New program to bolster domestically owned companies
Assist is on the way in which for a few of Atlanta’s oldest domestically owned companies. Tuesday, the town launched its first-ever program to supply hundreds of {dollars} in grants to these companies. House owners of some historic eating places within the metropolis who say it’s a lot wanted
ATLANTA – In a transfer to protect the town’s cultural and culinary historical past, Atlanta officers have rolled out the town’s first-ever Legacy Enterprise Program.
This system affords monetary aid and promotional help to longstanding native institutions struggling underneath record-high operational prices.
What we all know:
Greater than 500 companies which have operated inside Atlanta metropolis limits for at the very least 30 years are eligible for this system, which supplies grants and inclusion in a web based registry accessible through a brand new smartphone app. The initiative was spearheaded by Mayor Andre Dickens, Councilman Jason Dozier, and financial improvement company Make investments Atlanta.
This system comes as historic companies face rising meals and provide costs, pushed by inflation and tariffs. New information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics studies a 9.7% improve in wholesale meals prices over the previous yr.
The grant funding can be utilized for modernizing gear, enhancing infrastructure, or different enterprise wants.
What they’re saying:
“These legacy eating places have actually persevered. They’ve seen recessions, they’ve seen pandemic and so we need to assist them keep robust,” stated Mayor Dickens throughout this system’s announcement Tuesday.
For Tracy Gates, proprietor of the enduring Busy Bee Cafe—based in 1947—the help is well timed. Gates, who bought the restaurant within the Nineteen Eighties, says the final 5 years have been among the many most troublesome for her enterprise.
“It’s actually the meals prices and paper meals product prices,” Gates stated. “I feel it’s a shot within the arm throughout these unpredictable occasions.”
Gates stated the assistance will permit legacy eating places like hers to proceed serving generations of loyal patrons.
Manuel’s Tavern, established in 1956, is one other enterprise set to profit from this system. Assistant Common Supervisor Megan Maloof says inflation and tariffs have made working a neighborhood restaurant more and more troublesome.
“We actually wouldn’t be right here with out our neighborhood and anytime our neighborhood is ready to provide a hand I do know we actually recognize it,” Maloof stated. “I feel now’s the time to help your restaurant greater than ever.”
Manuel’s deep historical past in Atlanta is one thing Maloof says her household is pleased with. “We received began in 1956 by my grandfather,” she stated, noting the restaurant’s “deep roots within the metropolis.”
What you are able to do:
Purposes for the Legacy Enterprise Program are actually obtainable on-line. To qualify, companies should be bodily situated inside the metropolis of Atlanta and maintain a present metropolis enterprise license. Grant purposes open Could 1.
Be taught extra about this system right here.
The Supply: FOX 5’s Joi Dukes spoke to Tracy Gates, proprietor of the enduring Busy Bee Cafe, and Manuel’s Tavern’s Assistant Common Supervisor Megan Maloof concerning the Legacy Enterprise Program. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens additionally gave a quote about this system.
