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Invest Atlanta News

Making an Impact on Atlanta

Scroll down to see the impact and stories of people and places supported through Invest Atlanta programs.

 

2024 At A Glance

3,553

New Jobs Created (Business Attraction and Expansion)

$856.1M

Total Capital Investment

$1.36B

Total Economic Impact

1,524

Affordable Housing Units Financed (Multifamily)

328

Homeownership Incentives (Downpayment Assistance, Owner-Occupied Rehab and Tax Relief)

1,514

Small Businesses Supported (Grants, Loans and Technical Assistance)

 

See What We’ve Been Up To

{"result":[{"id":544,"title":"Combatting Food Insecurity","promo_title":"Combatting Food Insecurity","published_date":"2024-10-24","featured_image":{"id":2720,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"ys4.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":90649,"resource_updated_at":"2024-11-06T12:06:13.103-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2024-11-06T12:06:13.123-05:00","updated_at":"2024-11-07T09:50:04.975-05:00","filename_hash":"ys4_bwmKJxZ.jpg","width":855,"height":419},"filename":"combatting-food-insecurity","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"hl-UOQ","created_at":"2024-11-06T12:07:03.060-05:00","updated_at":"2024-11-07T09:50:04.948-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRecent statistics show that 14% of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s population is food insecure, with minorities struggling with hunger more than other households. To help address this issue, the Invest Atlanta Board approved $2.5 million to fund five fresh food access projects that will significantly increase the availability of healthy, affordable food across the city. The funding will provide additional grocery options to more than 11,000 residents living in low-income and low-access areas as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;A city of opportunity is one where all residents have access to fresh, affordable food in their communities,\u0026rdquo; says Mayor Andre Dickens. \u0026ldquo;The funding approved by the Invest Atlanta Board upholds this commitment and will help us foster strong, healthy neighborhoods throughout the city.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMayor Dickens worked with Invest Atlanta to establish new fresh food access initiatives, including the Atlanta Food Access Catalyst Grant (AFACG) program for those affected by food insecurity, especially Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s senior population. Funding for the AFACG is part of a $6 million investment from the Atlanta City Council to bring more fresh food options to low-income and low-access neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eProjects approved by the Invest Atlanta Board for Atlanta Food Access Catalyst Grants include:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGoodr Be on Edgewood \u0026ndash; Goodr is a national leader in innovative approaches to improving food security by connecting excess food that is completely safe for consumption with food insecure communities. Leveraging a $330,000 Atlanta Food Access Catalyst grant, Goodr will open a grocery store at Be on Edgewood serving Atlanta\u0026#39;s senior and unhoused communities. Goodr Be on Edgewood will also provide community members with healthcare services through a partnership with WellStar.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCity of Refuge \u0026ndash; City of Refuge is a faith-based nonprofit servicing the city of Atlanta for nearly 30 years, including Washington Heights, Bankhead and Grove Park. By providing housing, job training and education, City of Refuge has established itself as a national leader in community development and economic mobility. The City of Refuge Transformation Center on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard is a new facility that will include an entrepreneurship hub, a healthcare clinic, a credit union, and a healthy neighborhood market. The project received a $200,000 Atlanta Food Access Catalyst Grant to help finance the development of the neighborhood market, as well as a $2 million in Beltline TAD grant and $8.5 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) financing to support the broader development project.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eAtlanta Community Food Bank \u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;The Food Bank will renovate an existing commercial property along the Martin Luther King Drive corridor and open a Community Food Center (CFC). The Food Bank has been awarded a $250,000 Atlanta Food Access Catalyst grant and a $250,000 Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant, which will support the creation of the first Community Food Center in the city of Atlanta, reusing a vacant retail space on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;Addressing food insecurity is not merely a challenge,\u0026rdquo; says Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, \u0026ldquo;it is an imperative that demands collective action to ensure that every individual has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional food access projects approved for funding by the Invest Atlanta Board include:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e500 James P. Brawley Drive \u0026ndash; The proposed project seeks to redevelop a well-known neighborhood space, commonly known as the \u0026ldquo;Yellow Store.\u0026rdquo; The vacant building will become a mixed-use development with neighborhood retail on the ground floor and residential on the second level. Leveraging a $750,000 Westside TAD grant, improvements include the addition of an outdoor canopy at the rear of the building intended to provide seating for a local food service tenant.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSweet Auburn Municipal Market \u0026ndash; Opened in its current building on Auburn Avenue in 1924, the Municipal Market now houses 30 local businesses, including grocery vendors, retail stores and several popular eateries. Through a $775,000 Eastside TAD grant and funding from the City of Atlanta, the Municipal Market will reconfigure its vendor booths and fund a new Vendor Success Program administered by Invest Atlanta.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to increasing grocery options, the approved projects will create more than $53.8 million in economic impact and create or preserve 226 jobs.\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":533,"title":"Grant Opportunity Supports Access to Fresh Food","promo_title":"Grant Opportunity Supports Access to Fresh Food","published_date":"2024-07-26","featured_image":{"id":2003,"parent_id":7,"resource_file_name":"cpig_mantle.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":436323,"resource_updated_at":"2022-07-25T13:03:14.630-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2022-07-25T13:03:15.336-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-29T16:36:54.984-04:00","filename_hash":"cpig_mantle_j3DlByW.png","width":984,"height":360},"filename":"grant-opportunity-supports-access-to-fresh-food","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"WLoXMw","created_at":"2024-07-29T12:48:41.163-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-29T16:36:54.962-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta has launched a $750,000 grant opportunity for grocery store owners looking to make internal and external improvements to their commercial properties. The grant program provides up to $50,000 per project and is an expansion of the existing \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/businesses/small-businesses/commercial-property-improvement-grant\"\u003eCommercial Property Improvement Grant (CPIG)\u003c/a\u003e.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has launched a $750,000 grant opportunity for grocery store owners looking to make internal and external improvements to their commercial properties. The grant opportunity provides up to $50,000 per project and is an expansion of the existing \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/businesses/small-businesses/commercial-property-improvement-grant\"\u003eCommercial Property Improvement Grant (CPIG)\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The fresh food access grant program is a way for our Administration to develop community partnerships to ensure access to fresh, nutritious food to all of Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; says Mayor Andre Dickens. \u0026ldquo;In addition to closing the food access gap, these grants can help independent grocers expand and create jobs, become more energy efficient, enhance their property and a variety of added benefits for the surrounding neighborhoods.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eQualified grocery businesses selling fresh food may use grant funds to maintain or expand properties with eligible expenses. These include fa\u0026ccedil;ade enhancements, interior renovations, energy-efficient upgrades and other modifications that contribute to a more inviting and functional shopping environment. Grocery operators can also access technical assistance provided through the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) to help optimize supply chain processes and increase access to healthy, affordable food for the community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, the opportunity grant goes beyond increasing access to fresh food, it also supports small businesses, creates jobs and improves retail infrastructure. \u0026ldquo;Access to fresh food is not just a privilege, but a fundamental right that impacts our health and well-being,\u0026rdquo; says Dr. Klementich. \u0026ldquo;Alongside the City of Atlanta and our partners, we are working to ensure that investments to increase food access make a long-term, holistic impact on our communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Commercial Property Improvement Grant (CPIG) was created within the \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/businesses/small-businesses/openforbusiness\"\u003eAtlanta Open for Business Fund\u003c/a\u003e, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta. The fund was made possible by a $20 million donation from Wells Fargo to help small business owners in Atlanta own more of their businesses\u0026rsquo; assets, including property and equipment.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information about the Commercial Property Improvement Grant and to apply, visit Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s website, \u003ca href=\"http://investatlanta.com/cpig\"\u003einvestatlanta.com/cpig\u003c/a\u003e. There is also a webinar recording that details the application process, eligibility requirements and program benefits. To learn more about Grocery Technical Assistance, watch \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFpZhQ5tQag\u0026amp;t=10s\"\u003eInvest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s informational session\u003c/a\u003e with IGA.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":527,"title":"Cargill to Open Atlanta Office, Creating 400 New Jobs","promo_title":"Cargill to Open Atlanta Office, Creating 400 New Jobs","published_date":"2024-07-03","featured_image":{"id":467,"parent_id":7,"resource_file_name":"about_prmedia_mantle_940x360.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":482807,"resource_updated_at":"2018-01-09T11:29:57.446-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-01-09T11:29:57.692-05:00","updated_at":"2024-07-09T17:01:04.796-04:00","filename_hash":"about_prmedia_mantle_940x360_Qg5Y7Mk.jpg","width":1880,"height":720},"filename":"cargill-to-open-atlanta-office-creating-400-new-jobs","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"J4vmtA","created_at":"2024-07-09T17:01:04.789-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-09T17:01:04.789-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGlobal food and agriculture leader Cargill is building on its already strong Georgia presence by establishing a new office hub in Atlanta, creating more than 400 jobs in the metro area. The company\u0026rsquo;s Digital, Technology and Data (DT\u0026amp;D) organization will be the initial primary occupant of the Atlanta hub, which will open in the fall of 2024.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Georgia, and Atlanta, are welcoming, business-friendly environments that provide an ideal backdrop for Cargill\u0026rsquo;s investment in technology and innovation,\u0026rdquo; says Cargill Board Chair and CEO Brian Sikes, \u0026ldquo;With a new office hub in Atlanta, Cargill will be able to harness the immense potential of digital technology to drive our business forward.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCargill is now hiring in preparation for its fall opening. Current and future job opportunities are available in data engineering, generative artificial intelligence, SAP and other critical fields \u0026ndash; all of which will be posted in the careers section of Cargill\u0026rsquo;s website.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Jennifer Hartsock, Cargill\u0026rsquo;s chief information and digital officer, the company\u0026rsquo;s decision to establish an office in Atlanta underscores its recognition of the city\u0026#39;s thriving tech innovation hub. \u0026ldquo;Atlanta\u0026#39;s rich pool of technical talent provides unparalleled access to the expertise needed to drive our digital transformation,\u0026rdquo; says Hartsock. \u0026ldquo;Employees working at this facility will help create digital solutions that power our global food supply chain, harness analytics and artificial intelligence to open new markets and drive technical innovation to make our food system more sustainable and accessible.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith more than 159 years of experience, Cargill sources, makes and delivers food products around the world, operating in 70 countries and selling to 125 global markets. The company is also an active community partner, contributing more than $1 million in the past year to support the Georgia FFA Foundation; Georgia Mountain Food Bank; Emory University; Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANNRS); and local schools.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta is a city committed to opportunity where companies have the talent, resources and welcoming environment needed to accelerate business in today\u0026rsquo;s global economy,\u0026rdquo; says Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. \u0026ldquo;By choosing Atlanta, Cargill is creating 400 new jobs that can further our economic growth and access to upward mobility for more residents in the city.\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":524,"title":"Increasing Access to Healthy Food","promo_title":"Increasing Access to Healthy Food","published_date":"2024-05-30","featured_image":{"id":2500,"parent_id":7,"resource_file_name":"untitled_design_-1-.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1410947,"resource_updated_at":"2023-09-12T10:30:31.933-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2023-09-12T10:30:34.321-04:00","updated_at":"2024-08-02T09:55:23.090-04:00","filename_hash":"untitled_design_-1-_B3951l7.png","width":1340,"height":631},"filename":"increasing-access-to-healthy-food","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"3YXbHg","created_at":"2024-05-30T09:44:01.829-04:00","updated_at":"2024-05-30T09:51:51.532-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Working with City leadership, Invest Atlanta is identifying a range of solutions to address food insecurity and ensure that every Atlantan lives close to healthy food options.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWorking with City leadership, Invest Atlanta is identifying a range of solutions to address food insecurity and ensure that every Atlantan lives close to healthy food options.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo accomplish this, Invest Atlanta is prioritizing investments in programs that attract major supermarkets and grocery stores; expand, retain and improve corner and neighborhood markets; support innovative food access models; and drive policy, system and environment change. The goal of this food access strategy is for 85% of residents to live within a half-mile of fresh, affordable food by 2025.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRecent progress has been made to address food insecurity and access to healthy food, including:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndependent Grocers Alliance (IGA) Named Technical Assistance Provider for Grocery Retail Operations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta selected the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) as its technical assistance provider to support grocery retail operations in Atlanta. IGA was selected as part of a formal Request for Qualitied Contractors process, where the organization demonstrated expertise in the areas of grocery marketing and merchandising; supply chain and logistics; knowledge and management training; and networking and collaboration techniques. IGA will offer guidance and support to applicants looking to grow and expand their established grocery businesses in Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequest for Qualified Contractors for Municipal Grocery Store Development\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith a goal to increase the pipeline of businesses interested in establishing or expanding their grocery offerings within the city of Atlanta \u0026ndash; primarily in communities with food accessibility challenges \u0026ndash; Invest Atlanta has issued a Request for Qualified Contractors for Municipal Grocery Store Development.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eQualified entities will develop and operate a municipal grocery store within the city of Atlanta and partner with Invest Atlanta to provide general consultation and service implementation related to food access opportunities.\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 Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":512,"title":" Invest Atlanta Issues Request for Information to Increase Access to Healthy Food","promo_title":" Invest Atlanta Issues Request for Information to Increase Access to Healthy Food","published_date":"2024-03-04","featured_image":{"id":2584,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"untitled_design_-9-.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":5802208,"resource_updated_at":"2024-03-04T12:35:56.992-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2024-03-04T12:35:57.856-05:00","updated_at":"2024-03-04T12:36:12.835-05:00","filename_hash":"untitled_design_-9-_xNvgjaJ.png","width":2500,"height":1500},"filename":"invest-atlanta-issues-request-for-information-to-increase-access-to-healthy-food","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"fVGQaQ","created_at":"2024-03-04T12:36:12.737-05:00","updated_at":"2024-03-04T12:36:12.737-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The U.S. Department Agriculture reports that in 2022 nearly one in five households faced food insecurity \u0026ndash; an unacceptable fact that Invest Atlanta and the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office are committed to addressing here in Atlanta.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe U.S. Department Agriculture reports that in 2022 nearly one in five households faced food insecurity \u0026ndash; an unacceptable fact that Invest Atlanta and the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office are committed to addressing here in Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta issued a \u003ca href=\"/assets/rfi_-_developers_and_grocery_operators_input_v2_RznpXem.pdf\"\u003eRequest for Information (RFI)\u003c/a\u003e to support the creation of economic development programming that increases the availability of fresh, affordable grocery options in Atlanta. The information provided by qualified developers and retail grocery operators will help increase the pipeline of businesses looking to launch or expand grocery offerings, particularly in areas described by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as \u0026ldquo;Low Income, Low Access Communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Too many residents face food insecurity in their daily lives, which is why our Administration continues to prioritize investments in programs that bring healthy, affordable food options to every Atlanta neighborhood,\u0026rdquo; says Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. \u0026ldquo;All residents deserve to live close to healthy food options, a goal we are committed to accomplishing with our public and private partners.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s grocery and health foods strategy focuses on:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eAttracting major supermarkets and grocery stores\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eRetaining, expanding and improving corner and neighborhood markets\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSupporting innovative food access models\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eDriving policy, systems and environment change\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Innovation and partnerships like this request for information is designed to create are key to finding new, impactful opportunities to increase access to affordable healthy food in our communities,\u0026rdquo; says Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHealth professionals suggest that affordable access to healthy food is critical not just to preventing and treating diet-related health conditions, but also to building thriving communities, strong local economies and sustainable food systems.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":494,"title":"Increasing Food Accessibility","promo_title":"Increasing Food Accessibility","published_date":"2023-09-28","featured_image":{"id":2510,"parent_id":158,"resource_file_name":"nb2.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":119177,"resource_updated_at":"2023-09-28T10:13:53.939-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2023-09-28T10:13:54.789-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-28T16:28:26.605-04:00","filename_hash":"nb2_B39Xqqr.jpg","width":1280,"height":720},"filename":"increasing-food-accessibility","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"szUUXw","created_at":"2023-09-28T10:15:37.826-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-28T11:51:35.181-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Board approved grants for two local small businesses to increase food accessibility in disinvested areas of the city that often lack ready options for fresh foods. Two Economic Opportunity Fund Food Access Grants, totaling $1.6 million, will support expansion projects for Goodr and Nourish + Bloom.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2023","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board approved grants for two local small businesses to increase food accessibility in disinvested areas of the city that often lack ready options for fresh foods. Two Economic Opportunity Fund Food Access Grants, totaling $1.6 million, will support expansion projects for Goodr and Nourish + Bloom.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoodr\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA $1 million Economic Opportunity Fund Food Access Grant was awarded to help Goodr finance the design and buildout of a community grocery store at iVillage @ MLK. The store will provide groceries, including fresh produce, eggs, milk, meat and other shelf-stable items.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta, the City of Atlanta and MARTA partnered to create the iVillage @ MLK using repurposed shipping containers at the H.E. Holmes MARTA Station. The container village provides affordable, attractive and transit-accessible grocery, health services and retail along the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive corridor.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Economic Opportunity Fund for Goodr offers a model to examine the demand, need and value that a community food store has in low-income, disinvested neighborhoods with the goal of attracting and informing future grocery-based establishments. It also serves as an opportunity to jumpstart future interest in transit-oriented development (TOD) at H.E. Holmes Station.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGoodr founder and CEO Jasmine Crowe is an award-winning entrepreneur, TED speaker and children\u0026rsquo;s book author who founded the tech-enabled sustainable food waste management company. She is the 35th Black woman to raise more than $1 million in venture capital and was named as a top 100 influential female founders by \u003cem\u003eEntrepreneurial Magazine\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNourish + Bloom Market\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNourish + Bloom was awarded a $600,000 Economic Opportunity Fund Food Access Grant to help finance two Nourish + Bloom Market container stores, which will be located in Pittsburgh Yards and a location to be determined in District 11.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNourish + Bloom is a minority- and woman-owned autonomous grocery store that provides locally sourced grocery items, alongside everyday convenience items, with no checkout. Its autonomous container store model is designed to bring fresh produce and other nutritious goods directly to the community, offering a convenient, accessible solution and represents a competitive attraction project within the grocery industry.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis project represents Nourish + Bloom\u0026rsquo;s first expansion and will support two part-time and two full-time jobs, including a satellite store manager, customer experience representative, stocker and security guard. The company is committed to combatting food inequity and food insecurity by serving consumers in food deserts and historically underserved areas. And its versatile products allow it to deploy in all market conditions and serve more than 5,000 patrons monthly.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, Nourish + Bloom is committed to creating well-rounded employees in both AI and robotics, so as advancements in technology may scale out traditional grocer jobs, their employees can easily transition into the future of retail.\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 Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"}]}
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