Major events bring global attention—but real impact happens when local businesses are ready to participate.
Showcase Atlanta is the City of Atlanta’s hub connecting small businesses to opportunities tied to major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and beyond.
We help Atlanta-based entrepreneurs understand what opportunities exist, what it takes to be ready, and how to connect to trusted partners offering funding, training, and technical assistance.
Learn more and get started below.
Showcase Atlanta Small Business Resources
Small Business Programs & Opportunities
Unsure where to start? We’ve got you.
Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an established business looking to grow, Showcase Atlanta offers multiple ways to get connected and prepared. Here’s a simple place to begin:
Join the Vendor Directory to increase your visibility for major events and opportunities
Take the 10-minute Business Readiness Assessment to see how prepared you are and get a personalized roadmap
Join us for an event or workshop to learn, connect and ask questions in real time
Explore the programs and opportunities below to see what’s available across funding, training and support
Connect to trusted resources that can help you strengthen and grow your business
(Participation and access to opportunities are not guaranteed, but these tools are designed to help you get ready and stay informed.)
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Get discovered by event producers, corporate buyers and partners looking for Atlanta-based businesses.
Create a business profile
Opt in to be visible for major-event opportunities
Grow your exposure beyond a single event
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An all-in-one readiness experience powered by Showcase Atlanta partners.
Take a 10-minute assessment to understand your readiness
Receive a personalized readiness report
Access self-paced courses and live workshops
Learn what it really takes to scale for large-scale events
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Showcase Atlanta supports curated pop-up and market opportunities that allow businesses to sell, showcase, and test products during major moments.
Short-term, high-visibility opportunities
Curated vendor opportunities
Hands-on experience that builds capacity and confidence
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Hands-on learning with experts and partners focused on:
Marketing and operations
Compliance and procurement
Scaling for increased demand
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Need staff? Looking for work?
Showcase Atlanta’s Workforce Expo connects employers and job seekers to help businesses prepare for peak event periods, and build stronger teams beyond them.
Trusted Partner Resources
Showcase Atlanta works alongside trusted City agencies and community partners to connect small businesses with capital, technical assistance, training and other resources.
Explore the partners below to see:
What each organization offers
Who is eligible
How to apply or get started
Click into each partner to learn more about the specific programs and support available.
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Invest Atlanta is the City of Atlanta’s economic development authority and a primary provider of small business funding and no-cost technical assistance.
Best for businesses seeking:
Grants and loan programs
Business plan and financial guidance
Licensing, compliance, and technical assistance
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The Atlanta Beltline supports small businesses located in or seeking to operate within the Beltline Planning Area, including pop-ups, storefront activations, and event-related opportunities.
Best for businesses interested in:
Beltline-area pop-ups and activations
Corridor-based business support
World Cup–related opportunities along the Beltline
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Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) works to strengthen Downtown Atlanta by supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and property activation—particularly through short-term retail and pop-up opportunities.
Best for businesses interested in:
Short-term pop-ups and storefront activations in Downtown Atlanta
Testing a retail concept before committing to a long-term lease
High-visibility locations during major events and peak periods
Through partnerships with Showcase Atlanta and Invest Atlanta, CAP helps connect local businesses to opportunities that activate vacant storefronts and bring energy to Downtown corridors.
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ATL.Direct is the City of Atlanta’s central hub for permits, licenses, and operational requirements for doing business in the city.
Best for businesses that need:
Business licenses and renewals
Permitting guidance
City compliance information
WHAT TO EXPECT
Showcase Atlanta does not guarantee contracts, funding or placement.
We do guarantee access, information, tools and support.
Success looks like:
Being more prepared than you were before
Understanding where your business fits (and where it doesn’t)
Getting connected to the right people and resources
Building momentum that lasts beyond one event
How Showcase Atlanta Supports Small Businesses
Showcase Atlanta was created to ensure Atlanta’s small businesses are informed, prepared and connected as major events come to the city.
We serve as the front door, helping business navigate a growing ecosystem of programs, partners and opportunities.
We focus on:
Making opportunities clear and accessible
Helping businesses understand what readiness looks like
Connecting entrepreneurs to trusted City and regional partners
Supporting growth that lasts beyond a single event or contract
This work is about building capacity, not chasing hype, so business are better positioned today and stronger tomorrow.
New opportunities, workshops and resources are added regularly.
Sign up to:
Get notified when new programs launch
Receive City and partner updates relevant to small businesses
Stay ahead of major events and opportunities
