Homegrown Scholarship Program – Blairsville, Ga

The Downtown Blairsville Homegrown Scholarship is a one-time $5,000 investment designed to support the growth, expansion, and long-term success of locally owned businesses in Downtown Blairsville. Submit this form and provide the required supporting materials by June 1st to be considered as a finalist for the scholarship- All finalists (up to 5 selected) will be asked to come to a DDA Work session in July and give a 5-10 minute presentation about their project and request for funds.

The following details are very important- failure to note any of the guidelines below will result in withdrawal from the scholarship-
Supporting Materials AND signed authorization from property owner (if applicant and property owner are different) are required! Please email the following to manager@downtownblairsvillega.com within 24 hours of submitting this formApplicants are encouraged to submit:
1 Photos of current space or conditions
2 Concept sketches or plans
3 Equipment quotes or estimates
4 Financial projections or sales data (if available)

Eligible uses include:
1 Expansion of product or service offerings
2 Purchase of equipment or tools necessary for growth
3 Interior or exterior renovations
4 Façade improvements
5 Enhancements that improve customer experience or capacity
6. Hiring/Maintaining Staff
Program Timeline 
Application Deadline: June 1
Board Review: June Work Session
Finalists Selected (Up to 5)
Finalist Presentations: July Work Session
Winner Announced: August DDA Meeting

Vidalia’s BOOST Grant program helps Downtown Vidalia Association members invest in improvements that strengthen and beautify their businesses. The program reimburses 50% of approved project costs, up to $1,500, for eligible interior and exterior improvements such as signage, awnings, painting, renovations, storefront enhancements, and security systems, with priority given to projects located within the historic district.


Stone Mountain’s Downtown Enhancement Grant Program helps support major exterior improvements to eligible downtown buildings in order to create safer, more attractive, and economically vibrant commercial spaces. Administered by the City of Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, the program offers matching funds—typically up to $10,000—for projects such as façade improvements, signage, awnings, landscaping, lighting, murals, outdoor seating, and other permanent exterior enhancements that strengthen the district’s historic character.


Perry Main Street’s BOOST Grant program supports small businesses and entrepreneurs located in the downtown district by helping fund a variety of business improvement needs. Grants typically range from $100 to $1,000 and can be used for eligible expenses such as equipment, fixtures, furniture, security systems, and interior renovations, with funding awarded on a reimbursement basis through a competitive application cycle.


Newnan’s Brick & Click Grant Program helps downtown businesses strengthen their online presence while supporting their brick-and-mortar operations. Offered through Main Street Newnan and the Downtown Development Authority, the matching grant reimburses 50% of eligible e-commerce expenses, up to $500, for tools such as website hosting, shopping cart software, and integrated point-of-sale technology.


Brunswick’s Downtown Development Authority offers a Jump Start Reimbursement Grant to help new retail and restaurant businesses open in the downtown district. The program can reimburse up to $2,000 for eligible start-up costs such as equipment, rent or lease deposits, and utility deposits, giving new businesses an added boost as they launch in downtown Brunswick.