In the news
Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
Athens, GA · 926 members
athensga.com ↗Member directory ↗
This month1 member story
Member news
Members in the news
News about Athens Area Chamber of Commerce's members from local outlets, checked against the article. Every story links to the source.
Funding & programs
Opportunities
24 open for members · 4 for the chamber
SBA disaster loanGA · disaster area
SBA Offers Relief to Georgia Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought (GA-20024)
Small businesses and private nonprofits in the declared counties with economic losses from drought beginning on Dec. 15, 2025 can apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (up to $2 million; agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible except aquaculture). Economic injury applications are due December 10, 2026; covered counties include Alabama: Barbour, Chambers, DeKalb, Henry, Houston, Lee, Randolph, Russell; Florida: Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Nassau.
- Amount
- The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms of up to 30 years.
- When
- Apply by Dec 10
Ag-related
Who can apply
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs — including faith-based organizations — with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
TrainingNational
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses – business education program
Business education program for established small business owners, run in local in-person cohorts and a national online cohort. Applicants should be an owner or co-owner of a business operating at least two years, with revenue of $75,000 or more in one of the past two fiscal years and at least two employees including the owner. Applications are due about three months before a cohort starts: apply by October 2026 for the February–May 2027 national cohort.
- When
- Open now
Who can apply
Does your business have revenue of $75K or more in one of the past two fiscal years?
GrantNational
R4R Mitigation Grant – $5,000 for pre-disaster projects (Fall 2026)
New for fall 2026: small businesses that take a 15–30 minute disaster resilience course on Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform between September 29 and November 15 become eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant for a pre-disaster mitigation project at their business.
- Amount
- a $5,000 Mitigation Grant supporting pre-disaster mitigation projects at your business
- When
- Apply by Nov 15
Who can apply
Between September 29 and November 15, take a 15-30 minute small business disaster resilience course on Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform to become eligible to apply for a $5,000 Mitigation Grant supporting pre-disaster mitigation projects at your business.
See all 25Show fewer
GrantNational
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and distribution centers give local grants of $250 to $5,000 to 501(c)(3) charities, schools, government entities and faith-based community projects in their service area. The current cycle runs August 1 to November 30; chambers (501(c)(6)) are not eligible.
- Amount
- Grant amounts range from $250 to $5,000.
- When
- Apply by Nov 30
Who can apply
Eligible entities must be a: 501(c)(3) public charity: [...] Government entity (non-501(c)(3)): [...] School: [...] Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large [...] Note: Non-charities, including but not limited to organizations such as 501(c)(4)s, (c)(6)s, and (c)(19)s like homeowner’s associations, civic leagues, or volunteer fire companies, are not eligible.
AcceleratorNational
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is a year-long fellowship for women-owned businesses with at least $75,000 in annual revenue, including a $2,000 education grant. Applications for the 2027 cohort are open September 22 to November 17, 2026, and applying is free.
- Amount
- $2,000 education grant (FAQ)
- When
- Apply by Nov 17
Majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by womenA woman entrepreneur who owns the largest or equally largest stake in a qualifying business
Who can apply
For profit, from any industry; Majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by women; Generating minimum of $75,000 annually. There is no maximum revenue requirement.; Formed under United States law and operating in the United States
GrantNational
HerRise MicroGrant
HerSuiteSpot's HerRise MicroGrant funds women-owned US businesses with under $1 million in revenue; each month's applications close on the last day of the month. There is a $15 application fee.
- When
- Open now
Contest$15 feeWomen-owned business
Who can apply
Women-owned business; Businesses currently registered in the US; Less than $1 million in gross revenue; Non-profits, franchise, direct seller, authorized reseller or independent consultant not eligible
GrantNational
Amber Grants
WomensNet awards three $10,000 Amber Grants to women-owned businesses every month, and three $50,000 grants at year end. Each month's entry period ends on the last day of the month; there is a $15 application fee with a fee waiver on request.
- Amount
- Each month, three (3) $10,000 Amber Grants will be awarded. [...] three (3) of the monthly winners will receive an additional $50,000 Year-End Grant.
- When
- Open now
Contest$15 feewomen (18 years or older) who own at least 50% of a business
Who can apply
Open to women (18 years or older) who own at least 50% of a business based in the United States or Canada. Eligible businesses include pre-revenue ventures, idea-stage startups, and revenue-generating nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits whose primary activity is charitable giving are not eligible.Quoted from ambergrantsforwomen.com →
GrantNational
Galaxy Grants
Hidden Star's Galaxy Grant awards $2,500 and is free to apply. The current deadline is October 31, 2026, with winners announced the following week.
- Amount
- $2,500 Galaxy Grant – FREE to Apply!
- When
- Apply by Oct 31
Contestsupporting women & minority business owners
Who can apply
Each of these contests will be separate and are open only to persons over 18 years of age and who has set up any free or paid Galaxy of Stars membership account prior to or concurrent with entering or participating in the contest.Quoted from galaxyofstars.org →
GrantNational
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready $10,000 national grant
Verizon and LISC select 10 small businesses each month from June through December 2026 for $10,000 grants. Owners unlock the one-time application by completing two free Digital Ready courses or events in 2026.
- Amount
- 10 small businesses will be selected for grants each month [...] $10,000 grants
- When
- Open now
Random drawingContest
Who can apply
Owners of for-profit small businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands who are 18 or older may apply. Owners of multiple businesses may apply for one business only.
GrantNational
Freed Fellowship Grant
Freed Fellowship picks one US small business owner each month for a $500 grant, and Fellows are considered for a $2,500 year-end grant. Applications are rolling and cost $19.
- Amount
- Each month we select one Freed Fellow as the recipient of a $500 no-strings-attached grant. Fellows are then considered for our $2,500 year-end grant.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Contest$19 fee
Who can apply
Any micro or small business owner in the US is eligible. We especially encourage women, minorities and others considered underrepresented or overlooked to apply.
GrantNational
NASE Growth Grants
NASE gives members grants of up to $4,000 for specific business needs such as marketing, hiring or equipment. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly; NASE membership is required.
- Amount
- Apply for a business development grant from the NASE worth up to $4,000!
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Membership required
Who can apply
To be eligible, the applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application and must maintain such good standing continuously through the date on which the award is conferred.
AcceleratorNational
Cultivate Small Business
Santander's free Cultivate Small Business program gives early-stage food businesses a 12-week curriculum, mentorship and capital grants. Applications for the spring cohort are accepted November through January.
- Amount
- capital grants
- When
- Opens in November
Who can apply
In operation for at least one year; Are working full time in the business and have fewer than 10 total full-time equivalent employees; Revenues between $25,000 and $1,000,000 in the last calendar year; Located in the United States
LoanGA · statewide
ACE Microloans
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs lends $15,000 to $50,000 to Georgia-based for-profit businesses in operation at least two years, with coaching and connections for underserved borrowers.
- Amount
- Microloans $15,000 to $50,000 Available for All Georgia Businesses
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Businesses 2+ years in operation Must be a Georgia-based for-profit enterprise Active Secretary of State Filings and Organizational documents in good standing
LoanGA · statewide
Ascendus Business Term Loan
Ascendus, a nonprofit CDFI lender, offers small business term loans of up to $100,000 to owners who need money to grow their business, available to businesses nationwide except in Vermont.
- Amount
- For small business owners who need money to grow their business, Ascendus offers loans up to $100,000.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
For small business owners who need money to grow their business, Ascendus offers loans up to $100,000. Qualified businesses will be located nationwide, except in Vermont.
LoanGA · statewide
DreamSpring Small Business Loan
DreamSpring, a nonprofit CDFI, makes small business loans of $1,000 to $250,000 (24-72 month terms, fixed rate) to startups and existing businesses in 27 states for equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, supplies, vehicles and working capital.
- Amount
- DreamSpring small business loans range from $1,000 to $250,000 with a term of 24-72 months and a fixed interest rate .
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur or existing small business owner, DreamSpring small business loans are designed to fit your business needs.
LoanGA · statewide
BBIF Micro Loans
BBIF, a nonprofit CDFI, makes micro loans of up to $50,000 for working capital, inventory, equipment or debt refinancing to small businesses operating at least one year, with business consulting through the life of the loan.
- Amount
- Loans up to $50,000
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Our micro loans are designed for small businesses that demonstrate the potential for growth and sustainability.
LoanGA · statewide
Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Term Loan
Accion Opportunity Fund, a national nonprofit CDFI, offers small business term loans up to $250,000 with repayment terms up to 36 months for businesses with at least 2 years in business and $300,000+ in annual sales.
- Amount
- Loans up to $250k
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Must be at least 18 years or older Minimum 2 years in business $300,000+ in annual sales 20% ownership of business All shareholders must be either a US citizen or permanent resident
0% loanGA · statewide
Kiva U.S. 0% interest loans
Kiva U.S. offers crowdfunded 0% interest loans of $1,000 to $15,000 for U.S. small business owners, with no fees, no collateral and no minimum credit score. Borrowers first invite friends, family and others to lend during a private fundraising period, then crowdfund publicly on Kiva; businesses in Nevada and North Dakota are not accepted.
- Amount
- you can qualify for a no-interest, no-fee, and no-collateral loan between $1,000-$15,000.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Your business must be registered within the United States, and you must physically reside in the United States, in order to be eligible for a Kiva U.S. loan.Quoted from kiva.org →
Technical assistanceGA · statewide
Georgia SBDC (UGA SBDC) — no-cost business advising
The UGA SBDC offers confidential, no-cost, one-on-one business consulting for Georgia small business owners who want to start or grow a business, through 18 locations statewide.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
The UGA SBDC offers access to confidential, no-cost, one-on-one professional business consulting for Georgia small business owners who want to grow or start their business.
Tax creditGA · statewide
Georgia Retraining Tax Credit
Georgia income tax credit of up to $500 per employee per approved retraining program (capped at $1,250 per employee per year and 50% of tax liability) for companies retraining existing staff on new equipment or technology. TCSG approves the retraining programs through an online intake form, with about a 30-day turnaround.
- Amount
- a credit of up to $500 per employee per training programing with an overall cap of $1,250 per employee per tax year
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
When a company implements new equipment or new technology that requires the retraining of existing workforce then they may be eligible for a credit of up to $500 per employee per training programing with an overall cap of $1,250 per employee per tax year.
Disaster helpNational
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) – $5,000 disaster recovery grant
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees register in advance by completing a free five-minute preparedness checklist; if their county later comes under a state emergency or disaster declaration and they have at least $5,000 in uncovered losses, they can apply for a $5,000 recovery grant. Nonprofits are not funded.
- Amount
- Selected businesses receive $5,000 and must document at least $5,000 in disaster-related losses.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
500 employees or fewer Complete the free checklist (5 minutes) Located in the U.S. or territories (includes Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, etc.)
Technical assistanceNational
SCORE — free business mentoring
SCORE offers free, confidential mentoring, for the life of your business, to any aspiring or established owner of a U.S.-based business, in all industries and stages; nonprofits are also served. Enter your ZIP code on the page to be matched with a mentor.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to any aspiring or established owners of a U.S.-based business.
Technical assistanceNational
APEX Accelerators — no-cost government contracting help
APEX Accelerators (the program formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program), supported by the Department of War's Office of Small Business Programs, offer no-cost guidance and one-on-one help for businesses entering or growing in federal, state and local government contracting, through more than 300 offices nationwide. Use the service-area locator to find your local office.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
The APEX Accelerators program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts.Quoted from apexaccelerators.us →
LoanGA · statewide
Georgia Cities Foundation Revolving Loan Fund for Downtowns
The Georgia Cities Foundation lends up to $250,000 (up to 40% of project cost, below-market rate, 10-year term) for historic rehabilitation, new construction or green space projects in Georgia downtowns, alongside a bank and with Downtown Development Authority or city support.
- Amount
- Financing up to 40% of project costs, with a maximum loan of $250,000
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
$250 feeApply via a partnerMatch required
Who can apply
Requires local support (DDA/City), matching funds, and Qualified Local Government (QLG) status
LoanNational
LiftFund Small Business Loans
LiftFund, a nonprofit CDFI, makes small business loans for working capital, equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, vehicles and commercial real estate to startups and existing businesses, including owners with limited credit, collateral or experience.
- Amount
- financing options can range from $500 to $1 Million
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Fee
Who can apply
Whether you have limited credit, collateral or experience, we’ll work with you to find funding that allows you to build your credit and improve your finances. LiftFund offers small business loans to entrepreneurs nationwide.
For Athens Area Chamber of Commerce
Grants and programs the chamber itself can apply for.
GrantGA · statewide
EDA Planning and Local Technical Assistance — Atlanta Regional Office (FY 2021–2023 NOFO)
EDA grants for economic development planning and local technical assistance (such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans and project planning) in economically distressed areas, handled by EDA's Atlanta Regional Office. Award ceiling $300,000; cost share required; applications accepted on a continuing basis through EDA's EDGE portal.
- Amount
- Grants.gov: Award Ceiling $300,000; Award Floor $0
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Match required
Who can apply
Pursuant to section 3 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. § 3122) (PWEDA) and EDA’s regulation at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3, the following types of entities are eligible to receive funding assistance from EDA: 1. District Organizations (as defined in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3); 2. Indian Tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes; 3. States, cities, or other political subdivisions of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; 4. Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or 5. Public or private non-profit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.
GrantNational
EDA Disaster Supplemental (FY 2023 NOFO)
EDA grants for long-term economic recovery projects in areas with a Presidential major disaster declaration for natural disasters in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Award ceiling $30,000,000; cost share required; applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or the NOFO is replaced or canceled.
- Amount
- Grants.gov: Award Ceiling $30,000,000; Award Floor $0; Estimated Total Program Funding $483,000,000
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Match required
Who can apply
District Organization; Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. The project of an eligible applicant must be able to meet area eligibility requirements to be considered for funding under this Disaster Supplemental NOFO. Such eligibility is predicated upon the project being located in or primarily serving one or more communities impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, and of wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. More specifically, consistent with 13 C.F.R. parts 301 and 307, EDA will determine area eligibility pursuant to the applicable Federal disaster declaration under the Stafford Act, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designation of areas as eligible for public assistance or individual assistance due to the declared disasters listed on FEMA’s website (www.fema.gov/disaster/). For construction projects (including design and engineering), the project must be located within an eligible county. For non-construction projects, the project’s scope of work must primarily benefit eligible counties, and stakeholders representing those eligible counties must be directly engaged in the project.
GrantNational
EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (FY 2025 PWEAA NOFO)
EDA grants for public works infrastructure and economic adjustment projects that support economic development in distressed communities and regions. Awards from $100,000 up to $30,000,000; cost share required; applications accepted on an ongoing basis through EDA's EDGE portal.
- Amount
- Grants.gov: Award Ceiling $30,000,000; Award Floor $100,000
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Match required
Who can apply
Pursuant to Section 3(4) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(4)(a)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3 (Eligible Recipient), eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under the Public Works and EAA programs include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible for funding under this NOFO.
See all 4Show fewer
GrantNational
EDA Disaster Supplemental (FY 2025 NOFO)
EDA grants for long-term economic recovery projects in areas with a Presidential major disaster declaration for natural disasters in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Award ceiling $50,000,000; cost share required; applications accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or the NOFO is replaced or canceled.
- Amount
- Grants.gov: Award Ceiling $50,000,000; Award Floor $0; Estimated Total Program Funding $1,447,000,000
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Match required
Who can apply
Eligible applicants under the FY25 Disaster program include a(n): District organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District (EDD); Indian tribe or a consortium of Indian tribes; State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a state, including a special purpose unit of a state or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions, institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; public or private nonprofit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state; an economic development organization; or a public-private partnership for public infrastructure. EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements to individuals or for-profit entities under this NOFO. Applications from individuals or for-profit entities will not be considered for funding.
Retired programs (3) — still listed on many chamber sites; don’t send members here
- Fast Break for Small BusinessEnded
Fast Break for Small Business, run by LegalZoom and Accion Opportunity Fund, ended after its final round in 2024. It is no longer accepting applications.
Official page: Fast Break for Small Business - FedEx Small Business Grant ContestEnded
FedEx retired its Small Business Grants Program, which ran from 2012 through 2024. Lists that still show it are out of date.
Official page: FedEx Small Business Grant Contest - T-Mobile Hometown GrantsEnded
T-Mobile's Hometown Grants, up to $50,000 for projects in towns under 50,000 people, ended with its final 26 recipients announced June 25, 2026. It is no longer accepting applications.
Official page: T-Mobile Hometown Grants
Your next members
Openings near you
Each one is a chance to welcome a new member. From local news and new Google Maps listings in and around your towns.
Now open
The Hair Lady's · Statham
The Hair Lady's opened recently in Statham ↗Now open
Pharr Farms · Winder
Pharr Farms opened Oct 2 in Winder ↗Coming soon
Happily Coffee · Statham
Happily Coffee opens Dec 10 in Statham ↗Your market
5,900 businesses in the Athens area. 926 are members.
Every business in the area Athens Area Chamber of Commerce serves, ranked by how likely it is to join. Updated every week from public business listings.
5,900Businesses in your area
926Members
15Strong prospects
0New this month
Who to reach out to this week
Where membership is thin
- Health care7 of 161
- Social or community service29 of 121
- Real estate agent12 of 97
- Hair salon1 of 82
- Automotive repair8 of 63
Claim this chamber to see all 4,461 businesses and who to call this week.
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New opening
Main Street Bakery opens a second location downtown
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Our sources
Where we found your members' news
The outlets behind the stories on this page. We read local and statewide news for Athens Area Chamber of Commerce's towns every 15 minutes.
- Cobb County Courier
Membership at a glance
926 businesses in the directory we track.
Top categories
- Construction62
- Restaurants40
- Medical & healthcare33
- Nonprofit organizations30
- Consulting26
- Real estate24
- Manufacturing & production24
- Financial advisors22
Top towns
- Athens680
- Watkinsville73
- Bogart31
- Atlanta11
- Winterville10
- Jefferson9
- Hull9
- Statham8
From the chamber’s public member directory, last checked Oct 14, 2026.