Monday, March 23, marked the official launch of the Opportunity Council Districts Program, an incentive-based initiative designed to encourage small business growth within retail-stagnant areas of designated city council districts.
“Small businesses are and have always been the heartbeat of our city,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks. “By strengthening them we are also strengthening our city, one district at a time. There is no question, when our small businesses succeed, Athens succeeds.”
Backed by a $200,000 allocation from the Athens City Council, this program represents a direct investment in the equitable economic development of our community.
On February 23, 2026, the Athens City Council unanimously adopted Resolution #2026-2141, recognizing that while many sectors of the city has seen commercial growth, certain underutilized corridors require targeted support to realize their full potential.
By empowering locally-owned businesses to uplift their properties, the city's goal is to enhance overall business viability and spark future investment in these static retail areas.
The program focuses exclusively on funding one-time, permanent physical improvements to commercial properties. Eligible small businesses can apply for incentive awards of up to $20,000 per project. The total program allocation is divided equally, providing $100,000 for District 3 and $100,000 for District 5.
To stimulate long-term economic development, the incentive funds can be utilized for transformative property upgrades.
Eligible exterior and interior improvements include; façade renovations, exterior painting, storefront window/door replacements, signage upgrades, architectural lighting, exterior landscaping tied directly to business frontage, ADA accessibility improvements and parking area enhancements. Code-required upgrades, permanent interior build-outs tied to business expansion, and electrical, plumbing, or HVAC upgrades related to long-term functionality are also eligible for funding.
All applicants must be locally owned, non-professional small businesses physically located within District 3 or District 5.
With the program officially launching today, eligible small business owners are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible. Because this is a competitive grant process where applications will be evaluated on merit and suitability, early submissions are highly encouraged. The final deadline for all submissions is June 15, 2026.
Applications can be found online by visiting the official City of Athens Opportunity Council Districts Small Business Physical Improvement Incentive Program website to download, fill out, and print the application packet. To reach the page just hover over the 'Business' tab at the top of the homepage and click 'Opportunity Council Districts Small Business Incentive Program.'
https://www.athensalabama.us/539/Opportunity-Council-Districts-Small-Busi
Physical copies of the official application form and guidelines can be picked up at Athens City Hall, located at 200 W. Hobbs Street, by following the posted signage to the appropriate office. All applications can be submitted at the same office.