Invest Atlanta’s Board of Directors has approved $250,000 in Small Business Improvement Grants to support five established local businesses with essential property improvements. Each business will receive $50,000 through Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding to modernize their facilities and enhance customer experiences while preserving their vital role in Atlanta’s cultural and economic fabric.
The grants represent part of Mayor Andre Dickens’ broader commitment to strengthening small businesses that serve as community anchors throughout the city, according to a release from Invest Atlanta.
“Legacy businesses shaped our neighborhoods and served as anchors in our local economy,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Invest Atlanta Board Chair. “These tax allocation district grants are part of a larger commitment to our small businesses so they can continue to grow, modernize and continue to make an economic and cultural impact on their communities for many more years to come.”
The selected businesses demonstrated longstanding community commitment, historical significance, and clear improvement plans, the release said. Grant funding will support building repairs, infrastructure upgrades, interior renovations, accessibility enhancements, and other capital improvements essential for long-term sustainability.
Grant recipients include:
Atlanta Human Performance Center, Inc. (Campbellton TAD) – This Greenbriar neighborhood physical therapy and wellness facility will use grant funds for interior and exterior improvements, prioritizing accessibility and comfort for patients with mobility impairments.
The Atlanta Voice (Stadium TAD) – The historic Black-owned newspaper, founded in 1966 in Mechanicsville, will invest in property improvements while continuing to expand its digital and multimedia capabilities to serve Atlanta’s community.
Fred Martin Welding Co., Inc. (Eastside TAD) – The family-owned metal fabrication business has provided welding and metalwork services in Old Fourth Ward for more than 40 years and will use funds for comprehensive property improvements.
Henri’s Bakery (Perry Bolton TAD) – Founded in 1929, this Bolton neighborhood location serves as both a retail outlet and production facility for all seven Henri’s locations. The current owner’s great-grandfather established this Atlanta institution.
RWL German Imports (Eastside TAD) – Operating on Edgewood Avenue since 1983, this automotive repair shop specializing in German vehicles will upgrade its 3,750-square-foot facility in Old Fourth Ward.
“This initiative not only empowers entrepreneurs to improve their business for the future but also fosters community growth with vibrancy that attracts customers and new investment,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “We are projecting more than half a million dollars in economic impact from these grants, but more importantly ensuring our longtime businesses remain strong, resilient, and positioned to thrive.”
Since 2022 under the Dickens administration, Invest Atlanta has invested $36.2 million in Atlanta small businesses through loan, grant and technical assistance programs, the release said.
Click here more information about Invest Atlanta’s Small Business Improvement Grant program.
