SHOWCASE ATLANTA
Upcoming Events
GET GAME DAY READY WITH SQUARE
Are You Game Day Ready?
Powered by Square
With events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 bringing millions of visitors to Atlanta, small businesses have a huge opportunity to grow. Now is the time to prepare your systems, marketing, and operations for higher customer demand.
Join Square, Google and Showcase Atlanta for a hands-on session designed to help local businesses level up before the crowds arrive.
You will hear from Square experts and fellow Atlanta sellers who are already preparing for the World Cup. Learn the strategies they are using to streamline operations, increase sales, and deliver a seamless customer experience during high-volume events.
Plus, Google's Lisa Landsman will be on-site to lead a hands-on workshop on Google Business Profile, showing you how to use Google's local tools to put your business on the map for the millions of visitors and residents searching for things to do, places to eat, and experiences to enjoy during Atlanta's biggest moments.
Learn how to showcase timely events, post offers and deals, and make sure your business shows up when it matters most.
Trademark Law Panel - Dayna Thomas
SAVE THE DATE! Seats are limited. Registration link coming soon.
As Atlanta prepares for increased tourism and large-scale events, many small businesses look for ways to capitalize on the moment through apparel, merchandise, and creative marketing.
But where is the line between opportunity and infringement?
Join Showcase Atlanta for an important and practical conversation with Trademark Attorney Dayna Thomas, designed to help entrepreneurs understand the real legal risks around trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual property.
This session is specifically designed for retailers, apparel brands, vendors, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who want to grow their business while protecting themselves from costly legal mistakes.
During this interactive discussion, we will explore real-world scenarios such as:
Using phrases like “World Cup” or team names on merchandise
Selling apparel featuring player names, likenesses, or team imagery
Creating marketing materials using AI-generated images of public figures
Producing event-inspired merchandise without official licensing
Why some kiosks and websites appear to sell similar products
What trademark and copyright infringement actually looks like
The financial and legal consequences small businesses can face
How entrepreneurs can legally and responsibly participate in large event markets
This will be a small, focused panel discussion designed to allow meaningful conversation and audience questions — not a lecture.
Our goal is simple:
Help small business owners protect their businesses while still capturing opportunity.
Cyber Readiness Virtual Workshop
Presented by Cyber Alliance
With major global events like the World Cup, cyber threats tend to increase. In this session, Cyber Alliance will share essential tips on how to protect your devices, data, and digital presence before and during the tournament. Learn how to spot common scams, secure your networks, and keep your personal or business information safe.
To register for this event, please create an account on the Small Business Readiness Platform - An all-in-one readiness experience powered by Showcase Atlanta partners.
Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985558596211?aff=oddtdtcreator
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Comes to Atlanta
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest edition of the world’s most popular sporting events yet, with 48 teams vying for soccer’s biggest prize in matches hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The three nations won the right to host in 2018 after a yearlong bidding process. This unprecedented scale brings more attention to the already immensely popular competition, which has traditionally been contested by 32 and hosted by a single nation.
2031 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four
The NCAA men's basketball Final Four is the penultimate round of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, where only four teams remain. The two winning teams from the semi-final games play each other in a single-elimination game to determine the tournament champion. The NCAA men's basketball tournament is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States. The tournament consists of 68 teams that compete in a single-elimination format.
How Square Financial Services Can Work for Your Business
Cash flow gaps, growth opportunities, equipment that won't wait — running a small business means making financial decisions fast. In this session, Brandon Kelly from Square Financial Services breaks down how Square's lending and banking tools are designed specifically for business owners in the trenches. You'll leave with a clearer picture of what's available and whether it makes sense for where your business is headed.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985373015133?aff=oddtdtcreator
Right Funding at the Right Time
Overview
Join Invest Atlanta and Showcase Atlanta for an evening of networking, collaboration and resources for FIFA 2026 World Cup readiness.
Invest Atlanta and Showcase Atlanta are excited to empower business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive during the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Join us for an Access to Capital event featuring a fireside chat with leading banking partners who will share insights on loan readiness, financial preparation, and navigating the loan application process. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect directly with lenders during our partner tabling session.
This is your opportunity to:
Gain valuable knowledge on financial reports, loan readiness, and the loan application process
Learn how local businesses can prepare for the opportunities presented by the FIFA 2026 World Cup
Network with the Invest Atlanta and Showcase Atlanta teams, as well as community lending partners including ACE Loans, Chase Bank, Citizen’s Trust Bank, and Momentus Capital
RSVP today and take the next step toward positioning your business for success!
Work Less, Earn More: Using AI Tools
Ready to work smarter — not harder?
Join us March 19 at Argosy for Work Less. Earn More. Using AI Tools. powered by Verizon Business and featuring digital growth expert John Lawson.
Learn how to:
Automate tasks
Increase sales
Improve marketing
Save time
Use AI tools the right way
This is for entrepreneurs who want real results, not hype.
Register now. Spots are limited.
Invest Atlanta Webinar with Urban League of Greater Atlanta
During the first 60 minutes of the Q & A webinar, attendees receive program details and eligibility requirements for Invest Atlanta Small Business programs. These incentives are designed to assist in starting, sustaining and scaling your business. The remaining 30 minutes are devoted to questions from attendees and answers from Invest Atlanta Small Business Development Team members. The same information is offered at each session, however the questions from attendees will vary and on occasion special guest partners will offer insightful business advice during the webinar.
Huntington Bank Loan Program Overview
Presented by Huntington Bank
In this session, Huntington Bank will provide an overview of their small business loan programs, including eligibility requirements, application tips, and how their lending options can support business growth. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand, learn how to prepare and position your business for funding.
To register for this event, please create an account on the Small Business Readiness Platform - An all-in-one readiness experience powered by Showcase Atlanta partners.
After you create your account, visit the “Upcoming Events” section to register for this virtual live session. showcase.businessboostatl.com
Joint Ventures Webinar
In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance
Learn how to structure joint ventures, build compliant partnerships, and position your business to compete for larger contracting opportunities.
Register Here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ClUaA_PxYkucZD7wLHeYpVtM4ZdBZYFJl6bLChvjO4hUQ1RETjVaQUxKOVQzSzhNQUlJSjlSSlU2NC4u
Westview Business Growth & Readiness Session
You’re invited to Westview Business Growth & Readiness Session: networking, updates and a special Showcase Atlanta presentation.
Westview Business Growth & Readiness Session — Powered by Showcase Atlanta
Event Description:
You’re warmly invited to join us for the upcoming Westview Business Growth & Readiness Session, a collaborative gathering designed to bring together local business owners, partners, and community stakeholders.
This event provides an opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, learn about upcoming district initiatives, and gain insights on how businesses can strengthen their visibility and positioning as Atlanta prepares for increased tourism and large-scale events across the city.
Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo
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.
Learn more: https://showcaseatlanta.com/workforce-expo
Showcase Atlanta Workforce Expo
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.
Learn more: https://showcaseatlanta.com/workforce-expo
Unlocking 2026 World Cup Opportunities
Atlanta will host multiple matches of the 2026 World Cup, including a semifinal. With global visibility, increased tourism, and major event activations across the region, this is a rare economic moment for small businesses.
The question is not whether opportunity is coming.
The question is whether your business is positioned to capture it.
Join us for a strategic session with Kelsey Maynor, Director of Small Business Engagement at Showcase Atlanta, who will share how small businesses can connect to opportunities tied to the 2026 World Cup and other major global events.
During this webinar session, you will gain insight into:
* How Showcase Atlanta’s coordinated resources and business directory connect small businesses to event-driven opportunities
* Funding, grant, marketing, and activation programs designed to increase visibility and revenue
* Practical readiness strategies to scale operations, attract global and local customers, and compete in a high-demand environment
Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/EZh9ChHqT9OToZURprYl8w
World Cup Cyber Readiness
Presented by Cyber Alliance
With major global events like the World Cup, cyber threats tend to increase. In this session, Cyber Alliance will share essential tips on how to protect your devices, data, and digital presence before and during the tournament. Learn how to spot common scams, secure your networks, and keep your personal or business information safe.
To register for this event, please create an account on the Small Business Readiness Platform - An all-in-one readiness experience powered by Showcase Atlanta partners.
After you create your account, visit the “Upcoming Events” section to register for this virtual live session. showcase.businessboostatl.com
5 Cs of Credit and How to get Access with Citizen Trust Bank
Learn about the 5 Cs of Credit and How to Get Access with Citizen Trust Bank.
Join the Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88960661915?pwd=abLCKzsqZnQGeXsEEj0zqU0g0M0YPG.1
Showcase Atlanta Mobile Food Success Lab
Atlanta’s food trucks and mobile food vendors — this one’s for you.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and other major global events on the horizon, now is the time to get prepared.
Capital Ready: Your Next steps with Momentus
Presented by Momentus Capital
This session will introduce participants to Momentus Capital’s approach to supporting diverse entrepreneurs and community-centered small businesses. Attendees will learn about available funding programs, technical assistance, and capacity-building resources designed to help businesses grow sustainably and equitably. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this overview will provide insight into how Momentus Capital can be a strategic partner on your journey.
To register for this event, please create an account on the Small Business Readiness Platform - An all-in-one readiness experience powered by Showcase Atlanta partners.
After you create your account, visit the “Upcoming Events” section to register for this virtual live session. showcase.businessboostatl.com
Citizens Trust Bank - 5 Cs of Credit and How to get Access
Presented by Citizens Trust Bank
Understanding credit is key to building and growing your business. In this session, Citizens Trust Bank will break down the 5 Cs of Credit—Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions—and explain how lenders use them to evaluate loan applications. Participants will also learn practical steps to improve their creditworthiness and gain access to funding.
To register for this event, please create an account on the Small Business Readiness Platform - An all-in-one readiness experience powered by Showcase Atlanta partners.
After you create your account, visit the “Upcoming Events” section to register for this virtual live session. showcase.businessboostatl.com
Meet the Money People Summit with Urban League of Greater Atlanta
Knowledge of capital resources for small business growth is invaluable. Acknowledgement of this truth is the driving force behind ULGA’s Meet the Money People. Attendees learn and explore ways to attain funding via venture capital, angel investors, grants, and loans. Many small business owners in the communities we serve rarely have the chance for face-to-face involvement with “the money people,” nor have they had access to relationships with financial institutions they can call on in times of disruption. This event changes that.
Purchase tickets: https://ulgatl.org/mtmp/
Square - Accepting All Forms of Payment
Presented by Square
In this session, Square will walk participants through how to accept every major form of payment—safely and efficiently. From chip cards and contactless payments to mobile wallets and online checkout, learn how Square’s tools help streamline sales, reduce friction at the point of purchase, and make it easier for customers to pay how they choose.
To register for this event, please create an account on the Small Business Readiness Platform - An all-in-one readiness experience powered by Showcase Atlanta partners.
After you create your account, visit the “Upcoming Events” section to register for this virtual live session. showcase.businessboostatl.com
Business Readiness Loan Fund - Live Session with Invest Atlanta
The Invest Atlanta Small Business Resources Q & A webinar occurs on the third Tuesday of each month, January through November. During the first 60 minutes of the Q & A webinar, attendees receive program details and eligibility requirements for Invest Atlanta Small Business programs. These incentives are designed to assist in starting, sustaining and scaling your business. The remaining 30 minutes are devoted to questions from attendees and answers from Invest Atlanta Small Business Development Team members. The same information is offered at each session, however the questions from attendees will vary and on occasion special guest partners will offer insightful business advice during the webinar.
Register: https://investatlanta.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U8nwpFoMQgu9zcrY6PHFvQ#/registration
World Cup Forum: Fireside Conversation with Jay Bailey
World Cup Forum fireside conversation featuring honest insights on leadership, business wins, and lessons learned.
2026 Atlanta Black Tech Community Summit by Goodie Nation
As the city prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Atlanta will become a focal point for international investment, corporate engagement, cultural exchange, and economic activity. For the Atlanta Black Tech community, this moment presents both risk and possibility. Without coordination and preparation, opportunity will bypass the community. With intention, alignment, and skill-building, it can become a catalyst for revenue generation, increased visibility, and durable global relationships.
Guided by the theme “We Have Friends Everywhere,” the 2026 summit serves as a strategic gathering to help the community move from vulnerability to leverage. The summit centers on two urgent priorities:
AI Upskilling and Education: equipping Black technologists, founders, operators, community leaders, and students with the knowledge and tools needed to remain competitive, build resilient businesses, and lead in an AI-driven economy.
World Cup Readiness and Opportunity: translating global attention into tangible outcomes for Black-owned tech companies, creatives, and professionals through contracts, partnerships, and long-term relationships.
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival
Since the festival’s inception in 2011, this four-day weekend celebration has been a must-attend, destination event for food enthusiasts from all over the world. With over 200 renowned chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and industry insiders arriving in Atlanta for a weekend of deliciousness, the festival showcases the best of what the region has to offer. With tens of thousands of visitors, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is the place to be to enjoy the best of the South and beyond!
Dragon Con
Dragon Con is the largest multi-media, pop culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe. Dragon Con has made a significant impact on Atlanta over the Labor Day weekend, drawing tens of thousands of pop culture enthusiasts to the city. Organizers reported that 72,000 fans attended the 2024 convention, with attendees coming from all 50 states and six continents.
Peachtree Road Race
The Atlanta Peachtree Road Race is an annual 6.2-mile (10K) race that features the world’s largest 10K race, featuring amateur and professional runners, as well as a wheelchair race. The race began in 1970 with 150 runners and has been a citywide tradition since, and is sponsored by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Peachtree Road Race is an elite race with a World Athletics Label, which means it meets the highest standards for competition. Athletes can earn World Athletics ranking points and compete for some of the sport’s largest prize purses.
Club World Cup Tournament
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is the planned 21st edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, an international club soccer competition organized by FIFA. The tournament is scheduled to be played in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025. It is planned to be the first under an expanded format with 32 teams, including the winners of the four previous continental championships.
Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival
The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival is a celebration of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It features a celebration of freedom, unity, and equality. The festival includes a parade, live music, food, and cultural activities.
Atlanta Film Festival
The Atlanta Film Festival is a celebration of cinema that features a diverse range of independent films, including animations, documentaries, and short films. The collection represents LGBTQ, Latin American, and Black filmmakers. The festival also involves screenings, workshops, awards ceremonies, and opportunities to meet filmmakers and industry professionals.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
As a staple in Atlanta for over 80 years, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival represents every kind of art imaginable, with a nationally renowned market that includes sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography and much more. The festival hosts approximately 200,000 attendees each year.
2025 College Football Playoff National Championship
Atlanta is the first city to repeat as host for the College Football Playoff National Championship. One of the biggest sporting events in the United States, this post-season college football game will determine the national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the 2024 football season.