We are celebrating another year of clean streets in East Atlanta thanks to Georgia Works! Orchestrated by the efforts of local community members, EABA + EACA and the office of Liliana Bakhtiari, and funded by those same outlets, the 3 weekly clean-ups provided by the men of GA Works have made a huge impact on our village. Cleaner streets, sidewalks and parking lots benefit us all in ways that you may not even recognize. This program began in early 2024, and will only continue if we are able to keep raising funds. The intention is to figure out a sustainable way to get this program funded without having to ask community members to keep is going, but for now, we must.

If you can give, please do:

DONATE HERE

Are you or someone you know a good fit as a representative of East Atlanta's small business community? We need help executing our 2026+ goals to support every East Atlanta small business. It takes a village.

Open EABA Board Positions:
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Events Chair
Committee Members - You do not have to be a members to help!

Please reach out to hello@eastatlantabiz.com with recommendations! Board elections will take place at EABA's Jan & Feb General Meetings and online.

WHO CAN RUN?
To be eligible to run, your business must be a current member of EABA and you must be representing the business member. The owner of the company does not have to be the one to be on the board of directors as long as it is approved by the owner. Only 2 seats available for non business owners. 

• Members or associate members in good standing.

• Members are businesses and property owners that operate within the bounds of East Atlanta.

• Associate members operate outside of the bounds of East Atlanta.

If you are not listed in the directory, your membership has lapsed. 

Two Year Terms: Executive Officers and Committee Chairs make up the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors Time Commitments: 10 hours per month + Mixers & Events + Work Sessions

• The executive officers are the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The executive officers govern EABA.

• Committee Chairs vote on major issues and manage each area of expertise.  Reports to the Executive Officers and works closely with the Main Street Coordinator on action items and plans.

Required Monthly Meetings: 5 hours

Board of Directors may not miss more than 3 meetings total per term.

• Attendance at in-person and zoom BOD meetings on the 1st Tuesday of the Month from 6-7:30 PM. 

• Attendance at in-person General Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month from 6-8 PM.

Working Sessions & Follow Up: 5 hours

• No more than 5 hours per month during normal EABA functions regarding preparation of agendas, follow up items and emails between the Board of Directors and the community.

EABA By-Laws

EABA | 2025 HIGHLIGHTS + 2026 GOALS

2025 was a great year in East Atlanta! We saw the beginnings of a strengthened partnership between EABA, the East Atlanta Community Association and district partners focused on making the village a better place to be. We continued to prioritize supporting organizations doing great things for our district, as well as promoting our small businesses. We were able to raise funds that will go directly back into supporting #smallbiz in East Atlanta. Take a look at some of the things we accomplished with the help of our dedicated board members, business members and YOU! 

Highlights for 2025 include:

• Hosted 10 Monthly General Meetings with areas of focus including public safety, outreach, local landlords, etc

• Recruited 23 new business members

• On-boarded 1 new board member

• Increased social media followers

• Continued our partnership with Atlanta Main Streets

• Hosted the Strut 5k through East Atlanta Runs that raised $8500 with funds distributed to local programs: Georgia Works, East Atlanta Kids Club, Blessing Bags of Warmth & Burgess Peterson Academy

• Hosted the inaugural Pushing up Daisies 5k through East Atlanta Runs

• Hosted the Inaugural Shmooze-a-Palooza in partnership with The Southern Shmooze that gave free promotional opportunities to our business members and raised funds for Georgia Works

• Hosted EAV-O-Ween in the village + a free costume closet

• Hosted EABA Holiday Party

• Hosted EAV Trivia Night

• Partnered with City of Atlanta to further establish an Atlanta Main Street program

• Partnered with the EAV Farmers Market to host a monthly table at the market, open to our business members for free promotion

• Hosted the annual Whispers of History Walking Tour

• Established an Arts + Culture Committee within EABA

• Established an EABA/EACA committee focused on combining efforts to make East Atlanta a great place to live, work and play

• An improved partnership with Department of City Planning, especially with their promotion of EAV Main Street on social media

Goals for 2026 include:

• Main Street accreditation

• Recruit and Onboard new board members, keeping inclusion and diversity in mind

• Signature Event/Fundraiser

• Complete website revamp

• Investigate BID opportunities for local improvements

• Boost DEI within our organization

• New street pole banners

• Obtain funding/partners to update the East Atlanta Small Area Plan

• Further establish the Village Vibrancy bond with EACA to produce more tactical urbanism 

• Placemaking + beautification projects, especially involving the business community:  #smallbiz sign, painted light boxes, string lights near Gaja

• Local artist designed street pole banners sponsored by business members

• Increased public safety efforts with a more robust committee and commitment from local programs and authorities

• Increased historic preservation efforts, including protection of Madison Theater and more promotional activities and events surrounding EAV's history

• Expand EAV walking tour opportunities + add incentives (gatherings and/or local restaurant discounts)

• Quarterly EAV trivia nights

• Recruit new dedicated board members and committee members

The deadline to apply for the Amex Shop Small Grants Program has been extended from Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT to Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT

LEARN MORE

The Amex Shop Small Grants Program, in partnership with American Express®, will fund more than 500 grants of $20,000 each, empowering small businesses to grow, innovate, and support their local communities. The program was initially launched with a $5 million contribution, and as a result of its giving pledge for eligible transactions made on Small Business Saturday®, American Express will now contribute an additional $5.1 million to the program – totaling over $10 million in grants. 

The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects the shared commitment of American Express and Main Street America to champion small businesses that strengthen communities and help local economies thrive.

Attention all EABA Members! Please see below for some current  and on-going member opportunities that we have compiled for you to take advantage of.

Strut 5K Sponsorship

• The East Atlanta Runs team has offered a special sponsorship opportunity for EABA members only! $150 gets your logo on the t-shirt to show your support of this race that brings community together and gives back. Must sign up and provide logo before September 10. Go HERE to sponsor and click the "PAY NOW" button to enter the $150 promotional amount.

Shmooze-a-Palooza

• Business fair in the EAV Farmers Market lot from 2-6 PM on SAT, Nov 15. This is a partnership with The Southern Shmooze. All EABA members are invited to join at a booth space to promote your business at no cost. SIGN UP HERE

Fall Events + Promotions

• Please submit your events and promotions that you have planned for the Fall. We want to add them to our community calendar! Will need a graphic, date(s), time(s) and a very brief description. Send to hello@eastatlantabiz.com

ShopEAV

• If your business takes MasterCard please sign up for this FREE community gift card program! We will be pushing it out more this Fall under the Support #Smallbiz blanket.

Register as a Supplier for COA

• This is a best practice item to check off your list anyway but will also help with World Cup preparations. REGISTER HERE

Featured Biz at EABA General Meetings

• SIGN UP HERE to be a featured biz at any of our monthly general meetings which take place on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Argosy in the Brig from 6-8 PM. Get yourself in front of other businesses and community members. We ask that you prepare a small raffle, giveaway, promo items, etc to bring attention.

Join EABA @ the EAV Farmers Market

• We host a monthly table at the EAV Farmers Market and would LOVE for you to take this opportunity to promote your business. SIGN UP HERE

The Strut 5K is now in its 3rd year powered by East Atlanta Runs. We are currently seeking sponsorships in hopes that we can really give back to the community in a BIG way this year. Proceeds from this run go to non-profits doing amazing things for the East Atlanta community including Intown Cares, Georgia Works and the East Atlanta Kids Club. We're focusing on supporting the unhoused, keeping East Atlanta clean & safe and our youth community.

How can you support? 

SPONSOR: Dollars raised go to event production, promotion and right back into the community through local programs supported by the EAV Main Street program of the East Atlanta Business Association. You'll get a booth space in our Athlete's Village to promote yourself as well as other great perks. Last day to sponsor to make it on the t-shirt is September 12! EABA MEMBER SPECIAL: Discounted sponsorship of only $150 gets your logo on the official race t-shirt! Simply go to the sponsorship page and fill in the discounted rate.  

PROMOTE: Share this race and sponsorship opportunity with your database, social media followers or anyone who you think may be interested in supporting and/or running!

REGISTER: Come run or walk with us!

We are also looking to collect prizes for top 3 finishers in each age group. Please contact me directly if you are able to provide gift cards.

Thanks to those that have already pledged their sponsorship and helped support us through promotional efforts. We can't wait to see everyone out there on September 27th for the Strut 5K! PRO TIP: Stick around the village for East Atlanta's beloved annual festival the East Atlanta Strut, featuring music, vendors, parade + MORE!

On behalf of the East Atlanta Runs team, we appreciate you!

Learn a little about the Atlanta Main Streets and how we're working towards a more connected and uplifted business community. EABA is shaped by the Main Street principles of Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Vitality - with a focus on historic preservation and supporting #smallbiz. You can watch the video created by City of Atlanta Planning HERE:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ATL Planning (@atlplanning)

As part of the evolving Atlanta Main Street program we have increasing opportunities to connect with and be supported by programming within the different facets of the City of Atlanta.  One such opportunity includes a focus on using small businesses within our district as suppliers for city events. 

As an example, the city recently hosted a Plan A convening meeting within City Hall and used local restaurants from the Atlanta Main Street districts to build a Taste of Main menu for attendees. Our own Pub @ EAV was featured on the menu at this meeting!

To become a supplier, you just need to take a moment to register your business. 

MORE INFO + REGISTRATION

Here is your chance to let us know what you want for the East Atlanta #smallbiz community!

EABA is constantly striving to do good within our business community . By supporting our network of small businesses and strengthening their success we enhance our entire community. The quirky-ness that is uniquely East Atlanta is undoubtedly better because of the many small businesses that call East Atlanta home. EABA's main goal is to make sure these businesses are supported and continue to have opportunities to thrive. With that sentiment in mind, we are asking for your input to help structure our work plan and goals for 2025 and beyond.  Whether you own, work at or patronize a business in or near East Atlanta, we'd love to hear from you!

TAKE THE SURVEY

Please take a few minutes to review EABA's 2025 work plan and goals which have been structured around the Main Street platform. This nationally recognized program utilizes the 4 pillars of design, organization, promotion and economic vitality to enhance communities. We are excited to be sharing in their prolific strategies to amplify the businesses that operate within East Atlanta.

The survey will close on Friday, February 28. Everyone who has completed the survey will be entered to win one of 4 ShopEAV gift cards that you can redeem at multiple businesses in East Atlanta.

Are you or someone you know a good fit as a representative of East Atlanta's small business community? We need help executing our 2025+ goals to support every East Atlanta small business. It takes a village.

Open EABA Board Positions:
President
Vice President
Treasurer

Please reach out to hello@eastatlantabiz.com with recommendations! Board elections will take place at EABA's April General Meeting: 4.15.25 from 6-8 PM.

WHO CAN RUN?
To be eligible to run, your business must be a current member of EABA and you must be representing the business member. The owner of the company does not have to be the one to be on the board of directors as long as it is approved by the owner. Only 2 seats available for non business owners. 

• Members or associate members in good standing.

• Members are businesses and property owners that operate within the bounds of East Atlanta.

• Associate members operate outside of the bounds of East Atlanta.

If you are not listed in the directory, your membership has lapsed. 

Two Year Terms: Executive Officers and Committee Chairs make up the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors Time Commitments: 10 hours per month + Mixers & Events + Work Sessions

• The executive officers are the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The executive officers govern EABA.

• Committee Chairs vote on major issues and manage each area of expertise.  Reports to the Executive Officers and works closely with the Main Street Coordinator on action items and plans.

Required Monthly Meetings: 5 hours

Board of Directors may not miss more than 3 meetings total per term.

• Attendance at in-person and zoom BOD meetings on the 1st Tuesday of the Month from 6-7:30 PM. 

• Attendance at in-person General Meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month from 6-8 PM.

Working Sessions & Follow Up: 5 hours

• No more than 5 hours per month during normal EABA functions regarding preparation of agendas, follow up items and emails between the Board of Directors and the community.

EABA By-Laws