Ready to launch a thriving business? Choose Downtown Blairsville!
Here’s everything you need to know.
DDA Facade Grant Program
This program is open to all private businesses in the DDA Footprint. The Board reserves the right to approve, change, or deny any project they feel does not meet the mission of Downtown Blairsville or does not provide a significant enough improvement to justify receiving grant monies. Applications will be considered between June 1st and October 1st on a first come, first serve basis. Once available funds are pledged, no more applications will be accepted until the program is funded again. Accepted applicants cannot apply successive years. Click the button below to access the application.
Ga rural zone designation
The City of Blairsville has received a Rural Zone designation from 2026-2031. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Rural Zone Tax Credit Program is a state economic development incentive designed to stimulate private investment, job creation, and revitalization in designated rural downtowns and commercial areas. Communities approved as Rural Zones can offer eligible businesses a package of state income tax credits, including job tax credits for newly created positions, investment tax credits for capital improvements, and rehabilitation tax credits for the renovation of historic or vacant buildings. By reducing the cost of doing business and encouraging the reuse of underutilized properties, the program helps rural communities attract new employers, support existing businesses, increase local employment opportunities, and strengthen the long-term economic vitality of their downtown districts.
Contact director@downtownblairsvillega.com for more information.
Historic Plaque Program
This is a new program (beginning in Q4 of 2025) dedicated to educating the public about Downtown Blairsville’s local history through its buildings. The Blairsville DDA is partnering with Gooch & Fifty to source historic plaques for buildings that describe the original date of construction and purpose of each building within the downtown footprint . Owners of a downtown building can inquire about participating by emailing the DDA Director at director@visitdowntownblairsville.com
Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce
The Blairsville Union County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization focused on promoting a business-friendly environment through tourism, economic, and cultural development. It supports its members through networking opportunities, marketing exposure on the chamber's website and in its directories, and by advocating for local business interests. The Chamber also hosts various community events and offers educational classes! The Chamber office is located within Union County Community Center at 129 Union Co Rec Rd Blairsville, GA 30512. Visit their website for more information.
University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
GAINESVILLE CAMPUS
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Gainesville, GA provides free, one-on-one consulting, market research, and business training to for-profit small businesses in 13 counties of Northeast Georgia (including Union County) . Its goal is to enhance economic well-being by offering resources and guidance for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, including assistance with business plans and securing funding. Visit their website for more information.
LOAN PROGRAMS WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DDRLF)
DDRLF is a catalyst for redevelopment, providing below market rate financing to fund capital projects in downtown districts.
● $50,000 (min) – $250,000 (max)
● 50-40-10 financing structure with 2% interest rate.
● Bank finances 50%, DCA 40%, borrower 10% (minimum).
● Repayment term is 15 years.
● Site visit required prior to start of project activity.
● No application fee.
● Visit: www.dca.ga.gov
Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) Revolving Loan Fund
The GCFRLF follows the same structure as the DDRLF, and bonus: the two programs may be used together!
● 50-40-10 at 2% interest rate.
● 10 year period, 15 year rate.
● $250 application fee.
● Visit: www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org