Downtown Facade Grant

The Office of Economic Development assists new and existing businesses with finding available locations on the Square and navigating the permit process. Additionally, it develops initiatives to ensure a pro-business climate downtown. The following information and resources are frequently used by prospective, new and existing downtown business owners.

Federal Opportunity Zone (FOZ)

Created by the federal government as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, Marietta contains several areas recognized as Federal Opportunity Zones. Individuals investing in projects or properties within these zones may be able to pay reduced capital gains taxes on returns.

Historically Underutilized Business Zones(HUBZone)

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. The HUBZone empowerment contracting program provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located in distressed areas. The program falls under the auspices of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA regulates and implements the HUBZone program.

Tax Credits

Businesses located in Marietta may apply to receive a variety of income tax credits. Based on program requirements, businesses may be eligible for state job tax credits and retraining tax credits as well as federal tax credits for hiring individuals from certain target groups. The state’s Job Tax Credit Program provides for new and existing businesses who choose to locate within one of the city’s "Designated Tax Credit Areas" to receive the highest incentive for new job creation.

Tax Exempt Bond Financing

The city of Marietta offers tax-exempt bond financing through the Marietta Development Authority (MDA) to assist with the construction of new buildings and institutional facilities.

Tax Exemptions

There are two types of tax exemptions that reduce the cost of doing business in Marietta. Georgia’s Sales Tax and Use Tax Exemptions allows businesses to purchase various goods and services tax free. The Freeport Inventory Tax Exemption exempts companies from paying state and local property taxes on qualifying inventory held in their factories and warehouses.