ATLANTA — The Atlanta Beltline is taking applications for a grant program aimed at increasing small business access.

“Launching the local developer incentive fund marks a pivotal moment in the beltline’s evolution,” said Clyde Higgs, president & CEO at Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “We’re proving that transformative development and community preservation aren’t mutually exclusive, and we want to ensure that residents and visitors alike experience the authentic, locally owned businesses that represent the true spirit of our city. This fund is our commitment to making that vision a reality.”

Developers will have a month to apply for grants ranging between $150K to $500K if they agree to offer a share of their commercial space to a small business for below market rent for at least 10 years.

Atlanta Beltline, Inc. hopes to have the money from the Local Developer Incentive Fund distributed by early next year.