BeltLine officials pilot incubator program to offset rising commercial rent costs along the trail
Atlanta BeltLine officials have announced a business incubator program aiming to make commercial spaces along its Eastside and Westside trails more affordable, specifically for minority, women and Black-owned businesses.
Alison Guillory / WABE
Since the first section of Atlanta’s BeltLine opened nearly a decade ago in the Old Fourth Ward, typical rent prices along the trail loop have snowballed, and don’t always leave an inclusive door open for small, local business owners. A decade ago, folks paid an average of $895 a month. Today, the rent averages $2,200 a month.
While the BeltLine has majorly influenced residential rent prices, little attention has focused on commercial rents.
They’re going up, too— and quickly. Atlanta BeltLine Inc. officials told WABE to help preserve affordable commercial spaces, they’ve developed a business incubator program. CEO and president Clyde Higgs said this ‘Atlanta BeltLine MarketPlace’ could shave a business owner’s costs by up to 50%.
In April, officials announced the BeltLine was making room for more affordable commercial spaces along its Eastside and Westside trails specifically for minority, women and Black-owned businesses.
Out of more than 200 applicants, six businesses have finally been selected to star in this new incubator program.
They’ll be open at two locations on the trail loop from July through November of 2022: under the Freedom Parkway Bridge on the Eastside Trail, and near Monday Night Brewing on the Westside trail.
Higgs sat down with WABE’s “All Things Considered” and started by explaining how keeping a handle on both residential and commercial rents is essential.
Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.
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