{"result":[{"id":420,"title":"Birds of a Feather","promo_title":"Aviary Beauty + Wellness Opens Second Location After Receiving Invest Atlanta Business Improvement Grant","published_date":"2021-09-17","featured_image":{"id":1689,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"286.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":1563837,"resource_updated_at":"2021-09-17T11:44:19.274-04:00","caption":"aviary","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-09-17T11:44:19.456-04:00","updated_at":"2021-09-17T15:02:59.083-04:00","filename_hash":"286_zmZpnl8.jpg","width":2000,"height":1333},"filename":"birds-of-a-feather","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"bg7Eww","created_at":"2021-09-17T11:47:09.214-04:00","updated_at":"2021-09-17T15:02:59.061-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Aviary Beauty + Wellness has been a direct reflection of the freedom Amy embraced to become an entrepreneur and how she operates her growing business. In the process of creating a space for her professional philosophy, Amy also established the gold standard for stylists, estheticians and artists longing to break from the mold.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAmy Bransford was struggling to find a name for her new business, which was about to open in a loft development on Auburn Avenue back in 2009. \u0026ldquo;As I was sitting in the courtyard at Studioplex, a bird flew by,\u0026rdquo; remembers Amy. \u0026ldquo;It felt as though I was in an aviary.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt was a lightbulb moment for the young esthetician who had grown frustrated in an industry\u0026rsquo;s one-size-fits-all approach to skin care and made the bold decision to branch out on her own. \u0026ldquo;There wasn\u0026rsquo;t a salon or spa space where I felt I fit in or could identify with,\u0026rdquo; she explains. \u0026ldquo;I had to create it for myself and, later, for my employees.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEver since, Aviary Beauty + Wellness has been a direct reflection of the freedom Amy embraced to become an entrepreneur and how she operates her growing business. In the process of creating a space for her professional philosophy, Amy also established the gold standard for stylists, estheticians and artists longing to break from the mold.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFocused on skin care and hair services, Aviary operates as a collective of like-minded professionals who share Amy\u0026rsquo;s belief that beauty is not skin deep; that the way we look and feel is deeply and directly influenced by the lives we lead.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The two go very well together as our clients often seek expertise in both areas,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;I have a collective of employees and independents and, through the years, I have personally evolved into a mentor and people grower. I love how my flock works together.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAviary is a highly personalized, boutique studio. There are two treatment rooms and a handful of styling stations where beauty and wellness professionals create a peaceful environment using handpicked products to deliver customizable treatments.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAmy had considered expanding her business before the pandemic, but set the idea aside during the uncertainty of the times. She applied for, and received, an Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant, which helped her pivot to accommodate new COVID protocols and begin delivering products to her clients.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt soon became clear people were seeking self-care more than ever before. One day while walking with her husband in the Summerhill community, Amy had another lightbulb moment \u0026ndash; this time it was the very spot for Aviary\u0026rsquo;s second location.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I love Summerhill\u0026rsquo;s storefronts and history,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;The neighborhood has been there since 1865 and was home to the first emancipated slaves and later immigrants. The residents at that time were among the city\u0026rsquo;s first minority business owners.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore she could expand, Amy immersed herself in the Small Business Development Center in Dekalb County (SBDC) where she created a business plan, accessed her financials and re-evaluated her operational practices. She also applied for an Invest Atlanta Business Improvement Loan to help with operating expenses and inventory.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The funds allow me to keep inventory on the shelves and maintain a profitable business during those first few months,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;ve been amazed by the support from Invest Atlanta and can\u0026rsquo;t believe I owned a business for a decade without knowing about their services.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTrue to her independent spirit, Amy tapped local artists and contractors to build a unique space for her Summerhill location, which features a mural and custom millwork. \u0026ldquo;I love that I was able to create jobs at a granular level during a tough economic time,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;I have 20 employees between both locations and my build-out radiated even further to include designers, electricians, painters and plumbers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Working with Invest Atlanta has been so fulfilling,\u0026rdquo; continues Amy. \u0026ldquo;I realized people truly believe small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. At every turn, I had cheerleaders to champion my business and dreams of growing.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Aviary Beauty + Wellness:\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.aviarybeauty.com/\"\u003ehttps://www.aviarybeauty.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":394,"title":"National League of Cities Recognizes Atlanta’s COVID Relief Programs","promo_title":"National League of Cities Recognizes Atlanta’s COVID Relief Programs","published_date":"2021-03-24","featured_image":{"id":1497,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"diversity_awards_logo.png.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1414356,"resource_updated_at":"2021-03-24T14:54:17.146-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-03-24T14:54:17.404-04:00","updated_at":"2021-03-24T16:20:02.304-04:00","filename_hash":"diversity_awards_logo.png_xDQaong.png","width":2401,"height":711},"filename":"national-league-of-cities-recognizes-atlantas-covid-relief-programs","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"gsXwZg","created_at":"2021-03-24T14:55:34.858-04:00","updated_at":"2021-03-24T16:20:02.253-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The National League of Cities (NLC) has selected Atlanta as a recipient of its 2021 Cultural Diversity Awards in recognition of the City\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;Strength in Beauty Grant Fund and creATL Relief Fund COVID-19 programs. The NLC awards, which celebrate programs that support the arts, community building and Black history, were presented at the organization\u0026rsquo;s virtual Congressional City Conference in March.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-33673052-7fff-edc9-1813-7407e7723f4e\"\u003eThe National League of Cities (NLC) has selected Atlanta as a recipient of its 2021 Cultural Diversity Awards in recognition of the City\u0026rsquo;s \u003c/span\u003eStrength in Beauty Grant Fund and creATL Relief Fund COVID-19 programs. The NLC awards, which celebrate programs that support the arts, community building and Black history, were presented at the organization\u0026rsquo;s virtual Congressional City Conference in March.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-33673052-7fff-edc9-1813-7407e7723f4e\"\u003eWorking with City leadership in the early phases of the pandemic, Invest Atlanta quickly implemented and administered several pandemic relief programs to support Atlanta businesses. The \u003c/span\u003eStrength in Beauty Grant Fund provided cosmetology professionals with $1,000 grants to help offset lost income due to business closures. And, the creATL Relief Fund provided financial relief to independent creatives through $1,000 grants.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccording to Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, the economic challenges of COVID-19 have impacted women and minority communities harder than other groups. \u0026ldquo;These programs represent our commitment to equity, supporting businesses and professionals with strong minority representation through the pandemic and beyond,\u0026rdquo; said Klementich.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn total, the \u003c/span\u003eStrength in Beauty Grant Fund supported 74 cosmetology professionals with 87% of awardees being minorities while the creATL Relief Fund was awarded to 94 creatives with 76% of recipients being minorities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe City of Atlanta was one of only four communities selected for the 2021 awards.\u0026nbsp; Submissions for the awards were grouped by size and evaluated for creativity, community impact and program scope. The City of Atlanta was awarded the top prize in the \u0026ldquo;Population of 500,0001 and Above\u0026rdquo; category.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo learn more about NLC Cultural Diversity Award winners, visit www.nlc.org.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":377,"title":"In Bloom ","promo_title":"In Bloom","published_date":"2021-01-20","featured_image":{"id":1464,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"impact___insights_2021_-2-.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1014747,"resource_updated_at":"2021-01-20T14:53:47.983-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-01-20T14:53:48.047-05:00","updated_at":"2021-07-23T14:56:36.871-04:00","filename_hash":"impact___insights_2021_-2-_E63emxV.png","width":1000,"height":529},"filename":"in-bloom","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"TBc8IA","created_at":"2021-01-20T14:55:37.097-05:00","updated_at":"2021-07-23T14:56:36.845-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n As the daughter of a farmer, Cindy Tarrant grew up planting flowers on her own little plot of land. The seeds she tended as a child eventually became her life\u0026rsquo;s work, which is in full bloom at French Market Flowers.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv style=\"clear:both;\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eAs the daughter of a farmer, Cindy Tarrant grew up planting flowers on her own little plot of land. The seeds she tended as a child eventually became her life\u0026rsquo;s work, which is in full bloom at French Market Flowers.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eCindy now grows flowers on her own farm in Coweta County, where she lives with her family, two cats, a Pyrenees-Australian shepherd dog, seven sweet hens and one ornery rooster. \u0026ldquo;We are members of the\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://slowflowers.com/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eslow flower movement\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;and believe that organic, sustainable, locally grown flowers are the best for our business, community and environment,\u0026rdquo; says Cindy. \u0026ldquo;We supply these flowers whenever possible.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eFrench Market Flowers opened its doors six years ago at Krog Street Market and eventually moved to Garrett Street in Grant Park. Cindy offers everything from floral design for weddings, funerals and special events to weekly corporate and residential flower delivery, floral restaurant installations and container gardening.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWith weddings and special events on hold due to COVID-19, Cindy estimates that she\u0026rsquo;s lost\u0026nbsp;nearly\u0026nbsp;40% of her business, and she had to close her storefront. But she was able to shift her operations to become primarily delivery-based, which has presented a new set of challenges for her small business.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;We quickly realized that we didn\u0026rsquo;t have enough cooler space to store the flowers or a proper vehicle to deliver them,\u0026rdquo; says Cindy, who applied for an Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant to help offset the costs of a new walk-in cooler and delivery van. She also qualified for the Resurgence Technical Assistance Program and opted for a social media advertising campaign from\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003eTrevelino\u0026nbsp;Keller Group.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;This assistance was incredibly helpful and meaningful,\u0026rdquo; says Cindy. \u0026ldquo;Not only could we present ourselves in a more professional manner, it\u0026nbsp;also increased our delivery business and allowed us to keep all of our employees.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{285397f1-d3ce-4931-b4d9-4afed6d287d4}{81}\" paraid=\"616671709\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;This business has a lot of heart, and we\u0026rsquo;ve worked so hard over the past six years to stay afloat,\u0026rdquo; adds Cindy. \u0026ldquo;It means so much to know that people care about small, local businesses. We are grateful for the support.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003c/div\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":376,"title":"Committed to the Fight ","promo_title":"Committed to the Fight ","published_date":"2021-01-20","featured_image":{"id":1463,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"impact___insights_2021_-1-.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":315038,"resource_updated_at":"2021-01-20T14:43:18.294-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-01-20T14:43:18.344-05:00","updated_at":"2021-01-26T10:13:20.695-05:00","filename_hash":"impact___insights_2021_-1-_azpeLke.png","width":1000,"height":529},"filename":"committed-to-the-fight","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"UAFe-w","created_at":"2021-01-20T14:41:52.308-05:00","updated_at":"2021-01-26T10:13:20.662-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv\u003eKara Jacobson has been dancing since she was 2 years old. Trained in classical ballet, the Atlanta native attended the esteemed Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at\u0026nbsp;Pebblebrook\u0026nbsp;High School and studied in New York City. She has been finding joy in dance and dance education ever since.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv style=\"clear:both;\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eKara Jacobson has been dancing since she was 2 years old. Trained in classical ballet, the Atlanta native attended the esteemed Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003ePebblebrook\u0026nbsp;High School and studied in New York City. She has been finding joy in dance and dance education ever since.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eKara is also trained in public health and is a faculty member of the Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health. Four years ago,\u0026nbsp;she found a way to combine her two passions, public health and dance, when she opened The Atlanta Dance Academy (TADA).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eTADA offers dance education and performance opportunities for all ages, skill levels and abilities \u0026ndash; from beginners to pre-professionals.\u0026nbsp;\u0026quot;We break down the barriers that have traditionally ruled centers of dance education,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;says Kara.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWe are keenly interested in movement as a form of physical and mental therapy and are committed to providing dance and movement for those with disabilities, which is hard to find in the dance world.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eKara demonstrated resilience and keen focus\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eto get TADA off the ground in 2016 but soon faced a setback during the I-85 bridge collapse in 2017, which snarled traffic near the studio for months.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWith the onset of\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;COVID-19\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e, Kara faced\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;yet\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eanother setback.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eShe\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;closed her doors on March 14 and immediately began losing revenue from class tuition\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e, fees,\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eperformances, studio rental\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eincome\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eand private coaching sessions\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eAs a public health professional, Kara knows well the dangers of COVID, but she is also aware\u0026nbsp;of\u0026nbsp;how the arts and dance can provide a healthy relief for the community when stressors are high. So\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;she quickly committed herself to navigating an online dance program.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWe were able to pivot, but early on,\u0026nbsp;I could feel my stamina waning,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;says Kara.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eI\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003em a one-woman show with employees, clients and rent. I have overcome barriers before in public health, such as teaching health literacy to the underserved, but the speed that I had to pivot during COVID was like warp speed. I\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eve done a half Ironman; this race felt like a full Ironman.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWhen Kara learned about the Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant Fund, her grueling race of endurance eased. As part of the federal CARES Act, the fund provides eligible businesses with grants of up to $40,000\u0026nbsp;and a\u0026nbsp;credit of up to $10,000\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003efor\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;technical assistance to reimburse the costs associated with adapting business operations in a post-COVID environment.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;I applied and was so impressed by the entire experience,\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;says Kara.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eInvest Atlanta offered webinars to explain the application process and even set up a helpline to answer questions over the weekend. It was very clear to me that they understand the stress small business owners are going through and are committed to helping them be successful.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eFor Kara, the Resurgence Grant Fund not only reduces the stress of being able to cover payroll and\u0026nbsp;other expenses,\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eit\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003ealso\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003ehas\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003ehelped her\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"none\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003epurchase and install the technology and software upgrades necessary to implement a hybrid dance program\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{b26c8d7e-e15b-4980-bbfe-f7933875471e}{6}\" paraid=\"279\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;This business brings me great joy, and I want to make sure that dance continues to bring joy to the community,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;especially in these challenging times,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;says Kara.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eI\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003em committed to making it work because I\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003ed lose too much if I didn\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003et \u0026ndash; physically, emotionally and financially. I want to see it through and am committed to the fight.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003c/div\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Buckhead\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":375,"title":"The Beat Goes On ","promo_title":"The Beat Goes On ","published_date":"2021-01-20","featured_image":{"id":1461,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"impact___insights_2021.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1237462,"resource_updated_at":"2021-01-20T14:32:32.054-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-01-20T14:32:32.691-05:00","updated_at":"2023-04-12T14:56:00.294-04:00","filename_hash":"impact___insights_2021_DNqezr1.png","width":1000,"height":529},"filename":"the-beat-goes-on","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"KHZLSw","created_at":"2021-01-20T14:33:34.460-05:00","updated_at":"2023-04-12T14:56:00.137-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Jaleesa Ledbetter was literally and figuratively on top of the world when everything began to shut down as a result of COVID-19. The event manager, producer and DJ, known as Hourglass, was performing at a ski resort on a Swiss mountaintop, with upcoming gigs in Berlin, London and Paris.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv style=\"clear:both;\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eJaleesa Ledbetter was literally and figuratively on top of the world when everything began to shut down as a result of COVID-19. The event manager, producer and DJ, known as Hourglass, was performing at a ski resort on a Swiss mountaintop, with upcoming gigs in Berlin, London and Paris.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;I was breaking ground and thought 2020 was the year I was going to take my career to the next level,\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;says Jaleesa.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWe had plans to show Atlanta to the world.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eJaleesa, who was an accountant in a previous life, has a motto to\u0026nbsp;\u0026quot;Think outside the clock.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;It\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003es a mantra that inspired her to pursue music full time and never be complacent.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eWe have no idea how much time we have,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;she says.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eThe idea of an hourglass represents how I want to live my life.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eJaleesa describes herself as\u0026nbsp;\u0026quot;unapologetically black, queer and uninterested in following the norms,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;and her music and audiences reflect that. Her confident self-identity and strong work ethic pumps in the form of future beats,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003eAfrobeats, Latin, hip-hop,\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003et\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eop 40\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;and everything in between, and\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eshe\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eearned her props as the\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eMost Lit DJ in 2020\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;by Butter ATL.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eBut as Jaleesa will attest, even successful DJs aren\u0026#39;t immune to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eI was scared because all of my income is tied to music and events,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;she says.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eI was overwhelmed and didn\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003et know what the future would hold and where I fit in.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eA fellow DJ told Jaleesa about the\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003ecreATL\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eRelief\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eFund that supports Atlanta\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003es independent creative workers affected by the pandemic and encouraged her to apply.\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;This fund helped me see th\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003ee light at the end of the tunnel,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;says Jaleesa. It also gave her\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003ethe\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003efreedom to invest in her digital presence \u0026ndash; a space that will not only sustain her financially but also allow her to share happiness during these dark, uncertain times.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp paraeid=\"{5e2bbb65-b638-4f05-aa36-5554c534e8a8}{33}\" paraid=\"252\"\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;There\u0026#39;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003es so much death and sadness and tragedy,\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;says Jaleesa\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003eI want to make people feel good through music.\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u0026quot;\u003c/span\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003c/div\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":373,"title":"A Much-Needed Lifeline","promo_title":"COVID-19 Relief Grant: A Much-Needed Lifeline for a Downtown Restaurant","published_date":"2020-12-21","featured_image":{"id":1453,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"eu8c4443.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":1047815,"resource_updated_at":"2020-12-21T13:34:15.189-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2020-12-21T13:34:15.335-05:00","updated_at":"2021-03-05T14:57:28.996-05:00","filename_hash":"eu8c4443_kbBV5ZO.jpg","width":3600,"height":2400},"filename":"a-much-needed-lifeline","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"H2Epow","created_at":"2020-12-21T13:34:35.197-05:00","updated_at":"2021-03-05T14:57:28.970-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Jose Navarro and Mat Tainow had a vision to bring a local, small-town vibe to the concrete jungle of Downtown Atlanta.\r\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-e1c66b3d-7fff-d17e-382f-444f1dcf8993\"\u003eJose Navarro and Mat Tainow had a vision to bring a local, small-town vibe to the concrete jungle of Downtown Atlanta.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-e1c66b3d-7fff-d17e-382f-444f1dcf8993\"\u003eIn 2003, the two friends pioneered a neighborhood bar in the Fairlie-Poplar district with their first venture, Sidebar. A few years later they opened Park Bar, just steps away from Centennial Park.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-e1c66b3d-7fff-d17e-382f-444f1dcf8993\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;We felt like downtown was missing something back then,\u0026rdquo; says Jose. \u0026ldquo;Surprisingly, we found that a lot of local residents and workers really loved their downtown and were very supportive of us opening a neighborhood bar.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-e1c66b3d-7fff-d17e-382f-444f1dcf8993\"\u003eSpecializing in great burgers and known for its speciality drinks, Park Bar has since established itself as a downtown staple for Atlanta residents and visitors alike. \u0026ldquo;We like to think of ourselves as your local bar, even if you live elsewhere,\u0026rdquo; says Jose. \u0026ldquo;We are a place to gather and socialize. We are the place to join others for a pre-game beverage before cheering on Atlanta United, or where to meet friends before seeing your favorite artist perform at State Farm Arena.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut 2020 put a halt to all that, throwing Park Bar a one-two punch. After being closed for a couple months because of pandemic-related restrictions, the bar was just reopening in a limited capacity when the initial days and nights of social unrest shut it down again for another week.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u0026ldquo;We were fortunate in that we only had graffiti on a lot of the building,\u0026rdquo; says Mat. \u0026ldquo;We weren\u0026#39;t broken into and, most importantly, none of our staff was hurt.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe financial impact, however, has been profound, leading Mat and Jose to apply for both the Invest Atlanta \u003c/span\u003eResurgence Grant Fund and the City of Atlanta Recovery Fund, which provides up to $10,000 in grants to businesses that were adversely impacted during Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s demonstrations.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u0026ldquo;There was absolutely\u0026nbsp;no way we could\u0026nbsp;have afforded the expense to remove and repaint the walls affected by the graffiti,\u0026rdquo; says Mat. \u0026ldquo;With COVID decimating our business, the building would have remained scarred without the help from Invest Atlanta.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat assistance, in fact, has been a much-needed lifeline for Park Bar. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s been integral to us treading water until the pandemic subsides and the big downtown events return,\u0026rdquo; says Jose. \u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta has been very diligent in getting out and helping the business community, and we are truly grateful for the rescue.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Downtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":353,"title":"Atlanta Beautician Utilizes Strength in Beauty Fund to Stay Afloat","promo_title":"Atlanta Beautician Utilizes Strength in Beauty Fund to Stay Afloat","published_date":"2020-09-21","featured_image":{"id":1381,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"cosmetology_relief_grant_-_jasmine_smith.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":517822,"resource_updated_at":"2020-09-21T17:01:32.171-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2020-09-21T17:01:32.243-04:00","updated_at":"2020-09-23T13:31:03.517-04:00","filename_hash":"cosmetology_relief_grant_-_jasmine_smith_2aMJwBK.png","width":600,"height":400},"filename":"atlanta-beautician-utilizes-strength-in-beauty-fund-to-stay-afloat","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"OfUNDQ","created_at":"2020-09-21T17:02:30.299-04:00","updated_at":"2020-09-23T13:31:03.493-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Beautician Jasmine Smith was just finishing her maternity leave following the birth of her first child when the pandemic forced her business, Beya Salon Studio \u0026amp; Allie, to shut down.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBeautician Jasmine Smith was just finishing her maternity leave following the birth of her first child when the pandemic forced her business, Beya Salon Studio \u0026amp; Allie, to shut down. At the time, Smith, who holds a license in cosmetology, had been in the process of growing and expanding her business. Instead, she found herself struggling to make ends meet.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSmith applied for the Strength in Beauty Fund, a relief effort supporting Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s cosmetology industry workers who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta was a huge comfort to me,\u0026rdquo; says Smith. \u0026ldquo;Everyone there was great.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBeing a recipient of the fund has helped Smith maintain her bills and recoup some of the losses resulting from wasted supplies, as well as cancellations. Additionally, the fund has enabled her to subscribe to some paid marketing platforms to promote her business on social media.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The fund helped me keep things afloat,\u0026rdquo; says Smith. \u0026ldquo;And here we are, six months in, and still not back to normal. So the fund has really helped.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":344,"title":"IA Board Approves Atlanta Cares Revolving Loan Fund (ACRLF) to Assist Small Businesses ","promo_title":"Atlanta Cares Revolving Loan Fund (ACRLF) to Assist Small Businesses ","published_date":"2020-08-26","featured_image":{"id":406,"parent_id":7,"resource_file_name":"businesses_nowaccount_mantle_940x360.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":171209,"resource_updated_at":"2018-01-02T11:14:38.564-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":3,"created_at":"2018-01-02T11:14:38.751-05:00","updated_at":"2020-09-17T12:07:19.967-04:00","filename_hash":"businesses_nowaccount_mantle_940x360_BxvkrzO.jpg","width":1880,"height":720},"filename":"ia-board-approves-atlanta-cares-revolving-loan-fund-acrlf-to-assist-small-businesses","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"RpH8Nw","created_at":"2020-08-26T12:44:22.341-04:00","updated_at":"2020-09-17T12:07:19.922-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt its August board meeting, Invest Atlanta approved $760,000 of funding for the Atlanta Cares Revolving Loan Fund (ACRLF). This follows the \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/impact-insights/invest-atlanta-authorizes-rise-atlanta-low-interest-revolving-loan-fund\"\u003eRise Atlanta Revolving Loan Fund (RARLF)\u003c/a\u003e that was just approved at July\u0026rsquo;s board meeting. As another low-interest loan option for Atlanta small businesses, the purpose of the ACRLF is to provide financial support for small and local businesses that were impacted by COVID-19.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSmall businesses are a mainstay in Atlanta and represent an integral part of the city\u0026rsquo;s economy. While there are currently 20,000 small businesses operating in Atlanta, following a major disaster, an estimated 25 percent of these businesses do not reopen according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. To quickly address this need, the ACRLF is projected to launch in September 2020.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eQualifying businesses will receive a direct loan between the amount of $10,000 to $100,000 with a six to 12-month deferment before first payment is due. The loan is not to exceed seven years and will have an interest rate of one to three percent.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe ACRLF and RARLF will be joining 11 other current loan fund offerings for small businesses at Invest Atlanta. For more information and for eligibility requirements on these loan options, visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/businesses/small-businesses/small-business-loan-programs\"\u003ehttps://www.investatlanta.com/businesses/small-businesses/small-business-loan-programs\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":345,"title":"Coming Soon to Sweet Auburn: Community Office Space Empowered by the Eastside TAD Grant","promo_title":"Affordable Community Office Space Coming to Sweet Auburn","published_date":"2020-08-26","featured_image":{"id":1370,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"thrive_4.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":130899,"resource_updated_at":"2020-08-26T12:47:40.973-04:00","caption":"Thrive Sweet Auburn","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-08-26T12:47:41.008-04:00","updated_at":"2020-08-26T13:02:40.789-04:00","filename_hash":"thrive_4_8mgkz42.jpg","width":1207,"height":713},"filename":"coming-soon-to-sweet-auburn-community-office-space-empowered-by-the-eastside-tad-grant","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Wtp4yg","created_at":"2020-08-26T12:49:03.122-04:00","updated_at":"2020-08-26T13:02:40.756-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta recently approved a $715,000 from the Eastside TAD (Tax Allocation District) Community Empowerment Fund to finance Thrive Sweet Auburn. This new construction mixed-use development will provide a co-work office facility within the community for critically needed non-profit services and community-serving small businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLocated at 302-284 Decatur Street, one block west of the King Memorial MARTA station, the developer Project Community Connections, Inc. (PCCI) will create approximately 15,577 square feet of new office space and 117 affordable rental units. TAD funding will assist in building out the office spaces.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe hybrid-office space includes a combination of leasable offices, desks and flexible workspace, all supported by amenities such as reservable conference rooms and a small media studio.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn July, the board also approved Eastside TAD funding for renovations on another community space located at \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/impact-insights/eastside-tad-financing-approved-for-community-of-hospitality-properties-on-edgewood-ave\"\u003e458 and 460 Edgewood Avenue\u003c/a\u003e. With the Eastside TAD funding guidelines requiring that a percentage of below-market, for-rent commercial spaces be available, these projects demonstrate the City\u0026rsquo;s commitment to creating affordable office space for local and disadvantaged businesses as part of its economic mobility initiative. Learn more about these projects \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/developers/opportunities-incentives/tax-allocation-district-financing/eastside\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Sweet Auburn\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":342,"title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - Atlanta Business League, a Near Century-Old Atlanta Landmark Organization Remains Strong During Pandemic ","promo_title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - Atlanta Business League","published_date":"2020-08-20","featured_image":{"id":1365,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"abl.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":177717,"resource_updated_at":"2020-08-20T13:07:16.960-04:00","caption":"Atlanta Business League","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-08-20T13:07:17.031-04:00","updated_at":"2020-09-17T13:00:53.972-04:00","filename_hash":"abl_W1zLxK8.jpg","width":1420,"height":796},"filename":"atlstrong-small-business-stories-atlanta-business-league-a-near-century-old-atlanta-landmark-organization-remains-strong-during-pandemic","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"M5IlYg","created_at":"2020-08-20T13:09:11.241-04:00","updated_at":"2020-08-20T13:11:05.113-04:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/447178476","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Atlanta Business League (ABL) is an 87-year-old business organization focused on the growth, creation, and development of successful African American business owners in Atlanta. Leona Barr Davenport, President and CEO of the ABL, says its goal has remained the same since the enterprise\u0026rsquo;s inception in 1933: \u0026ldquo;To help our members stay connected, to highlight them in the community, to market them, and to continue to bring value in the city.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHelping its members pivot or \u0026ldquo;re-imagine\u0026rdquo; their businesses has been part of the ABL\u0026rsquo;s mission since well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas luncheons, workshops, and seminars were programming staples, they\u0026rsquo;ve had to switch to utilizing more technology in order to bring information of value to their members, such as hosting weekly webinars.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has been a longstanding partner of the Atlanta Business League and, remarks Barr-Davenport, the Atlanta community as a whole. She feels the city of Atlanta is unique in providing young business owners with the opportunities to connect and build relationships with veteran, seasoned business owners.\u0026nbsp; Remarks Barr-Davenport, \u0026ldquo;I would encourage aspiring business owners to understand that building relationships is key.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":341,"title":"New Grant Program Available to Assist Small Businesses Impacted by the Pandemic","promo_title":"Resurgence Fund Launches to Assist Atlanta's Small Businesses","published_date":"2020-08-03","featured_image":{"id":1307,"parent_id":6,"resource_file_name":"resurgence_logo.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":512068,"resource_updated_at":"2020-08-03T20:35:18.564-04:00","caption":"Resurgence Logo Small","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-08-03T20:35:18.641-04:00","updated_at":"2020-08-04T07:32:03.885-04:00","filename_hash":"resurgence_logo_ZOalgLe.png","width":1080,"height":1080},"filename":"new-grant-program-available-to-assist-small-businesses-impacted-by-the-pandemic","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"BDa9Ug","created_at":"2020-08-03T20:27:01.733-04:00","updated_at":"2020-08-04T07:32:03.841-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMayor Keisha Lance Bottoms recently announced the new \u003ca href=\"/resurgence-fund-dashboard\"\u003eResurgence Grant Fund\u003c/a\u003e, a program to help Atlanta small businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Atlanta businesses need support at this time and the Resurgence Grant Fund is designed to stimulate economic growth and recovery by providing grants to qualifying city of Atlanta businesses.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Resurgence Grant Fund is made possible by the Atlanta City Council\u0026rsquo;s $22 million allocation of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) dollars.\u0026nbsp; A portion of the funds will also be used to recapitalize the recently launched \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/cosmetology-relief-fund-corf#:~:text=Established%20by%20Mayor%20Keisha%20Lance,in%20the%20city%20of%20Atlanta.\"\u003eStrength in Beauty Fund\u003c/a\u003e in order to continue supporting Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s cosmetology industries.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMayor Bottoms explained the message behind the name of this new fund:\u0026nbsp; \u0026ldquo;The City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s motto is Resurgens -- Latin for \u0026lsquo;rising again.\u0026rsquo; Resurgens is more than an emblem, it is part of the One Atlanta way, coming together as one community to support each other in times of need.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; As COVID-19 continues to challenge Atlanta small businesses and the communities that depend on them, the Resurgence program will provide funds to help businesses operate safely and protect their employees as our city recovers together.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eQualified city of Atlanta businesses will have the opportunity to apply for up to $40,000 from the Resurgence Grant Fund to help cover pandemic-related costs such as complying with requirements necessary for businesses to operate safely. In addition, the grant offers businesses access to $10,000 of no-cost technical assistance services.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eProfessionals in the cosmetology sector can also apply for up to $1,000 through the Strength in Beauty program to alleviate hardships due to the loss of revenue due to the pandemic.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u0026ldquo;We are listening to the needs of the business community and continue to deploy resources to help them through the impacts of COVID-19,\u0026rdquo; said Eloise Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;Economic prosperity and competitiveness in Atlanta start with equity, and Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s recovery from the pandemic must be an equitable recovery. These new grant programs will help achieve this by ensuring more Atlanta small business owners have access to funds to adapt their business and operate safely.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eApplications will be open from August 10 - August 31. Invest Atlanta will host a citywide online educational webinar on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. for interested small business owners to review qualifications, eligibility and the application process. To register, visit \u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com\"\u003ewww.investatlanta.com\u003c/a\u003e. The webinar will be available on-demand for those that cannot attend live.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":337,"title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - iWi Fresh Pivots to “Uber Self Care” During Pandemic","promo_title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - iwi Fresh","published_date":"2020-07-21","featured_image":{"id":1295,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"iwi_fresh.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":112807,"resource_updated_at":"2020-07-21T21:45:00.309-04:00","caption":"iwi Fresh","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-07-21T21:45:00.867-04:00","updated_at":"2020-07-22T10:42:01.536-04:00","filename_hash":"iwi_fresh_5E6q6Oq.jpg","width":1303,"height":799},"filename":"atlstrong-small-business-stories-iwi-fresh-pivots-to-uber-self-care-during-pandemic","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"JizsPA","created_at":"2020-07-21T21:45:39.407-04:00","updated_at":"2020-07-22T10:42:01.483-04:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/440647944","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYolanda Owens, owner of iwi Fresh - the garden day spa located in the historic Castleberry Hill Art district - has been making her own natural skincare recipes for fourteen years. Inspired by her grandmother, Owens developed the hobby of creating skincare products and beauty creams for her family and friends. Nicknamed \u0026ldquo;The Skincare Chef,\u0026rdquo; Owens went on to open iwi Fresh in 2010, where clients can purchase their farm-based, raw ingredient products and enjoy spa treatments.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Owens developed several innovative ways to adapt, such as creating \u0026ldquo;Uber Self Care\u0026rdquo; which delivered products to customers\u0026rsquo; doorsteps. \u0026ldquo;Another pivot that we did was Quarantine Selfcare Curbside Pickup,\u0026rdquo; Owens explained, where customers could pick up products safely from outside the store.\u0026nbsp; Additionally, Owens has taken to social media to promote their products and services and hosts an Instagram Live program about self care.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe new product packages that iwi Fresh launched in order to serve its clients during the pandemic also came with extra expenses, such as packaging materials and ingredients. The Business Continuity Loan Fund (BCLF) was able to help the company with these needs. \u0026ldquo;With the [BCLF] money I was able to take care of staff, and I was able to take care of inventory,\u0026rdquo; said Owens. \u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta seems like the central hub for small business owners in Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; remarked Owens. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s the go-to place.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":336,"title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - Comedy Theater Dad’s Garage Finds Creative Ways to Survive Pandemic","promo_title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - Dad's Garage","published_date":"2020-07-08","featured_image":{"id":1283,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"dadsgarage-106.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":2239695,"resource_updated_at":"2020-07-08T06:27:47.751-04:00","caption":"Dad's Garage","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-07-08T06:27:48.415-04:00","updated_at":"2020-07-08T06:30:43.110-04:00","filename_hash":"dadsgarage-106_LgmWJxr.jpg","width":5716,"height":3355},"filename":"atlstrong-small-business-stories-comedy-theater-dads-garage-finds-creative-ways-to-survive-pandemic","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"1g_i1w","created_at":"2020-07-08T06:30:13.434-04:00","updated_at":"2020-07-08T06:30:43.051-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHoused in a former church in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s historic Old Fourth Ward is Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage, the award-winning nonprofit theater company, now in its 25th year. All of the performers have one goal for the 450 shows they annually produce: \u0026ldquo;To transform people, communities, and perspectives using laughter.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eManaging Director Lara Smith explained that, since they cannot hold live shows, Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage has taken its content to Twitch, an online streaming platform. Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage currently streams between thirty and forty hours of content a week. Smith says they\u0026rsquo;ve received over 10 thousand viewers - much more than the number of people they would usually reach with only live performances.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the improv shows Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage produces, the company also provides classes for the general public, year-round youth programming including a summer-camp component, and training for corporations. Even during the pandemic, Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage has successfully moved their classes, youth program and summer-camp to a digital format.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSmith says one added benefit of moving online is that, \u0026ldquo;in all of these areas people can now participate from father away. We have people from all over the Southeast who are aware of Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage and now they can participate.\u0026rdquo; While the theater remains closed for the foreseeable future, Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage has created three distinct ways for people to support the company via Twitch - through a donation, a micro donation or with a subscription.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage produces some original scripted comedic works, many of which have a social justice angle - while still offering laughs. Some of these archived shows are available to rent and watch, with all proceeds going to support those on the frontlines of the respective causes.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Twitch is helping tremendously and paying for itself, Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage still has operating costs to maintain and employees on staff. As they began to think about reopening, Smith explained that the funding from the Business Continuity Loan Fund (BCLF) provided them with flexibility.\u0026nbsp; \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s allowed us to think longer term and bigger picture. For us, it\u0026rsquo;s given us the space to think long term and we can look strictly at the data as to when it\u0026rsquo;s safe to reopen. We want to make sure our audience feels safe.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; Additionally, the funds will help pay for necessary renovations, in accordance with the Center for Disease Control\u0026rsquo;s safety requirements for businesses to reopen.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSmith feels that the company was uniquely positioned to be able to pivot gracefully from live shows to Twitch. After losing their longtime rental home in Inman Park in 2013, Dad\u0026rsquo;s Garage spent two years being \u0026ldquo;homeless.\u0026rdquo; It was during that challenging time that Smith says that they were able to reaffirm their mission. The team recognized that stage shows were not the sole way to fulfill their goal. They created other programming which they are now relying upon during the pandemic. Remarked Smith, \u0026ldquo;You can always pivot, if you get to the heart of what you\u0026rsquo;re trying to do.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":335,"title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - Vine City Eatery Pivots with Business Continuity Loan Fund Assistance ","promo_title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - Local Green","published_date":"2020-07-02","featured_image":{"id":1282,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"local_green.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":181867,"resource_updated_at":"2020-07-02T14:25:55.132-04:00","caption":"Local Green","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-07-02T14:25:55.569-04:00","updated_at":"2020-07-06T15:37:08.024-04:00","filename_hash":"local_green_kbpbLjq.jpg","width":1363,"height":940},"filename":"atlstrong-small-business-stories-vine-city-eatery-pivots-with-business-continuity-loan-fund-assistance","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"9U9l1Q","created_at":"2020-07-02T14:26:10.068-04:00","updated_at":"2020-07-06T15:37:07.980-04:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/435731335?title=0\u0026byline=0\u0026portrait=0","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNative Atlantan Zak Wallace, owner, founder, and CEO of the Vine City eatery Local Green, grew up in a food desert in Southwest Atlanta. Inspired after seeing first-hand how food insecurity and poor eating habits plagued his community, in 2017 he created Local Green. The business began as a food truck and grew to become a thriving restaurant, serving healthy food to a community desperately lacking in \u0026ldquo;wholesome food options.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the pandemic hit in March, Local Green\u0026rsquo;s business plummeted drastically and took a huge financial hit. Says Wallace, \u0026ldquo;People from Invest Atlanta reached out and were able to tell me what programs were available.\u0026rdquo; Local Green received thirty thousand dollars in Business Continuity Loan Fund (BCLF) funds.\u0026nbsp; \u0026ldquo;The resources I was allotted allowed me to make sure my operational money was in place for the core of my business,\u0026rdquo; explains Wallace.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWallace says that \u0026ldquo;human interactions\u0026rdquo; have been one of the biggest changes his business has seen as a result of COVID-19. \u0026ldquo;People would come in and it was like an escape of what might be going on outside the doors. Now we are doing all digital online ordering and curbside delivery.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp; Because Local Green\u0026rsquo;s dining room remains closed due to COVID-19, Wallace is looking to expand the food truck model and form deeper connections with other communities, too. This transition will allow Local Green to continue to spread its message of health and hope across Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWallace is tremendously grateful for the BCLF and Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s overall mission.\u0026nbsp; \u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta has been here in an ideal way,\u0026rdquo; he says.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":332,"title":"#ATLStrong Small Business Stories - Virtual Coworking with Alkaloid ","promo_title":"#ATLStrong: Small Business Stories - Virtual Coworking with Alkaloid","published_date":"2020-05-26","featured_image":{"id":1222,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"alkaloid_networks_-_print-5.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":820639,"resource_updated_at":"2020-05-26T11:13:21.875-04:00","caption":"Alkaloid","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-05-26T11:13:22.059-04:00","updated_at":"2020-05-28T09:22:11.644-04:00","filename_hash":"alkaloid_networks_-_print-5_6aw3b34.jpg","width":2500,"height":1841},"filename":"atlstrong-small-business-stories-virtual-coworking-with-alkaloid","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"t-oNwg","created_at":"2020-05-26T11:15:59.494-04:00","updated_at":"2020-05-28T09:22:11.604-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBack in March, when the shelter-in-place order was issued, Katharine Chestnut applied to seven different places for loan assistance for her Coworking spaces business, Alkaloid Networks. Chestnut explained that Invest Atlanta was the only one that came through. \u0026ldquo;They came through when everyone else was crickets or \u0026lsquo;we don\u0026rsquo;t know what we\u0026rsquo;re doing.\u0026rsquo; \u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLocated in a 14,000 square foot historic cotton warehouse along the Eastside Beltline, Alkaloid Networks just celebrated its fifth anniversary, though Chestnut says the celebration will have to wait. Instead of having gift bags on hand for members, she drove around the city delivering them. \u0026ldquo;Coworking is a very localized thing and I needed my members to feel connected,\u0026rdquo; she explained.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDuring the first few weeks of the pandemic, Chestnut immediately launched a multitude of virtual events for her members, providing speakers and work-sprints.\u0026nbsp; Because Alkaloid depends completely on membership dues, Chestnut had to drastically adapt her business since, apart from some essential workers, the majority of members were unable to come in. She also offers a variety of free services because, \u0026ldquo;there are a lot of people who are suddenly working from home now for the first time!\u0026rdquo; To that end, she now offers a new level of membership for those who work from home in addition to posting her free events to LinkedIn and Facebook, and has a Slack channel which she calls \u0026ldquo;The Bright Side\u0026rdquo; \u0026ndash; for people to share positivity. The response, Chestnut says, \u0026ldquo;has been very good.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eChestnut is called \u0026ldquo;The Connector\u0026rdquo; by her current and former members, because she is known for her ability to help foster relationships amongst everyone she knows. Even when people move away or outgrow her space, many of them still keep in touch with her.\u0026nbsp; She says she thrives on seeing people and knows how hard it is to suddenly feel isolated. As such, a few weeks ago she sent out personal emails to each of her 150 members, checking in and asking them what changes they would need to see in place before returning to their spaces. Many members wrote back saying how much they appreciated the communication and the virtual services she is providing.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOne of the things Chestnut feels has helped her during this time when she went from 94% occupancy to barely breaking even, was having a plan. \u0026ldquo;If you weren\u0026rsquo;t prepared for this, it was not a good thing. I remember when 9/11 happened and I was I the events business.\u0026nbsp; It was pretty devastating, and people were very slow to return. They did, and they will now.\u0026rdquo; Still, while she\u0026rsquo;s not able to give tours and backfill her vacancies, having Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s zero percent interest financial assistance helps tremendously. But, she adds, \u0026ldquo;have a plan.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":330,"title":"Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Establishes Grants for City’s Creative and Cosmetology Workers Impacted by COVID-19","promo_title":"Relief Grants Established for Atlanta's Creative and Cosmetology Industry Workers","published_date":"2020-05-21","featured_image":{"id":1220,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"creatl_sib.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1288981,"resource_updated_at":"2020-05-21T15:54:59.595-04:00","caption":"Creative-Cosmo Grands","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2020-05-21T15:54:59.676-04:00","updated_at":"2020-05-21T16:10:02.572-04:00","filename_hash":"creatl_sib_kbw35Y5.png","width":1080,"height":1080},"filename":"mayor-keisha-lance-bottoms-establishes-grants-for-citys-creative-and-cosmetology-workers-impacted-by-covid-19","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"NoFNMw","created_at":"2020-05-21T15:59:07.093-04:00","updated_at":"2020-05-21T15:59:34.060-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAtlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms recently launched two new relief funds for the city\u0026rsquo;s creative industry and beauty industry workers who have encountered economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Invest Atlanta will serve as the program administrator for the two funds.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"/cosmetology-relief-fund-corf\"\u003eStrength in Beauty Fund \u003c/a\u003eprovides grant opportunities through a fiscal partnership with the United Way to assist the independent cosmetology workforce, including barbers, manicurists, skincare specialists and makeup artists.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta is a vibrant city and international hub for creatives and entertainment industry leaders,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;We want to ensure our talent and cultural arts sectors are stable and well-supported during this time. This fund will help our creative artists continue to enrich our lives and our communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"/creatl-relief-fund\"\u003ecreATL Relief fund\u003c/a\u003e will assist Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s creative community working in the gig economy with grants to alleviate economic hardship caused by project cancellations and other pandemic-related disruptions. The fund was launched through a public/private collaboration between the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of Film and Entertainment, the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of City Planning, Invest Atlanta, and City National Bank.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta has thrived on its rich history as home to some of the most skilled and creative cosmetologists and beauty brands for decades,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Bottoms. As a city, we want to uplift those that take their time each day to brighten the lives of so many through their work.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBoth funds offer grants of $1,000 per applicant. Both funds are actively accepting additional donations through \u003ca href=\"https://atlstrong.org/donation/\"\u003eatlstrong.org/donation/\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":323,"title":"Invest Atlanta Establishes Loan Fund for COVID-19 Affected Small Businesses","promo_title":"Emergency Funding for Small Businesses During COVID-19 Pandemic","published_date":"2020-03-24","featured_image":{"id":1149,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"90652231_3160706653962231_2741339803831238656_o.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":121874,"resource_updated_at":"2020-03-24T20:52:13.514-04:00","caption":"small business ","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2020-03-24T20:52:14.037-04:00","updated_at":"2020-05-19T14:51:21.161-04:00","filename_hash":"90652231_3160706653962231_2741339803831238656_o_BxVNRMr.jpg","width":1080,"height":1080},"filename":"invest-atlanta-establishes-loan-fund-for-covid-19-affected-small-businesses","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"T0yaVA","created_at":"2020-03-24T20:53:47.538-04:00","updated_at":"2020-05-19T14:51:21.140-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOn March 20, 2020, Invest Atlanta launched a new loan fund to ensure the viability of businesses in the city of Atlanta in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Business Continuity Loan Fund provides zero-interest loans to help businesses sustain their employee base and maintain operations during this period of economic shock. The fund is for small businesses located in the city of Atlanta that are experiencing economic distress from COVID-19.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta acted quickly to establish the fund because small businesses account for a critical portion of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economy. Of the approximately twenty thousand businesses operating in the city of Atlanta, almost 95 percent have less than fifty employees and/or $500K in revenue.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThrough the fund, businesses can apply for a loan between $5,000 and $30,000 to cover rent and mortgage payments, employee wages, inventory management, and for working capital. Loans have a zero percent interest rate and a 6 to 12-month deferment before the first payment is due. The loan term is not to exceed five years.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo be a qualified applicant for the BCLF, businesses must:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBe an existing for-profit corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or non-profit with for-profit activities in the city of Atlanta that contributes to trade.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBe current on all financial obligations related to the lease or mortgage agreement for the business.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eHave 50 or fewer full-time employees, i.e., employees working at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eHave been in operations for 1 year\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eHave a current City of Atlanta business license.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBe current on all City of Atlanta taxes and fees.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not open again after a major disaster. Additionally, following a disaster, 90 percent of smaller companies fail within a year unless they can resume operations within five days.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMore information on the BCLF program and qualifications can be found \u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/bclf\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":322,"title":"New Predevelopment Assistance Fund Launching this Year","promo_title":"New Predevelopment Assistance Fund Launching this Year","published_date":"2020-02-26","featured_image":{"id":1109,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"87063552_3091484454217785_6921540299462279168_o.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":120060,"resource_updated_at":"2020-02-26T14:26:05.869-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2020-02-26T14:26:05.913-05:00","updated_at":"2020-05-19T14:51:32.723-04:00","filename_hash":"87063552_3091484454217785_6921540299462279168_o_oM8nN6r.jpg","width":1280,"height":853},"filename":"ia-approves-new-predevelopment-assistance-fund-program-within-tad-areas","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"RoF-kA","created_at":"2020-02-26T14:28:54.176-05:00","updated_at":"2020-05-19T14:51:32.704-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has approved the establishment of a new fund to assist smaller project developers seeking to develop or significantly rehabilitate affordable workforce housing and neighborhood-scale commercial property within three Tax Allocation Districts (\u0026ldquo;TAD\u0026rdquo;).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Predevelopment Assistance Fund aims to provide resources strategically to help ameliorate identified obstacles to real estate development and economic vibrancy in the Perry-Bolton TAD, Westside TAD, and Campbellton Road TAD areas.\u0026nbsp; The majority of services the fund is expected to provide to projects fall into the following categories: Feasibility and Financial Analysis, Design Services, and Cost Estimation.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has authorized a Perry-Bolton grant as well as a Westside TAD grant, each of up to $1,000,000, for predevelopment assistance loans in the respective redevelopment areas.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe program will provide both for-profit and non-profit small developers with needed and necessary funding to advance their projects towards construction and development. Predevelopment assistance loans will be available to two types of projects, dependent upon size.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe fund is expected to launch in Q2 2020. \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/developers/opportunities-incentives/tax-allocation-district-financing\"\u003eClick here\u003c/a\u003e for information on Invest Atlanta\u0026#39;s TAD programs.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"}]}