Small Business Grants Georgia

Financial help is a reality most small businesses face. When owners require funding, they turn to lenders, loans, or grant programs. Before applying, owners should learn the eligibility requirements for each. 

Georgia small business owners and entrepreneurs must consider operating expenses and startup costs. Review business plans, revenue loss, rent, and payroll when applying for business loans. 

Applying for a grant may seem like a simple process, but it is more than filling out a form. It requires researching, investing time, and effort. Business owners who find suitable federal, state, and regional loan programs should apply.

Small business owners may be self-employed or sole proprietors. No matter the ownership category, learn about business needs and the use of funds. 

To receive grant approval, owners may need to supply company information. i.e., the reason for financial help and required accompanying documentation. If eligible small businesses cannot show a need for funding, they are less likely to receive the loan. 

To avoid grant denial, learn about the types of loans available. Find ones specific to the business type, location, and need. It is also crucial that owners familiarize themselves with a loan's eligibility criteria. The best rule to follow -- before you apply, learn if you qualify.

Remember, owners should look beyond the loans only available in Georgia. Research federal and state loans, too.

Here is a list of federal, state, and regional grants. Georgia small business owners and entrepreneurs can use these when needing financial help.

1. Early Stage Innovation Fund

The Early State Innovation Fund supports entrepreneurs with business and job growth. It increases access to working capital. 

The U.S. government agency, Small Business Administration (SBA), helps small businesses.

2. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

(It includes newly eligible U.S. agricultural businesses.)

The loan offers 30-year maturity. It also has an automatic one-year deferment before monthly payments begin. 

3. Small Business Administration (SBA) Debt Relief

SBA Debt Relief provides small businesses with financial reprieve during COVID-19. SBA loans cover 6-months of principal, interest, and any associated fees borrowers owe. i.e., new 7(a), 504, and Microloans.

4. Invest Atlanta 

Invest Atlanta encourages business development in the City of Atlanta. They offer businesses funding and incentives for projects. 

Invest Atlanta also helps businesses discover Atlanta and inspires city growth and expansion. 

5. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

With 18 offices, ranging from Rome to Valdosta, the SBDC is one of Georgia's top providers of small business help. 

The SBDC serves the needs of many in the business community. They have a network of statewide partners helping entrepreneurs and innovators achieve success.

6. SBA 504 Loan Program 

The SBA 504 Loan Program provides financial and technical help to specific businesses. 

The program provides loans to small-minority and female-owned businesses. It can provide up to $5 million to these business types for relocating or expanding in the City of Atlanta.

7. Atlanta Cares Revolving Loan Fund (ACRLF) 

The Atlanta Cares Revolving Loan Fund (ACRLF) provides financial help to small businesses. The support is in response to economic disruptions by COVID-19. Its focus is to relieve businesses from severe economic dislocation caused by COVID-19.

8. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Small Business Grant Program

The ARPA Small Business Grant Program helps reduce the impact of COVID-19 in the City of Norcross.

In partnership with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), the program offers $600K. Qualified small businesses affected by COVID-19 can receive funds for operating expenses.

The program originates from the American Rescue Plan Act. The Act regulates the use of funds. 

The program's goal is to stabilize small businesses hit hard by the pandemic in Norcross. It helps with employee retention, rent payments, and other operating expenses. 

9. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is the creation of the U.S. federal government. Its goal is to support specific businesses with COVID-19 relief. 

The PPP is a $953-billion business loan program.

10. Atlanta Catalyst Fund 

The Atlanta Catalyst Fund helps small businesses in distressed neighborhoods with job creation. It serves businesses with lower capital needs, with funding from $50-100K. 

11. Atlanta Street Vendor Loan Fund 

The Atlanta Street Vendor Loan Fund helps permitted street vendors. They provide the funds for vendors to buy vending carts in the City of Atlanta. 

The vending cart operator must be compliant with the vending ordinance. The loan amount can be up to $3,000.

12. Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) is part of the American Rescue Plan Act. 

The program supports restaurants and other businesses to continue operating during the pandemic. It provides entities with funds equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss. The amount is up to $10M per business. No more than $5M can go to one physical location. 

If recipients use the funds before March 11th, 2023, they are not required to repay the funding.

13. Community Loan Fund 

The Community Loan Fund provides financial support to businesses. The amount starts at $10,000 and can go up to $30,000.

Businesses can use this loan for working capital.

14. Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF) 

The Economic Opportunity Fund (EOF) is a discretionary fund based on the project. 

The funding is for eligible activities. i.e., job retention and development in the city of Atlanta.

Grant programs and other resources are subject to change or close anytime. Georgia's small business owners should visit the website of each loan program. The site will provide updates, qualifications, and application information.

Additional Grant Resources:

• Complete List of Small Business Grants
• Small Business Grants for Women
• Veteran Small Business Grants
• Minority Small Business Grants