Showcase Atlanta Launches $100,000 Digital Marketing Grant Program to Help Small Businesses Scale
Applications Open March 6 for Performance-Driven Google Ads Initiative
ATLANTA—Showcase Atlanta announced the launch of its Digital Marketing Grant Program, a $100,000 investment designed to help independently owned Atlanta small businesses scale revenue through strategic digital advertising. Applications open March 6, 2026, and close March 27, 2026. Selected businesses will be announced on April 10, 2026.
The Digital Marketing Grant (DMG) is not a general marketing subsidy. It is a structured, performance-driven initiative focused exclusively on Google Ads, built for businesses that are ready to convert increased online visibility into measurable revenue. As Atlanta prepares to host major global events and welcome increased national and international attention, the program is designed to ensure local businesses are positioned to compete and grow.
“This initiative is about turning visibility into viability,” said Showcase Atlanta Director of Small Business Kelsey Maynor. “Paid advertising only works if a business is ready to capture demand. We are investing in Atlanta companies that are prepared to scale, while helping others strengthen their digital foundation so they can get there.”
Selected businesses will receive grant dollars deployed directly into Google Ads campaigns, along with structured onboarding and performance tracking to ensure funds are used strategically and effectively. Applications will be reviewed by an independent committee of Showcase Atlanta Ambassadors using a standardized evaluation rubric focused on digital readiness, business viability and growth potential. All selected participants will receive dedicated technical assistance delivered in partnership with the Atlanta Business League and Showcase Atlanta’s marketing partner. This support will help businesses strengthen their digital foundation, refine campaign strategy and maximize return on investment throughout the program.
Learn more about the DMG program here.
To qualify, businesses must be independently owned and physically located within a 1.5-mile radius of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, hold a valid City business license (or be in process) and be in good standing with the Georgia Secretary of State if registered. Applicants must have an active product or service currently available for sale and a live website or landing page capable of converting traffic into customers. Businesses operating outside the 1.5 radius, national chains and franchises, online-only companies and entities that do not meet City compliance standards are not eligible.
The DMG Program is part of Showcase Atlanta’s broader strategy to ensure that major global moments create lasting local economic impact. By strengthening digital capacity now, the initiative aims to help Atlanta’s small businesses capture increased demand not only during major events, but long after.
This initiative is one of several resources provided to Atlanta’s small business community and entrepreneurs announced by Mayor Andre Dickens earlier this month, including the Showcase Atlanta Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator—a competitive program designed to sharpen the business models of the city’s next generation of leaders.
“Global attention only matters if it translates into local opportunity,” added Maynor. “This program ensures Atlanta businesses are digitally competitive, discoverable and ready to grow.”
Full eligibility requirements and application details are available at www.showcaseatlanta.com.
