Invest Atlanta Business Incentives: How to Tap Into Atlanta’s Growth Support

If you are starting, expanding, or relocating a business in Atlanta, Georgia, Invest Atlanta is one of the first places you should look for business incentives. It serves as the City of Atlanta’s official economic development agency and works with local, state, and federal partners to reduce costs, fill financing gaps, and support job creation.

This guide explains what Invest Atlanta business incentives are, who they’re for, and how an Atlanta-based business can actually use them.

What Is Invest Atlanta and Why It Matters for Your Business

Invest Atlanta is the City of Atlanta’s economic development authority. Its core role is to:

• Attract and retain businesses in the city
• Support job creation and capital investment
• Revitalize neighborhoods and commercial corridors
• Provide financing tools and incentives that the private market often won’t offer on its own

For many Atlanta businesses, Invest Atlanta is the main gateway to:

• Tax incentives
• Low-interest loans
• Grants (particularly for small businesses and specific neighborhoods)
• Bond financing for large projects
• Technical assistance and site selection help

Office location (commonly referenced):
Invest Atlanta
133 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2900
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone (city information lines and public directories often list a main contact): 404‑880‑4100 (verify current phone details before visiting or calling, as office information can change).

Types of Invest Atlanta Business Incentives

Invest Atlanta manages or helps facilitate several major incentive categories that matter to businesses in the city:

1. Small Business Loans and Grants

These programs are particularly important if you’re a local entrepreneur, neighborhood business, or startup.

Common tools include:

• Small business loan programs

  • Designed to fill financing gaps when a bank loan alone is not enough
  • May offer lower interest rates, flexible terms, or subordinate financing
  • Often used for build-out, equipment, inventory, or working capital

• Commercial corridor and façade improvements

  • Targeted incentives in specific Atlanta corridors (for example, parts of the Westside, South Atlanta, or historically disinvested areas)
  • May support storefront upgrades, signage, façade improvements, and code compliance

• Neighborhood-focused grants

  • May be targeted to small businesses in specific neighborhoods or along priority corridors designated by the City of Atlanta
  • Often focus on job creation, revitalization, or filling vacant storefronts

These incentives are usually competitive and may have application windows, so timing and preparation matter.

2. Tax Incentives and Credits

Invest Atlanta coordinates with the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County (for parts of the city), and the State of Georgia to connect businesses with tax tools. Common examples include:

• Property tax incentives (abatements or reductions)

  • Often tied to job creation, capital investment, and location within the city
  • More common for larger projects, such as corporate offices, manufacturing sites, and major mixed-use developments

• Opportunity Zone & tax allocation district (TAD) incentives

  • Certain areas of Atlanta are designated for special redevelopment support
  • Businesses locating or expanding in these areas may benefit from enhanced credits, property tax assistance, or infrastructure support

• Sales & use tax exemptions (state-level, often facilitated locally)

  • On eligible equipment or manufacturing machinery
  • Often important for industrial, logistics, and tech manufacturing projects

These tools can significantly reduce your total cost of doing business in Atlanta, especially if you’re investing heavily in real estate or equipment.

3. Bond Financing and Large-Scale Project Support

For mid-sized and large companies, Invest Atlanta offers tools that go beyond standard loans:

• Tax-exempt and taxable bond financing

  • Used to finance large capital projects (manufacturing plants, major facilities, campus expansions)
  • Can provide lower interest rates and longer terms than traditional bank financing
  • Typically apply to projects that create or retain a substantial number of jobs

• Public–private partnership (P3) support

  • For projects with a significant public benefit (transit-oriented developments, major mixed-use projects, or catalytic redevelopments)
  • May involve collaboration with the City of Atlanta on infrastructure, parking, or public space improvements

If your company is planning a major investment inside Atlanta city limits, it’s common to meet with Invest Atlanta early to map out which tools and incentives may apply.

4. Workforce and Talent Support

While payroll assistance is not usually paid directly to employers, Invest Atlanta often works with:

• WorkSource Atlanta / WorkSource Fulton
• Local training providers, colleges, and universities
• Community-based organizations

Through these partnerships, Atlanta employers may access:

• On-the-job training support and wage reimbursement programs
• Tailored recruitment and hiring assistance
• Help connecting with apprenticeship and internship pipelines

For businesses struggling to find and train local workers, these services can complement financial incentives.

5. Innovation, Tech, and Startup-Focused Programs

Atlanta has a rapidly growing tech and innovation ecosystem, and Invest Atlanta often supports it through:

• Innovation district and tech corridor support

  • Help with site selection in areas like Midtown, Downtown, and near major universities
  • Connections to co-working, incubator, and lab spaces

• Startup and scale-up initiatives

  • Some programs prioritize high-growth startups, particularly in technology, film and digital media, logistics, fintech, and health innovation
  • May offer access to targeted funding, mentorship, or networking opportunities

These are especially relevant if you’re a founder choosing between Atlanta and another city for your company’s base.

Who Qualifies for Invest Atlanta Incentives?

Eligibility depends on the specific program, but many Invest Atlanta business incentives focus on:

• Location

  • Must generally be within the City of Atlanta limits (not just metro Atlanta)
  • Some programs limit eligibility to designated neighborhoods, corridors, or zones

• Type of business

  • Common priority sectors include:
    • Manufacturing and logistics
    • Technology and innovation
    • Film, TV, and creative media
    • Corporate headquarters and back-office operations
    • Neighborhood-serving small businesses (retail, food, personal services) in targeted areas

• Job creation and wages

  • Many incentives require you to create or retain a certain number of jobs
  • Some programs look at wage levels and benefits to ensure quality employment

• Capital investment

  • For larger incentives, the project usually must involve a minimum investment amount (e.g., in building, equipment, or technology)

• Good standing and compliance

  • Businesses typically must be in good standing with the City of Atlanta (licenses, permits, taxes)
  • Past issues with compliance may affect eligibility

Because the details change over time, business owners in Atlanta usually start by discussing their project directly with an Invest Atlanta staff member or a local business resource partner.

How to Apply for Invest Atlanta Business Incentives

The general process to access Invest Atlanta business incentives usually follows these steps:

1. Clarify Your Project

Before contacting anyone, define:

• Where your business is or will be located (exact Atlanta address)
• What you’re planning: start-up, expansion, renovation, equipment purchase, relocation
• How much capital you need and for what uses
• How many jobs you expect to create or retain (and at what skill levels)

Having this information ready makes your first conversation more productive.

2. Contact Invest Atlanta or a Local Business Support Partner

You can typically connect with Invest Atlanta in one of these ways:

• Phone: Call the main office line to be directed to the appropriate department (for example, small business, business attraction, or commercial development).
• In person (by appointment):
  Invest Atlanta
  133 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2900
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Setting an appointment in advance is generally recommended, especially if you’re discussing a specific project.

Many Atlanta entrepreneurs also get initial support through:

• Atlanta City Hall / Office of Economic Development
  55 Trinity Avenue SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Local chambers and business organizations, such as:

  • Metro Atlanta Chamber (regional)
  • Atlanta Black Chambers
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce serving metro Atlanta

These organizations often coordinate with Invest Atlanta and can help you prepare before you formally apply.

3. Determine Which Programs Fit

With the help of Invest Atlanta staff or a partner organization, you’ll usually map out:

• Whether your location qualifies for neighborhood-specific or corridor-specific programs
• Whether your business size and sector fit certain incentives
• Whether you should pursue a loan, grant, tax incentive, or a combination

At this stage, you might also be introduced to state-level programs administered by the Georgia Department of Economic Development or other agencies.

4. Prepare Documentation

Most Invest Atlanta incentive programs require:

• A business plan or project description
• Financial statements (existing businesses) or financial projections (startups)
• Tax returns (for established companies)
• Ownership and management information
• A detailed uses and sources of funds (how much you need and how it will be spent)
• Job creation plan, if the incentive is tied to employment

For real estate projects, additional documentation is usually required:

• Site control (lease, purchase agreement, or deed)
• Project budgets and construction timelines
• Zoning and permitting status with the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning

5. Submit Your Application and Respond to Follow-Ups

Once you submit an application:

• Be prepared for staff review and follow-up questions
• Some incentives must be approved by boards or authorities (such as the Invest Atlanta board)
• Processing times can vary, especially for bond financing or larger incentives

Business owners often keep in close contact with their assigned project manager to stay informed and avoid delays.

6. Comply With Reporting and Performance Requirements

Most Invest Atlanta incentives come with conditions, such as:

• Creating a certain number of jobs
• Maintaining operations in Atlanta for a defined period
• Submitting annual or periodic reports

It’s important to:

• Understand all performance requirements before signing
• Keep good internal records so reporting is straightforward
• Communicate early if your project changes, so you can discuss potential amendments or solutions

Quick Reference: Common Invest Atlanta Incentive Types

How Invest Atlanta Fits With Chambers and Other Local Resources

The topic of “Incentive Programs and Chambers” in Atlanta usually includes:

• Invest Atlanta – Financial and development incentives inside the city
• Metro Atlanta Chamber and neighborhood chambers – Networking, advocacy, and business climate support
• Community development corporations (CDCs) and business improvement districts (BIDs) – Corridor- or neighborhood-focused efforts
• Small business development centers (SFFCs/Georgia SBDC) – Free or low-cost advising to help you qualify for incentives and financing

For many Atlanta businesses, the most effective approach is to use these organizations together:

1. Start with a chamber or business resource center to refine your plan and projections.
2. Meet with Invest Atlanta once you can clearly explain your project and financing needs.
3. Loop in state programs (through Georgia’s economic development agencies) if your project is large or export-oriented.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Business Owners Considering Invest Atlanta Incentives

• Confirm you’re inside City of Atlanta limits. Many metro addresses say “Atlanta” but are outside the city; Invest Atlanta programs are usually city-specific.
• Ask about neighborhood priorities. If you’re opening in an area the city is actively revitalizing, you may have access to more tools.
• Prepare early. Incentive processes take time. If you wait until after your lease is signed and construction starts, some options may no longer be available.
• Stay organized. Keep a folder with financial statements, licenses, tax IDs, and key project documents; it will save time in every step.
• Use local expertise. Accountants, attorneys, and commercial brokers familiar with Atlanta incentives can help you avoid missteps.

By understanding how Invest Atlanta business incentives work and how they connect with local chambers and support organizations, entrepreneurs and companies in Atlanta can better position their projects, reduce costs, and contribute to the city’s continued growth.