Nine small businesses inside the historic Sweet Auburn Municipal Market will receive funding to improve their storefronts ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and other major events expected to bring more visitors to the city.
Today, the board of Invest Atlanta approved $90,000 in Tax Allocation District funding to support merchants inside the market. Each business will receive a $10,000 grant.
The funding will help pay for upgrades such as new signage, lighting, and other storefront improvements to make the market more welcoming for both residents and visitors.
“The Municipal Market has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood since 1924 and investing in fresh food access and entrepreneurship is a hallmark of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative,” said Andre Dickens. “As we prepare to host one of the largest sporting events in the world, it is critical that our local businesses operating within the market are front and center when presented with opportunities that will produce long term benefits. Investments like these help elevate our entrepreneurs who define our unique identity, which will build a stronger Atlanta for decades to come.”
Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich said the funding is intended to support the long-term success of the market’s small businesses.
“Invest Atlanta is committed to ensuring that the small business owners who are the heart of the municipal market have the resources they need to be successful,” she said. “The World Cup is a catalyst, but this investment is about something bigger. It’s about the long-term vitality of the Sweet Auburn community and the entrepreneurs who are key contributors to the city’s economy who have anchored this community for generations.”
According to Municipal Market Executive Director Jeff Delp, Invest Atlanta has helped direct funding toward preserving and strengthening businesses in the market while preparing them for increased activity as Atlanta welcomes visitors from around the world.
Businesses receiving grants
The following vendors will receive Municipal Market Vendor Success Grant funding:
- Philly G Cheesesteaks
- Parks Meat Market
- East Atlanta Treehouse
- A Taste of Secrets
- Metro Deli
- Retro Deli Grill
- Vieux Carré Bistro
- Earl of Sandwich Shop
- S&H Produce
Amy Mugar of Philly G Cheesesteaks said the funding will help improve the customer experience.
“The grant money will be used to make our booth more efficient, professional, cohesive to our other locations, and a better experience for our customers,” she said. “As a small business owner, it is a struggle sometimes to obtain funding or assistance, so this will help us go forward with our business and grow.”
The Sweet Auburn Municipal Market is home to more than 30 small businesses and has served Atlanta residents for more than a century as a hub for food access and entrepreneurship in the Sweet Auburn district.
