On February 4, 2026, Atlanta announced an expanded package of resources for small business owners preparing for the FIFA World Cup: marketing grants, low-interest loans, and a youth entrepreneurship accelerator that will put young business owners on the ground during the tournament.
The programs are part of Showcase Atlanta, the city's initiative to ensure that the World Cup benefits the businesses and workers who are already here — not just the visitors arriving for matches.
The Money
Central Atlanta Progress and Invest Atlanta are offering two tracks of financial support. Marketing grants of $5,000 are available to eligible small businesses in downtown Atlanta to help with World Cup preparation — signage, inventory, staffing, whatever puts them in position to serve the surge.
CAP President A.J. Robinson framed the grants around a specific priority: occupied storefronts. "Active occupied retail storefronts are a critical component to the walkable, safe and engaging street environment that all of us are focused on delivering in the city center," he said. The limited grants will go to downtown landlords seeking short-term occupants — filling empty ground-floor spaces before the World Cup crowds arrive.
Invest Atlanta's Business Readiness Loan Fund will accept approximately 100 applicants. CEO Eloisa Klementich outlined the terms: loans from $5,000 to $15,000 with a 5% match, maturing over up to three years. The key detail: "Payments on these loans won't happen until August" — meaning businesses can invest now and start repaying after the tournament revenue has arrived.
Youth Vendor Licenses
Showcase Atlanta will also run a youth entrepreneurship accelerator for people under 21 interested in building a business. The program is part of the FIFA Human Rights Action Plan that all host cities must develop.
Mayor Andre Dickens announced that select participants will receive something unique: "Those young entrepreneurs will receive a special ATL Youth Vendor License, which will allow them to obtain opportunities, funding, and a vendor space to sell their goods during the upcoming FIFA World Cup games of 2026."
For a city that talks frequently about inclusive economic development, putting young entrepreneurs on the ground with licensed vendor space during the biggest event in downtown Atlanta's recent history is a tangible step.
Original reporting by Amanda Andrews, Georgia Public Broadcasting, February 4, 2026.