News

Together with American Express, we at the National Trust for Historic Preservation are once again offering the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program to aid restaurant recovery amid ongoing challenges related to the pandemic.

Our mission: award $40,000 grants to 25 historic small restaurants across the country to improve, upgrade, and preserve their exterior physical spaces and online businesses so they can better serve their customers, financially recover, and grow their businesses.

Today, we are asking for your help to find cozy cafes, delicious dives, and other beloved restaurants that have stood the test of time and continue to contribute to their neighborhood’s unique history. Our focus is on independent small restaurants that have been in business for more than 25 years, operate in historic buildings or neighborhoods, and have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

We’re accepting nominations from restaurant enthusiasts as well as formal grant applications from restaurant owners. To learn more, we invite you to register for an online information session on Wednesday, March 23, at 3:00 PM ET to learn more about the program, application criteria, and timeline.

Grant applications and public nominations will be accepted until 11:59 PM ET on April 4, 2022. 

LEARN MORE, NOMINATE + WEBINAR INFO

Applications for the Resurgence Grant Fund
will be open March 1 - April 29, 2022

Through the Resurgence Grant Fund, eligible businesses and non-profits may be awarded grants of up to $40,000 to reimburse costs incurred (after March 3, 2021) by adapting business operations in a post-COVID environment. Apply here. 

Missed our recent webinars? The "Navigating the Business License Process" and "Applying as a Non-Profit to the Resurgence Grant Fund" recordings are now available!

March 1st: Applications Open for Whole Foods Local & Emerging Accelerator Program
The program, which supports the company’s longstanding core value of seeking win-win partnerships with local suppliers, will offer mentorship directly from Whole Foods Market experts, tailored education for small and emerging producers and the potential for financial support to promote business growth. Deadline April 9th! 

March 28th: Invest Atlanta and WEI Host a Govathon at The Lola
In celebration of Women's History Month, Invest Atlanta and WEI are hosting a hackathon to tackle inequities in capital for women entrepreneurs. This 4-day event kicks off Friday, March 25th with the final pitch competition to be held on Monday, March 28th.

March 31st: Deadline to Apply to Bunkerlabs "Veterans in Residence" Incubator
Veterans in Residence is a business incubator that provides veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs and business owners with coworking space, local community, a national business network, and targeted support to grow their business.

March 31st: Deadline to Apply to the RAISE Forum
The RAISE Forum is creating local funding for in-revenue companies that need an investment round between $500K and $5MM. The RAISE Forum is for those companies that have a proven business model and are ready to scale up.

April 1st: Deadline to Apply to Invest Atlanta's ReImagine Opportunity Cohort
The Reimage Opportunity Cohort, a no-cost, 10-week program for Atlanta small businesses located in city of Atlanta Federal Opportunity Zones, is now accepting applications for the second cohort. This program will educate business owners on how to rise, recover and soar following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 1st: Deadline to Apply to Endeavor's "Scale Up Atlanta" Program
This 7-month non-dilutive program equips Atlanta’s fastest-growing, highest potential Black founders with the resources and confidence to take their business to the next level for a time commitment of 3+ hours per month, from May to November 2022.

April 6th: Deadline to Apply to Techstars Atlanta in Partnership with Cox Enterprises
This program is located in the epicenter of startup activity in the Southeast U.S., helping entrepreneurs build meaningful companies and enduring brands.

April 10th: Deadline to Apply to CreateATL's "The Collective" Impact Accelerator

CreateATL provides dedicated space for entrepreneurs who work to create a better Atlanta. Businesses who apply must answer the call of "How do we better connect the community to the outdoors and nature." This could include resilience-focused, ag-tech, urban gardens, outdoor groups, renewable energy, alternative food production, beekeepers and beyond.

April 10th: Deadline to Apply to Digital Undivided's START Program
START is a competitive 3-week virtual program for early idea-stage Latina and Black women entrepreneurs. START Atlanta will take place from May 14-31, 2022.

April 15th: Deadline to Apply to TiE Atlanta Angels 2022 ACCESS Program
The TiE Atlanta Angels 2022 ACCESS program is bridging the mentoring and investment gap for underrepresented founders. Additionally, ACCESS awards female and/or minority founders whose ventures deliver measurable positive change(s) that address a pressing social challenge/need with one-time non-dilutive Social Impact Grants.

April 29th: Deadline to Apply to Invest Atlanta's Resurgence Grant Fund
Through the Resurgence Grant Fund, eligible businesses and non-profits may be awarded grants of up to $40,000 to reimburse costs incurred (after March 3, 2021) by adapting business operations in a post-COVID environment. 

Rolling: Village United's ELEVATE Incubator Program Application
ELEVATE is a 12-week incubator that is tailored to serve the most urgent needs identified by small businesses. ELEVATE moves businesses from aspiration to application to the achievement of growing from sole operators to a thriving business with employees.

Rolling: LaunchPad 2x's First Friday Pitch Off Entrepreneur Application
First Pitch Friday events will be held the last Friday of each month through September 2022 from 1:00 - 2:00PM EST. LaunchPad 2x will reach out when an opportunity to participate is available and confirm dates and guidelines for the presentation.

Rolling: Goodie Nation's "Intentionally Good" Program Application
Intentionally Good is a relationship and growth program from Goodie Nation that increases the competitiveness of tech-focused social entrepreneurs and diverse founders (Black, Latinx, and Women) for endorsements, pilots and strategic partnerships, and funding through professional development, warm introductions, and mental health sessions. 

Rolling: Panoramic Ventures' Startup Showdown Application
Startup Showdown offers early-stage startups the chance to pitch investors and increase their visibility among an expanded investor network. Five finalists are selected to compete on stage in front of a panel of guest investor judges where we invest $120,000 in exchange for 7% of your company.

Rolling: theClubhou.se "Make Startups" Entrepreneurship Accelerator Application
This program offers classes followed by six months of weekly mentoring which completes the full Make Startups Certificate of Entrepreneurship. The program is free if you qualify for funding through Atlanta's Workforce Development. Please add "Zane Access" in the section "where you heard about the program".

 THANK YOU TO! 

• THE 45 BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ATTENDED OUR QUARTERLY MEETING THIS MORNING! 
• NAKATO FOR HOSTING & PROVIDING COFFEE AND DONUTS!
• INVEST ATLANTA FOR PRESENTING THE RESURGENCE GRANT FUND! 

Meeting Agenda with A Lot of Information

Talking Points with PiHi 2021 Review, 2022 Goals, Planning maps and Cheshire Bridge Update

 WE ARE BLOWN AWAY BY YOUR SUPPORT!!! 

Now PiHi Alliance is 43 members strong. We started out with 37 members at 10am today! Help us reach our goal of 60 members strong in 2022!

NEW MEMBERS FROM TODAY'S MEETING! 

Atlanta Irish Dance
Buckhead-Midtown Vacuum, Inc.
Mayesh Wholesale Florist
Atlanta Judo Midtown

Bhojanic

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS FROM TODAY'S MEETING!

Taqueria del Sol

Hand soap Car Wash

JANUARY & FEBRUARY NEW MEMBERS
Heritage Preparatory School

TADA Foundation Inc
Canvas Creations
Northwood Office LLC/ Armour Yards

SERVICE BOX & TAPE CO

 JOIN PIHI ALLIANCE TODAY! 

Cheshire Bridge Businesses can receive 50% OFF Annual Membership with code: CHESHIREBRIDGELOVE2021 at checkout! 

All Cheshire Bridge businesses that join by February 28th will be included on our SUPPORT LOCAL CHESHIRE BRIDGE BANNER CAMPAIGN! 

 RESURGENCE GRANT FUND BY INVEST ATLANTA

Applications will be open March 1 - April 29, 2022

INFO

Have questions? resurgence@investatlanta.com!

FRIDAY FEB 25 @ 10AM WEBINAR

REGISTER

 PAD: PRE ARREST DIVERSION INFO

THIS BLOG POST HAS IT ALL

Includes recording of orientation, FAQs, and Resource Guide

Dail 311 -1 for PAD. 

Email discover@pihialliance.com to help start the PAD TASK Force! 

Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta. Its purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.

With equity front and center, Invest Atlanta supports businesses through economic development incentives, small business loans, workforce solutions, connections to institutions around the city, and other robust programs designed to give all businesses the opportunity to succeed.

Meet with the Business Expansion & Retention Team to learn more about how Invest Atlanta can support your business!

Meet with the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Team to learn more about how Invest Atlanta can support your startup!

Feb. 15th at 11:30 am: Bookkeeping & Tax Credits with Saurav Bhandari, CPA of Arbo
Feb. 22nd at 11:30 am: Hiring with Ariel Lopez of Knac
Mar. 1st at 11:30 am: Cybersecurity with Nick Santora of Curricula
Mar. 8th at 11:20 am: Fundraising with Graham Gintz

 of Knightley

Mayor Dickens announces $20 million Wells Fargo "Open for Business" donation

Feb. 1st: Plywood People's "Path" Program Begins
Path is an interactive six-week online course designed to help problem solvers decide which direction to take with their idea. Path is offered four times during the year. The next cohort begins in February 1st, 2022!

Feb. 3rd: Final Deadline to Apply to Emory's "Startup Launch" Program
The program helps early-stage founder teams to rapidly develop their ideas and move their startup forward. Each team must include at least one Emory student, alumnus/a, or faculty or staff member, while other team members may be from the community at large. The program is free of charge.

Feb. 6th: Deadline to Apply to Atlanta Inno's "Inno Madness" Competition
Nominate a local startup (private, tech-enabled businesses or companies who support innovation.The Inno team will assemble brackets of private, fast-growing, tech-enabled local businesses based on nominations. In the end, only one company will be chosen as Inno Madness Winner. 

Feb. 9th: Deadline to Apply to Women of Color Grant Program
The Fearless Fund and Tory Burch Foundation in partnership with The Cru will award up to 150 deserving women of color-owned small businesses $10,000- $20,000. In addition, recipients will be awarded access to a peer network to help you continue to build and grow their business.

Feb. 11th: Deadline to Apply to Cisco 2022 Global Problem Solver Challenge
The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2022 is a worldwide search for early-stage technology-enabled solutions and services that can enable economic development and/or benefit society and/or the environment.

Feb. 14th: Deadline to Apply to Department of City Planning's "Public Kiosk" Program
Applications are now open for businesses to apply to operate downtown Atlanta brick-and-mortar kiosks. This is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, while contributing to a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly public realm in downtown.

Feb. 17th: Deadline to Apply to Department of City Planning's "Love Our Places: Bike Parking" Program
The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning’s Love Our Places program is looking to partner with an artist with each bike parking location selected during a previous call to develop and implement custom art for each award location.

Feb. 21st: Deadline to Apply to SHRM's "WorkplaceTech Accelerator" Program
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), through SHRMLabs, is launching an inaugural 8-week virtual program that is designed to scale up early-stage, growth driven startups dedicated to elevating HR and solving today's most pressing workplace challenges.

Feb. 22nd: Deadline to Apply to Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN)'s Innovate for All Grant Fund
Innovate for All funds and supports projects that help empower and sustain a statewide network of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship resources to create economic opportunities for Georgia’s rural, suburban, and urban centers, with a focus on the people and places that are often overlooked as hubs of innovation.

April 1st: Deadline to Apply to Endeavor's "Scale Up Atlanta" Program
This 7-month non-dilutive program equips Atlanta’s fastest-growing, highest potential Black founders with the resources and confidence to take their business to the next level. Selected entrepreneurs will participate in monthly programming and receive hyper-curated mentorship and services for the dynamic challenges of scaling up: a time commitment of 3+ hours per month, from May to November 2022.

April 6th: Deadline to Apply to Techstars Atlanta in Partnership with Cox Enterprises
This program is located in the epicenter of startup activity in the Southeast U.S., helping entrepreneurs build meaningful companies and enduring brands.

Rolling: Goodie Nation's "Intentionally Good" Program Application
Intentionally Good is a relationship and growth program from Goodie Nation that increases the competitiveness of tech-focused social entrepreneurs and diverse founders (Black, Latinx, and Women) for endorsements, pilots and strategic partnerships, and funding through professional development, warm introductions, and mental health sessions. 

Rolling: Waitlist Open for Zane Access™ Capital Readiness Cohort
Designed to meet the unique needs of underrepresented founders, the 10-week immersive course prepares underrepresented founding teams to successfully raise capital by providing them with networks and mentors to help them champion their story and use their own powerful, unique voice and brand.

Rolling: Panoramic Ventures' Startup Showdown Application
Startup Showdown offers early-stage startups the chance to pitch investors and increase their visibility among an expanded investor network. All semifinalists benefit from Mentor Day, where they will refine their pitch in front of experienced founders and other tech executives. Five finalists are selected to compete on stage in front of a panel of guest investor judges where we invest $120,000 in exchange for 7% of your company.

Rolling: Applications for theClubhou.se "Make Startups" Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program
This program offers classes beginning every couple of months in a variety of locations, meets once or twice a week, and is followed by six months of weekly mentoring which completes the full Make Startups Certificate of Entrepreneurship. The program is free if you qualify for funding through Atlanta's Workforce Development. Please add "Zane Access" in the section "where you heard about the program".

Rolling: QuickBooks Restaurant Relief Initiative in partnership with the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation
Through the QuickBooks Restaurant Relief Initiative, restaurants with an annual net revenue of less than $250,000 can apply for a $5,000 grant to cover payroll and operating expenses to help employ and retain staff.

• Invest Atlanta Dealroom Startup-Investor Platform: Connects startups, investors, and other ecosystem members via this free, virtual data platform. 
• Curricula's Free Security Awareness Training Program: Provides free security awareness training program designed to help protect organizations with up to 1,000 employees and build a security culture at no cost.
• File 1099-NEC with Arbo for FREE: Helps complete 1099-NEC, a form is used to report non-employee compensations over $600 to parties like vendors, freelancers, independent contractors and more.
• SBA Mentor-Protégé Program Tutorial: Provides small businesses with business development assistance and help to successfully compete for federal contracts.
• Startup Atlanta Guide to the Ecosystem: Includes an ecosystem overview and more than 300 resources with clickable links
• How to Start a Small Business – A Veteran’s Small Business Guide: Outlines the steps to get a successful company off the ground by introducing wide range of excellent resources to help turn an idea into a successful business for veterans.
• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Platform: Offers learning modules, expert coaching, peer networking and more. Complete two courses or coaching events to be eligible to apply for a Verizon Small Business Digital Ready $10,000 grant.
• National Science Foundation's Seed Fund: Supports startups navigating the earliest stages of technology translation, investing roughly $200 million annually.
• Women in the Workplace Platform: Equips women via roundtables and marketplaces with local resources from the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative in partnership with Invest Atlanta, WorkSource Atlanta, The Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and One Atlanta.
  

January 27, 2022

Cheshire Bridge Design/Build Procurement Underway

Prospective contractor bids due on February 1, 2022

With demolition complete, the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) is currently accepting bids for the design and rebuild of the Cheshire Bridge over South Fork Peachtree Creek. Bids from prospective contractors are due on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

 

The bridge has been closed to all modes of transportation since August 2021, when a fire severely compromised its safety and efficacy. Demolition was completed in December 2021.

 

Next steps toward construction include bid evaluation, contractor recommendation, and contract execution. ATLDOT will share additional information as the procurement process moves forward.

ATLDOT reminds the public that pedestrians are restricted from entering the bridge construction zone until the demolition and rebuild are complete. For your safety, please do not enter the creek bed, sloping, and fenced off bridge areas on either side of the creek. 

Cheshire Bridge Rebuild updates are available on the ATLDOT website (atldot.atlantaga.gov). Stay engaged with ATLDOT on our Twitter feed @ATLDOT, ATLDOT Facebook page, Instagram channel @ATL.DOT, and NextDoor platforms.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

January 18: Free Intro to Google Analytics | Online Class

January 18: Business Bookkeeping Basics

January 20: 10 Key Steps to Grow Your Solo Business

Jan. 24th: The Center for Micro-Entrepreneurial Training

The Center for Micro-Entrepreneurial Training is conducting a FREE 5-day virtual training. This immersive training is for women and minority entrepreneurs who have limited knowledge about managing, building, or starting a new business. It is designed to give the fundamental foundation to meet the challenges and risks that an entrepreneur will face.

January 26: Small Business Access to Capital

January 28: PITCH PRACTICE

Jan. 31st: Deadline to Apply to Georgia State's Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund

Georgia State University undergraduate students, graduate students, recent alumni, and Georgia State community entrepreneurs are welcomed to apply to the 3rd cohort of the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund! The Main Street program aims to support diverse entrepreneurs and foster inclusive entrepreneurship.

Feb. 11th: Cisco 2022 Global Problem Solver Challenge

The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2022 is a worldwide search for early-stage technology-enabled solutions and services that can enable economic development and/or benefit society and/or the environment.

Rolling: Waitlist Open for Zane Access™ Capital Readiness Cohort

Designed to meet the unique needs of underrepresented founders, the 10-week immersive course prepares underrepresented founding teams to successfully raise capital by providing them with networks and mentors to help them champion their story and use their own powerful, unique voice and brand.

Rolling: Panoramic Ventures' Startup Showdown Application

Startup Showdown offers early-stage startups the chance to pitch investors and increase their visibility among an expanded investor network. All semifinalists benefit from Mentor Day, where they will refine their pitch in front of experienced founders and other tech executives. Five finalists are selected to compete on stage in front of a panel of guest investor judges where we invest $120,000 in exchange for 7% of your company.

Rolling: Applications for theClubhou.se "Make Startups" Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program

This program offers classes beginning every couple of months in a variety of locations, meets once or twice a week, and is followed by six months of weekly mentoring which completes the full Make Startups Certificate of Entrepreneurship. The program is free if you qualify for funding through Atlanta's Workforce Development. Please add "Zane Access" in the section "where you heard about the program".

Rolling: QuickBooks Restaurant Relief Initiative in partnership with the Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation

Through the QuickBooks Restaurant Relief Initiative, restaurants with an annual net revenue of less than $250,000 can apply for a $5,000 grant to cover payroll and operating expenses to help employ and retain staff.

WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE ORIENTATION HERE

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ONLY

FAQ'S ABOUT PAD

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE- PRINT IT OUT AND USE TO  HELP UNSHELTERED INDVIDUALS. 

Cheshire Bridge Demolition is Complete! Bridge Access Remains Restricted Until Rebuild Is Finished The City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) is pleased to announce demolition of the Cheshire Bridge over South Fork Peachtree Creek has been completed as scheduled.   The bridge has been closed to all modes of transportation since August 2021, when a fire severely compromised its safety and efficacy. Demolition work began nearly four (4) weeks ago and has steadily progressed without major obstacles. Crews will continue to remove demolition debris from the area through the end of the week.   Currently, the procurement process is underway, with the bridge rebuild estimated to begin in the first quarter of 2022. ATLDOT reminds the public that pedestrians are restricted from entering the bridge construction zone until the demolition and rebuild are complete. For your safety, please do not enter the creek bed, sloping, and fenced off bridge areas on either side of the creek.  Cheshire Bridge Rebuild updates are available on the ATLDOT website (atldot.atlantaga.gov). Stay engaged with ATLDOT on our Twitter feed @ATLDOT, ATLDOT Facebook page, Instagram channel @ATL.DOT, and NextDoor platforms.

Sincerely, Communications Team Atlanta Department of Transportation

Public input is essential to the success of ATL Zoning 2.0. We’ll be working closely with Atlanta’s residents, businesses, and property owners to explore, draft, test, and refine the new Zoning Ordinance and Official Zoning Map well before the official adoption process begins.

The process includes thirteen rounds of public meetings and workshops, not including the official adoption process.  The Atlanta Zoning Ordinance Rewrite’s public process starts with Idea Labs. Idea Labs are opportunities for planning and zoning experts to share ideas that might be appropriate to incorporate into the new Zoning Ordinance. Ideas presented are all subject to refinement as the new Zoning Ordinance is discussed and vetted through the public process.

MORE INFORMATION

Idea Labs 2: Coding after COVID-19 / Sustainability

VIRTUAL ON ZOOM

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

REGISTER HERE  This Idea Lab will explore how COVID-19 has changed cities and how they can be more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

Idea Labs 3: Urban Ecology / Coding for Mobility and Access

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

REGISTER HERE This Idea Lab will examine how zoning can affect how we move around, access daily needs, and embrace Atlanta’s natural systems.

Idea Labs 4: Coding for Place / Unlocking Residual Space

Idea Labs 4: Coding for Place / Unlocking Residual Space

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

REGISTER HERE: This Idea Lab will examine how zoning can be tailored to Atlanta’s unique neighborhoods and make better use of space within them.

Review the District 6 Candidate Discussion 

Review the Small Biz Candidate Forums

Cheshire Bridge Demolition to Begin Week of November 8th
All Bridge Access Restricted Through End of Construction

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) announced utility relocation work is complete on the fire-damaged Cheshire Bridge over South Fork Peachtree Creek, clearing the way for demolition work to begin the week of November 8th.

The bridge was closed to traffic after a fire severely compromised its safety and efficacy in August of this year. A demolition contractor was selected in late September and vendors have been working to move power, water, gas, cable and phone lines off the bridge and around the construction zone.

Final preparations are scheduled to be completed by Sunday, November 7th. Investigative demolition work—as well as bridge sidewalk and overhang removal—will then take place, with major demolition scheduled to begin later that same week.

“We are grateful for the patience and continued support of the local community in the face of the tremendous inconvenience caused by the Cheshire Bridge closure,” said ATLDOT Commissioner Josh Rowan. “Issues encountered during the utility relocation process have delayed the start of demolition, but work should progress well from this point.”

The designated contractor will work seven days a week on a 24-hour-a-day schedule to complete the demolition. This aggressive schedule will ensure the safety of the public, while preparing the bridge for construction in 2022.

“We are currently preparing a bid package for design and construction and expect to have a contractor on board soon after demolition is complete,” Rowan said. “We remain committed to getting the bridge demolished and replaced as safely and quickly as possible.” 

About ATLDOT:  The Atlanta Department of Transportation serves as both the coordinating agency for all transportation matters within the city government and as the point of contact for residents and external agencies. ATLDOT’s goal is to provide a safer, more equitable and more sustainable transportation network throughout the city.