Incentives

Grants and Special Programs

Small Business Improvement Grant

  • The Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority & Main Street Program wants to assist you with those small but essential expenses that can often make a big difference in getting a business started or growing your existing business.
  • For 2024, The DDA has designated $12,500 to this program. This is a 50%matching grant, with a maximum award amount of $500.00. These funds will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis based on approval of each application by the board. 

SBIG Guidelines

SBIG Application

Downtown Dahlonega Pedestrian Wayfinding

  • Main Street Dahlonega’s wayfinding signage is a system of signs that guides people by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to important destinations downtown.

Downtown Dahlonega Pedestrian Wayfinding Sign Application

Sprinkler & Wiring System

Incentive:

50% or up to $5,000 in a five year period per location.

Guidelines: 

  • Zoned B-3 in the historic district. CBD properties may be considered based on the availability of funds
  • Grant amount determined by available funds and the number of requests under consideration
  • Commercial buildings 50 years or older
  • Improvements are to remain in place and maintained.
  • All property taxes and licenses are current
  • Applicant responsible for the project

Sprinkler Wire Grant Application

Façade Grant

Incentive:

50% or up to $5,000 in a five year period.

Guidelines:

  • Available for exterior restorations/repairs
  • Grant amount determined by available funds and number of requests under consideration
  • Available for commercial property owners and business owners within the locally designated DDA area zoned B-3 and CBD
  • Government buildings and national franchises not eligible
  • Improvements are to remain in place and maintained
  • All property taxes and licenses are current
  • Applicant responsible for the project and result in restorations appropriate for the building, contributing to the success of the current business and repair the building’s façade to positively contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown
  • Projects must:
    • Preserve architectural integrity of the structure and if possible restore the original façade
    • Match preservation guidelines outlined by the US Secretary of the Interior Standards
    • Meet all local governmental rules, regulations, and laws, including the Dahlonega Historic Preservation Ordinance and Design Guidelines
    • Use the gentlest methods available for exterior surface cleaning
    • Consider the unique qualities of the individual building

Façade Grant Application

Monitored Fire Alarm System

Incentive:

50% or up to $5,000 in a five year period per location.

Guidelines:

  • Zoned B-3 in the historic district.
  • Grant amount determined by available funds and number of requests under consideration
  • Improvements are to remain in place and maintained
  • All property taxes and licenses are current
  • Applicant responsible for the project

Monitored Fire Alarm Incentive Application

Bronze History Plaque Program – Dahlonega Stories

Incentive:

50% of the plaque cost.

Guidelines:

  • Property is within the locally designated downtown development are within the historic central business district
  • Available for commercial property owners and business owners. Government buildings and national franchises not eligible

https://dahlonegadda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Dahlonega-Stories-Application-2.pdf

Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF)

  The Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF), from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, is to assist cities, counties and development authorities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by providing below-market rate financing to fund capital projects in core historic downtown areas and adjacent historic neighborhoods where DD RLF will spur commercial redevelopment. The Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority may serve as a sponsor for qualified products within the Historic Central Business District.

Georgia Cities Foundation

The Georgia Cities Foundation, established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) organization, is a non-profit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The mission of the Foundation is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects through a revolving loan fund. The Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority may serve as a sponsor for qualified projects within the Historic Central Business District.

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) was founded on the vision to provide access to capital for those hard-working, committed and persistent individuals who have a dream to own and operate a small business. ACE aims to provide small business loans, financial education programs, coaching, and connections so that people can fulfill their dreams, create economic security for their families and contribute to their communities.

Georgia Mountains Regional Commission

Georgia Mountain Regional Commission provides financing for the private sector development to create new jobs and retain existing jobs. New companies and expanding companies are eligible borrowers.