As Atlanta prepares to welcome major global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™, city leaders are focused on one clear goal: making sure these events happen with Atlanta, not to Atlanta.
That’s the purpose behind Showcase Atlanta—a nonprofit initiative designed to ensure local residents, entrepreneurs and businesses are positioned not just to participate, but to benefit.
Right now, several opportunities are open across the city.
Workforce Expo: Jobs, Training and Free Career Support
Looking for work—or your next step?
The Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo takes place March 5–6, connecting job seekers directly with employers, training providers and workforce partners preparing for large-scale events and long-term growth.
More than 100 employers will be hiring for part-time, full-time and seasonal roles.
Attendees will also receive free:
- Professional headshots
- Resume support
- LinkedIn profile optimization
- Interview attire
This event is hosted in partnership with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and the Atlanta Department of Labor and Employment Services, with support from community organizations committed to helping residents succeed.
Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator: $30,000 in Grant Funding
If you’re between 16 and 21 and already running a business—or ready to launch one—the Showcase Atlanta Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator could help you scale.
Selected participants will complete a five-week training program focused on:
- Market validation
- Revenue modeling
- Branding
- Pitch preparation
Participants will compete for a share of $30,000 in grant funding to support legitimate business expenses. Some winners may also have the opportunity to serve as vendors during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, placing Atlanta’s young entrepreneurs on a global stage.
Applications close March 9, 2026.
Digital Marketing Grant for Small Businesses
Small businesses near Mercedes-Benz Stadium have another opportunity to prepare for increased global attention.
The Digital Marketing Grant Program will support businesses within a 1.5-mile radius of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, helping them strengthen their online presence, improve visibility and compete in a global marketplace.
Applications open March 6 and close March 27. Selected businesses will be announced April 10.
When the world looks to Atlanta, our businesses should be ready to be seen.
FIFA and Hospitality Jobs Now Hiring
As preparations continue, FIFA has begun posting job openings across operations, communications, events and more.
In addition, On Location—the Official FIFA Hospitality Provider—is actively hiring for full-time and event-time roles as it builds tournament-time teams.
These roles are part of the global workforce supporting FIFA events and operations.
Atlanta Businesses: Get Contract-Ready Now
Businesses interested in event-related contracts should register with the Georgia Procurement Registry. Many state-level RFPs and contracting opportunities—including those tied to the FIFA Fan Festival in Centennial Olympic Park—are posted there. Businesses must be registered to compete.
Atlanta-based businesses are encouraged to:
- Register as a supplier with the State of Georgia
- Monitor the registry weekly for new postings
Several Fan Festival-related opportunities are already live.
But registration is just the first step.
Joint Venture Virtual Session — March 12, 10:00 a.m.
This session will cover:
- Joint Venture structures and requirements
- Bid and solicitation submittal expectations
- Roles and responsibilities
- Compliance standards
Whether forming a new JV or strengthening an existing partnership, this discussion will offer practical guidance and best practices to help businesses remain compliant, competitive and positioned for success.
Contract Compliance Workshop — April 14, 10:00 a.m. (In-Person)
This session will walk through:
- Fundamentals of City contracting
- Compliance expectations
- Reporting requirements
- Use of the SDMS system
- Key processes to help businesses compete successfully
Whether you are a prime contractor, subcontractor or exploring future opportunities, this workshop will provide practical insights to avoid common pitfalls and ensure you are fully prepared to meet City requirements.
Why This Matters
This work is about equity. It’s about economic inclusion. And it’s about ensuring the pride, energy and investment surrounding global events translate into long-term opportunity for Atlanta families.
Through programs like these, Showcase Atlanta supports the Mayor’s pillars of Opportunity for All and Built for the Future—ensuring workforce development, youth entrepreneurship and small business growth remain central to Atlanta’s global moment.
Atlanta is built for this moment. Now is the time to step forward and take part.
To explore these opportunities and learn more, visit Showcase Atlanta and read more about the Road to FIFA hub on ATL.Direct.
