PEOPLE | BUSINESS | OPPORTUNITY | RESOURCES | GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
separate opportunities for vendors, contractors, and artists, with particular emphasis on creating opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses. Atlanta Beltline
Atlanta Beltline Marketplace and Business Opportunities
Why it matters: For a small business trying to move beyond online sales, pop-ups or occasional vending events, access to a high-traffic marketplace can help put the business in front of a much larger customer base.
2. More Than $1 Million Available for Metro Atlanta Arts Organizations
A new funding opportunity from Arts Capital | Atlanta opened October 1 with more than $1 million in pooled funding available for redistribution to Metro Atlanta nonprofit arts organizations.
Eligible organizations generally must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or operate under an eligible fiscal sponsor, have operated continuously for at least three years, focus primarily on the arts and provide public-facing arts programming in Metro Atlanta. Applications close October 29, 2026. Arts Capital | Atlanta
Arts Capital Atlanta — Funding Information
Why it matters: This isn't simply another national grant where Atlanta organizations are competing with applicants from across the country. The fund is specifically designed to support the Metro Atlanta arts ecosystem.
3. Free Business Funding Workshop — October 6
Business owners trying to figure out how to finance their next move may want to take advantage of a free UGA Small Business Development Center workshop in Atlanta.
“Unlocking Capital: An Owner’s Guide to Funding a Small Business” will be held October 6 at 10 a.m. at the Terry Executive Education Center, 3475 Lenox Road NE in Atlanta. The two-hour program will cover small-business funding sources, including the State Small Business Credit Initiative, along with financial-management practices that can help businesses prepare for growth. The listed cost is $0. UGA Small Business Center
This is worth considering even if you aren't looking for money today. Understanding what lenders and funding programs expect before you need capital can save a business owner time later.
4. Paid Job Training for Atlanta-Area Adults 55+
For older adults who want or need to return to work, AARP Foundation's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides eligible adults 55 and older with paid, on-the-job training through nonprofit organizations and public agencies.
The Atlanta AARP Foundation location serves residents of Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. The program is designed to help participants gain current work experience and skills while earning a modest income as they prepare to move into employment. my.aarpfoundation.org
Find an AARP Foundation SCSEP Program
Why we're including it: Employment opportunities shouldn't stop at 40 or 50. There are experienced workers who still have years of knowledge and ability to contribute, but sometimes need a pathway back into today's job market.
5. Georgia Early-Childhood Educators Can Receive Up to $500 for CDA Training
Georgia's DECAL Scholars program opened its fourth-quarter application window on October 1 for Child Development Associate training scholarships.
Eligible early-childhood professionals can receive up to $500 toward CDA training costs. Funding is paid directly to the approved trainer. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through December 15, 2026, and employment and other eligibility requirements apply. decalscholars.com
DECAL Scholars CDA Training Scholarships
For someone already working in child care, Pre-K, Head Start or another eligible early-learning setting, this could help cover the cost of earning an additional professional credential.
6. Free Financial Training for Small-Business Owners — October 8
Small-business owners in Metro Atlanta can also attend Critical Finance Skills for Small Businesses, a free in-person program presented by the UGA SBDC in partnership with the City of Chamblee.
The workshop takes place Thursday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to noon at Chamblee City Hall. Participants will learn how to read financial statements, develop budgets, evaluate cash flow, improve profitability and make better financial decisions as their companies grow. The cost is $0. UGA Small Business Center
Critical Finance Skills for Small Businesses
This is the kind of training that can matter whether a business brings in $10,000 or $1 million. Making sales and managing the money coming through the business are two different skills.
7. Atlanta Small Businesses Can Get Professional Business Services at No Cost
Atlanta small-business owners who need help with marketing, financial planning, or website development should put October 27 on their calendars.
Invest Atlanta is holding a BizLabs Technical Assistance Webinar from 6–7 p.m. to explain how businesses can access professional services through the BizLabs Technical Assistance Program at no cost to the participating business. The program connects Atlanta small businesses with experienced professionals who can help strengthen operations and their digital presence. Invest Atlanta
Invest Atlanta BizLabs Technical Assistance Webinar
For a small business that can't yet afford to hire a marketing consultant, financial professional, or website specialist, this is one to investigate.
Don't Wait Until the Deadline
A pattern runs through this week's Atlanta opportunities: some of the best resources aren't necessarily cash grants. Free professional assistance, paid training, business education, credentials, and access to customers can be just as valuable to someone trying to move forward.
Pay particular attention to the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace deadline on October 7 and the Arts Capital | Atlanta deadline on October 29. And as always, read the complete eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Community Economic Pathways will continue searching beyond Atlanta for opportunities that can help individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations move forward. If one of these doesn't apply to you, share it with somebody it might help.
Opportunity details and deadlines can change. Verify requirements directly with the sponsoring organization before applying.
From business grants and free training to paid opportunities for older adults, apprenticeships and programs that can help organizations grow, here are seven opportunities worth putting on your radar this week.
By Community Economic Pathways Business Desk
OCTOBER 2026 — If you’re in Atlanta or the surrounding metro area, this week’s list includes opportunities for small-business owners, older workers, nonprofit arts organizations, early-childhood educators and people looking to strengthen their careers. Several have October deadlines, so these are worth sharing now.
Community Economic Pathways is taking a closer look at opportunities that are currently available or coming up soon. This week's list includes business funding, government contracting education, resources for women-owned businesses, small-business financing, assistance for older workers and free entrepreneurial training.
1. Atlanta Beltline Marketplace — Applications Close October 7
Small-business owners have only a few days left to apply for Cycle III of the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace. The program allows selected entrepreneurs to operate along the Atlanta Beltline and gain exposure to the people who live, work, and visit the corridor.
Applications are open through October 7, 2026. The Beltline also maintains
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