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Decatur’s Commitment to Downtown Revitalization

The City of Decatur has embarked on an ambitious journey to bolster its downtown retail and restaurant landscape by launching a new wave of small business grants. This initiative is aimed at greatly enhancing and reinforcing the backbone of the community—its small businesses. In a significant move, the city has approved 27 grants totaling $113,316, specifically designated for projects that will uplift local businesses.

Decatur Approves $113K in Business Improvement Grants

Each fiscal year, the City of Decatur, in collaboration with the Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA), allocates crucial funding to support and revitalize downtown small businesses. This funding comes through various grant programs, specifically designed to uplift downtown storefronts and operational dynamics. These grants aim to facilitate a broad array of projects ranging from aesthetic storefront upgrades and comprehensive interior renovations to essential marketing strategies and digital enhancements.

For this funding cycle, a total of $200,000 was allocated across three distinct programs, with the current round yielding $113,316 for 27 grants distributed among 19 businesses. The remaining amount of $86,684 is still available for new applicants. The application window reopened on January 5 and will run through January 23, allowing other entrepreneurs the chance to apply and benefit from this financial assistance.

“Our commitment to supporting small businesses remains steadfast as we step into a new year. We are delighted to announce the latest recipients of our ongoing small business grants program and simultaneously open the door for more of our local entrepreneurs to join in,” stated Conor McNally, the DDA chair. “Since these programs were established in 2023, they have injected over $580,000 into Downtown Decatur businesses, ensuring that our retail and restaurant district remains a strong competitor in Metro Atlanta.”

Here’s How the Grants Were Distributed

The recent grants have been categorized into three main programs: the Commercial Facade Improvement Grants (CFIG), the Commercial Buildout Improvement Grants (CBIG), and the Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grants (MDCG). Each program is tailored to address specific needs within the business community and has facilitated several significant projects.

Commercial Facade Improvement Grants (CFIG)

In the CFIG category, 13 projects were approved, receiving a funding allocation of $60,705. These grant-funded projects aim to enhance the visual appeal of downtown businesses through artistic murals, contemporary signage, energy-efficient window installations, facade repairs, and more. Notable approved projects include:

• Bench Warmers Sports Grill: Funded installation of a vibrant mural.
• Chai Pani: Upgrade to energy-efficient windows and stylish awnings.
• The Foodie’s Place: Facade repairs, inclusive of creative painting and updated lighting fixtures.
• Foxtail Coffee Co.: Installation of eye-catching exterior lighted signage.
• Kimball House: Substantial architectural upgrades, along with painting and innovative lighting solutions.
• Little Empire: Introduction of new storefront signage, accent lighting, and inviting exterior seating.
• Mezcalito’s Cantina: Installation of energy-efficient windows and aesthetically pleasing awnings.
• Phone Doc Atl: Approved for an exterior blade sign installation.
• Raging Burrito: Replacement of the back entrance door for improved accessibility.
• Siam Thai Restaurant: Installation of new exterior lighted signage.
• Sushi Avenue: New exterior and lighted signage for enhanced visibility.
• Sushi Avenue on The Square: Lighted blade sign approved for enhanced branding.
• Toco Classic Barbers: Funding approved for fresh exterior signage.

Commercial Buildout Improvement Grants (CBIG)

Under the CBIG program, nine projects totaling $43,424 have received approvals for necessary interior renovations. The approved initiatives include:

• Adore Hair Studio: Expanding operational space through a built-out project.
• Cat Eye Creative: Installation of strategic accent lighting in the gallery space.
• Clarity Fitness: Demolition and replacement of outdated HVAC pipes.
• Farm Burger: Comprehensive approval for exterior and interior painting alongside flooring repairs.
• The Foodie’s Place: Upgrades inclusive of bathroom renovations and refreshing interior painting.
• Little Empire: New installations for lighting, flooring, storage options, and display areas.
• O’Sullivan’s on The Square: Replacement of the built-in beverage refrigeration system.
• Sushi Avenue: Project for essential repairs to electrical systems and flooring enhancements.
• Toco Classic Barbers: Enhancements to flooring and customer bathroom upgrades.

Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grants (MDCG)

The MDCG category approved five projects for a total allocation of $9,187, focusing on digital presence and marketing strategy improvements. The specific projects funded include:

• Cat Eye Creative: Development of rich content tailored for website and social media platforms.
• The Intown Retreat: Approved for content creation for their online channels.
• Phone Doc Atl: Project encompassing a complete overhaul of digital content, SEO, and social media advertising strategies.
• Siam Thai Restaurant: Funding for the production of engaging assets for social media outreach.
• Ta-Ma-Hound: Initiative to redesign their website coupled with the establishment of new SEO strategies.

How the Grants Work

These grants are designed to cover up to 75% of the costs associated with the approved projects; however, business owners are required to contribute a minimum of 25%. For the CFIG and CBIG programs, the DDA contributes a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000. In contrast, the MDCG program offers grants between $250 and $2,500.

Once the application window closes, the DDA oversight committee meticulously reviews all submissions. Following approval, recipients are required to commence their projects within six months and ensure completion within 18 months.

Preparing for Future Events

In addition to the expansion of grant opportunities, the Decatur WatchFest ‘26 is scheduled to take place in Downtown Decatur. This exciting event will feature 34 days of free outdoor screenings of various matches at the Decatur Square, complete with live music and an array of activities. These enhancements are anticipated to significantly increase foot traffic, thus playing a pivotal role in prepping downtown businesses to maximize their engagement with the community.

How AI legalese decoder Can Help

Navigating the complexities of grant applications and compliance can be overwhelming for small business owners. This is where AI legalese decoder steps in, simplifying the intricate legal language often found in grant documentation. By breaking down these terms into understandable, actionable advice, AI legalese decoder empowers business owners to effectively understand their obligations and rights. This aids them in making well-informed decisions, ensuring they comply with grant conditions while maximizing the benefits of funding opportunities. As Decatur grows its support for local businesses, tools like AI legalese decoder can play a crucial role in their success.

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