Invest Atlanta, as part of the Atlanta Open for Business Fund supported by Wells Fargo and in partnership with United Way of Greater at Atlanta, has launched the Atlanta Commercial Property Improvement Grant (CPIG) program to support small businesses located in the city of Atlanta.

Grocery store owners and operators can now apply for grants up to $50,000 that can be used to make internal and external improvements to their commercial property. Applications will be evaluated based on the proposed project's impact on community accessibility, enhancement of the property, and alignment with the City of Atlanta’s food access goals.

Applications will be accepted through August 26 at 5pm.  

Are you a grocery operator looking to improve your business? Register for our no-cost consulting services in partnership with the Independent Grocers Alliance. Sign up here.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• For-profit businesses and non profits operating grocery retail in commercial properties with a total building size smaller than 15,000 square feet located in the city of Atlanta are eligible to apply
• Small businesses who lease their commercial space should have a minimum of 1-year left on their lease and will need approval from the property owner.
• Applicants must show a current City of Atlanta business license.
• Owners of vacant commercial properties that meet the size requirements may be eligible to apply.  Please reach out to the Program Manager prior to submitting application, as vacant properties may be eligible if scope of work will bring them into leasable condition.

• Small businesses in multi-tenant commercial buildings with a total building size smaller than 15,000 square feet are eligible.

• Awardees must provide a match equal to at least 10% of the grant award.
• Priority will be given to small businesses located in disinvested areas of the city. Check if your property is in a Disinvested Area.
• Ineligible Applicants include:
  • ​Properties constructed in the last 10 years are not eligible.
  • Properties with national credit tenants (i.e., national chain businesses) are not eligible.
  • Properties occupied by religious institutions and public agencies are not eligible.
  • Properties not zoned for commercial use are not eligible
  • Properties operating as package stores or for purposes of adult entertainment, including gambling, are not eligible.

Eligible Uses

Improvements should visually enhance the interior and/or exterior of the subject property and meet the following guidelines:

• Eligible exterior improvements include:
  • Painting
  • Lighting
  • Windows, doors, framing, etc.
  • Signage, canopies, awnings, etc.
  • Gates, fencing, landscaping, etc.
  • Building surface repairs: concrete, siding, limestone, etc.
  • Surface upgrades on the ground: tiling, asphalt resurfacing, etc.
• Eligible interior improvements include:
  • Flooring, walls and ceiling upgrades
  • HVAC, water heater, plumbing, electrical, and other systems repairs
  • Structural repairs to walls, floors, stairs, and interior doors
  • Point of Sale technology
  • Walk-in coolers
  • Misting systems
  • Produce display/storage systems
• Certain soft costs, such as architectural and planning services are eligible but shall not exceed 10% of grant amount.
• Operations, inventory, and other soft costs are not eligible expenses.

Application Submission

Applications must be submitted via Neighborly. No hard copy applications will be accepted.  Applications should include upload of all required components, as outlined above.

Questions or assistance with an application should be directed to: Ashley Rivera ([email protected]) and Markeena Novembre ([email protected]). 

Grant Funding

Approved grants are subject to the terms and conditions of an executed grant agreement.  Grant proceeds cannot be used for improvements completed prior to application approval and execution of Grant Agreement.  Grant proceeds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis or will be used to pay project vendors directly upon submission of invoices from grantee and verification by Invest Atlanta. Requisitions for grant funds cannot be submitted more frequently than every 30 days and are subject to the terms and conditions identified in the grant agreement.   

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