Local Small Businesses Selected for Downtown Accelerator Program

Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) is pleased to announce that 15 small businesses have been selected from over 60 applicants to take part in an innovative 12-week Retail Ready business accelerator program.

The cohort will engage in live and virtual classes built around business planning, marketing strategies, visual merchandising and leasing a commercial storefront.

The 15 small businesses are:

• Barkful | Healthy dog food and treats
• Black Cloud Battalion | Classic car club selling LED tail lights and apparel
• Botanicts | Haircare, skincare, and holistic products
• Buenos Dias Cafe & Pupuseria | Fresh and frozen pupusas
• EssenceTree Beauty & Life | Wellness brand selling bath, body, and home products
• Flaky Not Flaky | Artisan bakery and chocolate shop
• Kindred Paper | Greeting cards and home goods
• Rollerfit | Roller skating equipment and merchandise
• Shapeshifter | Barbecue products and merchandise
• Sincerely Fearless | Novelty jewelry and interactive accessories
• Sweet Heads | Handcrafted desserts
• The Wig Dr. | High quality wigs and mastectomy products
• Vertical Activewear | Sustainable AI-powered apparel brand
• Wine Shoe | Knowledgable wine shop offering unique and intimate tastings 
• YEAHBUZZY | Community-focused retail brand featuring apparel and accessories

The cohort gathered for their first session presenting a diverse range of products including barbecue sauce, clean dog food, unique greeting cards, and other locally made goods that highlight Atlanta’s culture and authenticity. This inaugural group is predominantly composed of women and minority-owned businesses, with a strong emphasis on product-based businesses.

These small businesses will benefit from technical support and financial resources aimed at leasing and operating retail spaces. Alena Green, ADID's Economic Development Director, expressed enthusiasm about the program's potential. “The Retail Ready program is crucial for boosting Downtown Atlanta's vibrancy by equipping local Atlanta businesses with the tools they need to succeed and activate our community.”

The program will culminate in an in-person Graduation and Pitch Party in December, featuring connections to Downtown Atlanta landlords and funders. Graduates will receive up to $3,500 in grant support.

Click here to learn more about the Retail Ready program.