DECATUR, Ga. — The City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority announced another round of recipients for their small business improvement grants, this time approving $116,000 for 13 businesses.
According to a city and authority representative, the businesses were awarded as part of grants from the Commercial Facade Improvement Grant (CFIG), Commercial Building Improvement Grant (CBIG) and Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grant (MDCG).
In July 2024, $200,000 was allocated for the program, and $84,000 is still available for applications. The application window ends on Feb. 7.
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“As we open 2025, it’s the perfect time to reveal the substantial investments we are making through our extensive grant programs,” Conor McNally, DDA chair, said in a statement. “We saw a record number of approved applications in this latest round, and the most obvious sign of buy-in is how many entrepreneurs utilized multiple programs to truly transform their businesses in the new year. With our second application window now open, we look forward to more opportunities to showcase the DDA’s commitment to our small business community.”
According to a representative, grants cover up to 75% of any approved project, with the businesses themselves responsible for the rest. The different program options have different contribution limits as well.
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“The CFIG and CBIG allow for minimum contributions from the DDA of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000, while the MDCG has a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $2,500 for approved projects,” a release on the grant awards said.
Officials said that once projects are approved, they’re required to start within six months and be finished within 18 months, as long as they’re consistent with the City of Decatur’s permitting process.
Here are the grant awards that have been approved through the various programs so far:
- Belen de la Cruz Parilla Argentina, $3,207 for exterior painting and new signage
- The Chapel on Sycamore, $6,690 for exterior lighting and safety lighting
- Fawn Wine and Amaro Bar, $10,000 for a complete façade renovation
- Little Shop of Stories, $10,000 for façade reconstruction
- O’Sullivan’s On The Square, $9,439 for replacing wood framing and a new front door
- $8,453 for an exterior mural and bike rack
- Takumi Cuisine, $592 for the installation of new electrical signage
- Sharian Rugs, $8,662 for new lighting for their showroom
- Smiley’s Burger Club, $10,000 for new masonry for bathroom and patio seating area
- 547 East College Avenue Automotive, $7,500 for a new awning and lighting
- Belen de la Cruz Parilla Argentina, $6,525 for interior painting tied to a new restaurant concept
- Fawn Wine and Amaro, $10,000 to complete the interior buildout for a new restaurant and bar concept
- Rebel Teahouse, $5,550 for refinishing, resealing and staining
- Smiley’s Burger Club, $10,000 for a bathroom addition to meet city requirements
- Float Atlanta, $1,875 for the creation of a demo video touting the benefits of float therapy
- Kelly’s Market, $2,500 for a brand refresh and website maintenance
- O’Sullivan’s On The Square, $1,875 for a social media campaign touting them as a lunch destination
- Smiley’s Burger Club, $2,500 toward a new website to process online orders
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