacement of faulty HVAC pipes.
- Farm Burger: Exterior and interior painting, and flooring repairs have been approved.
- The Foodie’s Place: The project includes bathroom renovations and interior painting.
- Little Empire: New lighting, flooring, storage, and display installations have been approved.
- O’Sullivan’s on The Square: The project includes the replacement of the built-in beverage refrigeration system.
- Sushi Avenue: The project includes the repair of the electrical systems and flooring.
- Toco Classic Barbers: Flooring and customer bathroom upgrades have been approved.
Under the Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grants, five projects have been approved. A total of $9,187 was allocated to projects such as website redesigns and digital content creation.
- Cat Eye Creative: Development of content for its website and social media platforms has been approved.
- The Intown Retreat: Creation of content for its website and social media platforms has been approved.
- Phone Doc Atl: The project includes digital content, SEO, and social media advertising to be overhauled.
- Siam Thai Restaurant: Production of creative assets for its social media channels has been approved.
- Ta-Ma-Hound: The project includes a website redesign and the setting of new SEO strategies.
How the Grants Work
The grants given to these businesses will cover up to 75% of the costs of the approved projects. The business owner is responsible for a minimum of 25% of the same. The DDA contributes a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000 for CFIG and CBIG programs. For the MDCG program, a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $2,500 will be allocated.
The DDA oversight committee reviews all submissions once the application window has closed. Once approved, the project must begin within six months and be completed within 18 months.
The Decatur WatchFest ‘26 will be held in Downtown Decatur. The 34 days of free, outdoor screenings of matches at the Decatur Square, along with live music, and more. With retailers and restaurants expecting increased foot traffic, these improvements are expected to play a key role in preparing downtown businesses.
