top of page
LAUNCH YOUR BUSINESS DOWNTOWN
RURAL Zone
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development have designated Dallas as a Rural Zone. The Rural Zone program provides tax credits to individuals and businesses that create jobs and make qualifying investments in historic downtown areas that have received a Rural Zone designation.
Created by House Bill 73 in 2017, the Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas Legislation (RURAL) Act provides three tax incentives to encourage the purchase of properties, the rehabilitation of properties, and the creation of new businesses and jobs within rural downtowns. Investors, developers, and business owners can all benefit from these tax incentives. Georgia’s rural downtowns also benefit greatly from the program, as the projects incentivized can remove blight, create needed jobs, and spur economic revitalization in the downtown.
Dallas’ Rural Zone designation lasts for five years, and activities to begin earning tax credits will begin on January 1, 2025. Dallas is encouraged to develop strategies and share information about the benefits to local businesses and investors.
RURAL Zone Press Release
RURAL Zone Info Sheet & Map
RURAL Zone Brochure
RURAL Zone - Approved NAICS codes
For more information regarding Dallas' RURAL Zone, email sgordon@dallas-ga.gov or visit the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Façade Grant
The Façade Grant Program is intended to encourage new or existing property owners to improve the appearance of buildings in the City of Dallas Central Business District Area. Matching funds are made available for eligible improvements to business facades that are easily visible and in public right-of-ways, such as those that face a public street or a public parking area. Improvements must preserve the individual character of each building with its unique features, historic appearance and significance, as well as make a contribution and impact to the appeal of the Central Business District Area. Note that all such improvements District must meet the Historic Preservation Commission’s design guidelines if located within the Historic Commercial District and have an approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application and building permit. The Façade Grant Program is funded by the City of Dallas, GA and administered by the City of Dallas, GA Downtown Development Authority. The Dallas DDA will determine the amount of matching funds based on the proposed façade change, grant funds available and the number of request under consideration. Visit dallasga.gov to learn more!
BOOST Grant
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is committed to making the most of our community’s unique sense of place by harnessing local economic opportunities and creating a supportive business environment that helps our small business owners and entrepreneurs build on heir dreams by expanding economic opportunities. The BOOST program is designed to award financial assistant to Downtown Dallas business owners and entrepreneurs located within the Main Street District. Assistance granted through the BOOST program does not have to be repaid.
UGA Small Business Development Center
SBDC Programs deliver professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs. SBDCs provide problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation. The SBDC office that serves the Dallas area is located in Rome, Georgia. Visit https://georgiasbdc.org/rome-office/.
​
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DDRLF)
The purpose of the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DDRLF) is to assist cities, counties and development authorities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by providing below-market rate financing to fund capital projects in core historic downtown areas and adjacent historic neighborhoods where DDRLF will spur commercial redevelopment. Visit https://www.dca.ga.gov/community-economic-development/funding-programs/downtown-development-revolving-loan-fund-ddrlf
Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) Revolving Loan Fund
Applications for the Revolving Loan Fund program may be submitted at any time. The Foundation's staff will review applications to determine if the project fits the overall objectives of the Foundation and is likely to have a positive economic impact on the community.
Applications are evaluated based on leadership, accountability, long-term sustainability, and potential for private investment. Projects should encourage spin-off development, add jobs, promote downtown housing, or add to the cultural enrichment of the community. Each application must also undergo credit underwriting. Visit https://www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org/getattachment/Programs-Services/Revolving-Loan-Fund/loan_application.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US
Georgia Cities Foundation (SSBCI) Funding
The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (the “Act”) became law in the fall of 2010. The Act created the State Small Business Credit Initiative to strengthen state lending programs that support small businesses and manufacturers. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) reauthorized the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to provide $10 billion to fund the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI 2.0) as a response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn More: https://www.dca.ga.gov/community-economic-development/funding-programs/state-small-business-credit-initiative-ssbci
Community Impact Reports
Have Questions? Ask Them!
City Manager - 770-443-8110 x1205
City Clerk - 770-443-8110 x1206
Business Development Director - 770-443-8110 x1201
Community Development Director - 770-443-8110 x 1408
Community Development Coordinator/Permits - 770-443-8110 x 1203
Building Official - 770-235-8288
Public Works Director - 770-443-8110 x 1401
City Marshal - 770-443-8110 x 1003
Business Licensing - 770-443-8110 x 1210
Main Street Manager - 770-443-8110 x 1213
Fire Marshal - 678-383-3425
Department of Public Health - 770-443-7877
bottom of page