A MarketPlace for Small, Local Businesses Focused on Creating More Equitable Access to Commercial Space
The BeltLine MarketPlace program is a unique small business incubator that offers affordable commercial spaces directly on the Atlanta BeltLine to participating local businesses.
During the 18-month small business incubator program, businesses operate out of customized containers built by Atelier 7 Architects, one of the leading container designers in Atlanta, and gain access to more than 2 million people who visit the trail each year. They also receive tailored business support services, with the ultimate goal of preparing entrepreneurs to launch their own brick-and-mortar business upon graduation.
Launched in 2022, BeltLine MarketPlace is a vital component of the organization’s economic inclusion and commercial affordability strategy which aims to secure affordable commercial opportunities for local, independently owned, small businesses across the entire 22-mile loop while safeguarding businesses from displacement. The BeltLine is focused on stimulating inclusive economic growth, promoting wealth creation in the BeltLine’s Equity Priority Areas, and creating jobs through business growth and development.
Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor highlight the challenges faced by small businesses, with roughly half succeeding past five years. Access to capital, resources, customers and rising lease rates have been identified as significant barriers to success for Black entrepreneurs. BeltLine MarketPlace is actively eliminating these obstacles by covering space construction costs, providing prime BeltLine locations and offering competitive lease rates below market value.
Where is BeltLine MarketPlace?
BeltLine MarketPlace currently has two locations, with plans to expand to additional locations around the 22-mile multi-use trail.
Eastside BeltLine Marketplace: Under the Freedom Parkway Bridge (parking at 850 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312)
Westside BeltLine Marketplace: 1089 Allene Avenue, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30310
Program duration
The 2022-2023 BeltLine MarketPlace cycle of business participants will conclude in December 2023. The next cycle will launch in spring 2024 with a program graduation in December 2025.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the BeltLine MarketPlace, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Be in operation for at least one (1) year
- Have an annual revenue of at least $50,000
- Employ a minimum of two (2) individuals capable of working a minimum of five hours per day, seven (7) days a week at a MarketPlace location
The application period for the 2024-25 cycle closed on October 30, 2023. To stay informed about future opportunities, email business@atlbeltline.org.
BeltLine MarketPlace Participants
Grady Baby
Pink Pothos
Our Partners
Strong partnerships make things happen. BeltLine MarketPlace is a joint initiative of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market. It is organized in alliance with Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and Atelier 7 Architects and made possible with the generous support of the Kendeda Fund and Google.
In Partnership
Featured Businesses
The following businesses were selected to participate in the pilot BeltLine MarketPlace! They can be found on the Westside and Eastside Trails.
Please visit each business’ website for their hours of operation.
Cococakes by Coco
Kina Morgan wants everyone on the BeltLine to grab one of her custom cake slices, on the go. In business for six years, she will use the BeltLine MarketPlace location to “test our new concept of ‘build a chunk,’ which will allow a customer to select cake and a variety of toppings for a unique dessert experience.” The shop also sells whole cakes and has soft drinks, water, milk and coffee. She currently has one location.
Hours of operation:
Thursday and Friday – 3-7:30pm
Saturday and Sunday – 11-7:30pm
On social @cococakesbycoco
Cococakes is located on the Westside Trail at 1089 Allene Avenue.
Good As Burgers
Cornoy Watkins’ is the CEO and creative genius behind Good As Burgers (GAB’S). His vision is to build a worldwide chain like McDonald’s – for vegans as a cook to order restaurant. “We create a fun and tasty way to make the plant-based lifestyle mainstream, saving the lives of hundreds of animals and reducing damage to our environment, one Good As Burger at a time.” In business for two years, the eatery offers all plant-based delicious menu including burgers, sloppy joe sliders, plus sides and desserts. GAB’S currently has 1 location and a food truck in Atlanta. He accredits much of his success thus far to his partners Talia Jones, Jevon Kinloch, Tionne Watkins, and his incredible team. Cornoy wants everyone passing through on the Beltline to stop by and remember “Be Better, EAT GAB’S”.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday through Sunday – 10am-2pm
On social @goodasburgers
Good As Burgers is located on the Eastside Trail under Freedom Parkway.
Grady Baby Company & Apparel
Online apparel company founder Alexander Albritton says Grady Babies have changed the world, secured civil rights for all and achieved educational success. (“Grady baby” is a term for people born at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital.) From music moguls and superstars to world class athletes – many started as Grady Babies. “It’s our mission to spotlight and celebrate that greatness. The Grady Baby Brand represents the soul of Atlanta, the heartbeat of a culture, and you don’t have to be born at Grady to wear it,” he says. Known for the classic “We Full – Atlanta” t-shirt, the brand sells tees, hoodies, shorts, jogging suit sets and accessories and aims to become a national brand.
On social @gradybabyco
Grady Baby Company is located on the Westside Trail at 1089 Allene Avenue.
Life Bistro
Life Bistro was founded by Issa Prescott with a mission to serve vegan food that promotes life in its many forms. Issa’s passion for healthy living and conscious eating is at the heart of the business, which specializes in international vegan cuisine and comfort food.
Founded in the historic southwest Atlanta neighborhood of Sylvan Hills, Issa says his community has been a food desert with few healthy options. He offers dishes that tantalize the tastebuds to help people transition to a more conscious diet.
The restaurant’s menu has American comfort food, veganized such as seafood gumbo, grilled shrimp skewers, sweet and spicy fried oyster mushrooms, lion’s mane crab cakes, black bean chilaquiles, seafood “rasta pasta,” blackened shrimp alfredo, po’ boys and “lobsta fondue.” Offerings also include cold-pressed juice and vegan cupcakes.
Life Bistro is a Black-owned business that is proud to be part of a movement that is changing the way people think about food. The restaurant’s focus on American, international, soul- and Caribbean-inspired dishes makes Issa’s vision of making healthy and delicious vegan food accessible to everyone.
On Instagram: @Lifebistroatl
Coming Soon to the Westside Trail at 1089 Allene Avenue.
PinkPothos
Lakeisha Jones wants to add visual interest to people’s space, one plant at a time. “I sell custom-made fabric plant pots.” She’s looking to expand into her first retail location selling plants and accessories. Currently only on Etsy, this will be her first physical location.
Hours of Operation
Thursday through Sunday – 12-6pm
PinkPothos is located on the Eastside Trail under Freedom Parkway.
Urban Grind
Urban Grind was created around the coffeehouse culture. Comfortable seating, music playing in the background, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee create a cozy environment that cultivates conversation, community, and creativity. Urban Grind is more than coffee, it’s a culture, a community curated by coffee.
Urban Grind is excited to be on the BeltLine connecting people and building community one cup at a time. The menu includes coffee, tea, chai, smoothies, pastries and more.
Hours of Operation
Thursday and Friday – 1-6:30pm
Saturday – 9am – 6:30pm
Sunday – 10am – 6:30pm
On social @urbangrindatl
Urban Grind is located on the Eastside Trail under Freedom Parkway.
Every 2nd Saturday through november
The BeltLine MarketPlace Indie Market Experience is a series of vibrant artist markets taking place on Second Saturdays at the Eastside and Westside BeltLine MarketPlace locations. These markets aim to support small businesses, promote local artists and foster community engagement among Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods.
Starting in July and running through November 2023, the Atlanta BeltLine Indie Market will occur on the Second Saturday of each month. The final market of the year will take place on Saturday, Nov. 25th, coinciding with Small Business Saturday. Market hours will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The markets are in collaboration with Atlanta Indie Market, the unparalleled purveyors of indie market experiences across Atlanta.
The BeltLine MarketPlace Indie Market Experience will be held at the two MarketPlace locations: under the John Lewis Freedom Parkway Bridge on the Eastside trail and at the intersection of Adair Park and Murphy Crossing on the Westside trail. In addition to the artists, people can explore the small, local, Black-owned businesses that are taking part in the business incubator at the BeltLine MarketPlace. These businesses offer vegan snacks, sweet treats, coffee, iconic Atlanta merchandise and plants.
For more information on how to become a vendor please visit Atlanta Indie Market. Be part of the BeltLine MarketPlace Indie Market Experience, where art, culture and community unite.
