Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund

Downtown Pop-Up Opportunity Fund

Status: Application deadline has closed (March 6, 2026). Applications are under review and grant award winners will be announced soon.

Overview: A grant initiative supported by the Eastside and Westside TADs, designed to accelerate the lease and activation of vacant or underutilized small commercial storefronts within Downtown Atlanta. The program specifically supports independent, locally owned retail and restaurant businesses seeking to occupy storefront locations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other upcoming large-scale events.

Geographic Scope: Downtown Atlanta area within Eastside or Westside TAD boundaries (use Address Look-up Tool to verify eligibility)

Award Amount: Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, helping cover tenant improvement costs

Administering Organization: Central Atlanta Progress, in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Showcase Atlanta

Focus Areas & Eligible Improvements

Grant funds may be used for physical improvements in a previously vacant space that:

Comply with local zoning, design and historic preservation guidelines

Enhance customer experience and storefront appearance, function, and condition

Eligible uses include:

Construction of walls, ceilings, and structural elements

Flooring, painting, lighting

Booth-specific electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems

Signage, canopies, awnings, vendor branding

Food prep surfaces, counters, fixed displays

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (up to 20% of total grant)

Eligibility Requirements

Qualified Small Business Applicants must:

Be independently owned and operated by a local entrepreneur (franchises and national chains are ineligible)

Local definition: Metro Atlanta area, with preference to City of Atlanta based entities

Business Type: Retail or restaurant operator, including soft good retailer, café, bakery, bar, full-service restaurant, or specialty retailer (professional services such as accounting, legal, marketing, consulting that do not primarily serve retail consumers are ineligible)

Location: Must have a new letter of intent, lease, or license agreement for a vacant storefront in the Downtown area within Eastside or Westside TAD boundaries

Not currently operating: Businesses currently operating in an existing leased space are not eligible; funds cannot be used to improve an already-occupied location

Property Owner Applicants must:

Own commercial property within the Downtown Atlanta area within Eastside or Westside TAD boundaries

Control vacant or underutilized storefronts available for lease to eligible small businesses

Have legal authority to enter into a lease or tenant improvement agreement with qualifying small businesses

Have a new letter of intent, lease, or license agreement for a vacant storefront in the eligible area

Contact Information

Email: retail@atlantadowntown.com (subject line: "Program Questions")

Program Resources:

Full Program Guidelines (available on website)

Informational Webinar Recording

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Download available

Address Look-up Tool (to verify location eligibility)

Small Business Interest Form (to obtain list of available spaces)

Property Owner Interest Form (to obtain list of businesses seeking short-term leases)