Decide DeKalb Has $2.5 Million for Small Businesses

Investing in Small Businesses with Access Up to $150,000

DeKalb County has long been home to ambitious entrepreneurs, independent retailers, and growing service-based businesses. In a county defined by scale and resilience, building or growing a business can sometimes feel like trying to move Stone Mountain one rock at a time.

Recognizing the difficulty of securing physical locations and essential equipment, DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick worked with the DeKalb Board of Commissioners to allocate dedicated funds for a small business revolving loan fund. What many businesses have in common is not a lack of vision, but a lack of accessible capital paired with practical guidance. That gap is exactly what the Decide DeKalb Loan Fund is designed to address.

Backed by $2.5 million in available funding, the program offers low interest loans ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 to qualifying businesses operating in DeKalb County. The focus is clear: support established, brick-and-mortar businesses that are ready to grow, expand, or stabilize with the right financial backing and support structure in place. Designed to be subordinate to SBA 7(a) loads, providing a critical layer of secondary financing to businesses.

A Partnership, Not Just A Check

“This program was built to meet businesses where they are,” says Randi Mason, Executive Vice President, Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Decide DeKalb. “Access to capital is critical, but capital alone is not always enough. What makes this program different is that we’re also helping business owners prepare, strengthen, and succeed along the way.”

While the program provides the funds, the technical assistance (TA) is where the real work happens. Approved applicants are paired with a partner for one-on-one business consulting and education. Applicants aren’t expected to have a perfect pitch on day one. Instead, the program offers a roadmap for:

• Refining business plans and growth strategies.
• Organizing messy financial documentation.
• Improving credit readiness and operational efficiency.
• Navigating long-term financial management after the loan is secured.

The Business Retention and Expansion team is available to meet with businesses to support workforce needs as they grow. “We see this as a partnership, not a transaction,” Mason says. “We’re working alongside business owners to make sure they’re in a position to use that capital effectively.”

Loan Terms & Usage

One of the most important elements of the program is the support that comes alongside it. While often referred to as “technical assistance,” the reality is far more hands-on and practical.

Applicants are not expected to arrive perfectly prepared. Instead, the program offers structured TA guidance before and during the loan process, assisting with everything from legal paperwork to long-term planning to improve their eligibility for funding. This includes help refining business plans, organizing financial documentation, improving credit readiness, and strengthening overall operations. Support continues even after funding is secured, helping businesses navigate growth, manage finances, and stay on track long-term.

These loans are structured to be more flexible than traditional bank lending, offering:

• Interest Rates: Fixed up to 5 percent.
• Terms: Up to 7 years.
• Usage: Funds can be used for renovations, equipment (like a new delivery van or industrial kitchen upgrades), working capital, inventory, or physical space expansion.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is industry agnostic, specifically looking for for-profit businesses located within DeKalb County. To qualify, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Location: Must have a commercial (brick-and-mortar) location within DeKalb County.
• History: Must have been in operation for at least 2 years.
• Credit: Need a minimum personal credit score of 600.
• Stability: In a stable industry with successful existing operations.
• Ready to Engage: A willingness to participate in coaching and training programs.

“There are a lot of strong businesses that are closer to ready than they think,” Mason says. “Even if you’re not quite there yet, we can help you understand what’s needed and how to get there.”

How to Get Started

The application process moves in stages. It begins with an introductory questionnaire to check your eligibility. From there, you’ll submit financial and operational documents for a formal underwriting process.

Final recommendations are made by the Loan Approval Committee, a group of private banking and technical service professionals appointed by the Decide DeKalb Board of Directors. Meeting monthly to review applications. Once a loan is recommended for approval, it moves through pre-closing to the Presidents & CEO’s desk for finalizing.

“We kept hearing the same thing from business owners. They didn’t just need funding. They needed a way to get to a place where funding would actually work for them,” states Geoffrey Loften, Equitable Economic Development Program Manager, who spearheads the loan fund . “This program was designed to close that gap.”

For local leaders, this isn’t just about individual loans; it’s a strategic investment in the economic health of the entire county. Loften adds, “We’re not looking for perfect businesses. We’re looking for committed ones. If you’re serious about growing and willing to do the work, this program is built to help you move forward.”

If you have an established business, a plan for growth, and the willingness to engage in the process, this is your structured path forward. You don’t have to move that mountain alone. For businesses ready to grow with the right support behind them, the next step starts with contacting Geoffrey Loften here. Let’s go!