Decatur Helps Online Businesses Become Brick-And-Mortar Stores

DECATUR, GA — Online-only businesses in Decatur can test their concepts in a brick-and-mortar location for a limited time in the city of Decatur's new retail incubator program.

The city and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority announced the program's launch Monday, but the DDA already allocated $25,000 for it in July. The money will provide rental assistance for six months toward a pop-up or co-op space for up to six businesses that operate either solely online or in a festival/expo setting, according to a news release.

In addition to negotiating short-term leases, the incubator will offer a training and mentorship component to help recipients gain institutional knowledge from an array of business community members, including fellow small business owners, accountants, bank representatives and more, the release said.

“This incubator program presents a tremendous opportunity to entrepreneurs who have built a strong business online and are confident the market will support a physical presence,” DDA Chair Conor McNally said. “Our research showed similar programs have been very successful in places like Memphis, Tenn., and Dayton, Ohio, so we are excited for the economic growth and innovation this can spur for Decatur.”

The application window opened at 8 a.m. Monday and closes Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. Up to 10 finalists will be chosen by Sept. 12, the six winners will be selected by Sept. 15 and moved into the retail space by Oct. 15.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Have been operating for at least two years.
• Have no more than 10 employees.
• Pay for half of the rent associated with the temporary space.
• Share income statements.
• Produce a business plan.

“From The Square to the Old Depot District, our economy is largely built on experiences, so the incubator is an investment both in our future and budding entrepreneurs,” Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said. “This program signals Decatur is committed to bringing people back together and supporting the brick-and-mortar retailers that make our culture second to none.”

The application process is being conducted entirely online at DecaturDDA.com/Incubator. For more information, email Shirley Baylis at Shirley.Baylis@decaturga.com.