Big Week for South Metro: Capital Expo Today, Luau Saturday & Business Fair Sept. 29
Pull up a chair — because this week, the village is open for business. And we mean that literally.
From South Fulton to Fayetteville, South Metro Atlanta is buzzing with real, practical opportunities for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone who's ever dreamed of building something from the ground up. This week brings three back-to-back events designed to help you grow — and you won't want to miss any of them.
What's Happening Around the Village
Three major events are putting South Metro Atlanta's entrepreneurial spirit on full display — and they're happening in the next ten days.
🏦 Today: Access to Capital Expo — South Fulton, GA
If you're reading this Monday morning, you still have time. The City of South Fulton Economic Development Department, in partnership with Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs, is hosting the Access to Capital Expo today — Monday, September 21 — from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Burdett Community Center (2945 Burdett Road, South Fulton, GA 30349).
This free event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring business leaders to connect with funding partners, explore growth resources, and gain the knowledge needed to become lender-ready. Whether you're starting a business, looking to expand, or chasing capital for your next stage of growth — this expo was built for you.
It is completely free to attend.
🎶 Saturday, September 26: Locals Only Luau — Fayetteville, GA
Let's take a walk around the village — and this time, bring your lawn chair. Atlanta's own 99X radio is bringing the Locals Only Luau to The Ville Amphitheater in Fayetteville on Saturday, September 26, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The lineup features The Paradox and The Stews — two homegrown Atlanta-area rock acts bringing real local talent to a real local stage. This is exactly the kind of event that reminds us why supporting local music, local venues, and local community spaces matters. When we show up for each other, the village gets louder.
Tickets start at $50. Grab yours at The Ville Amphitheater box office or online through Ticketmaster or Vivid Seats.
💼 Tuesday, September 29: South Metro Small Business Resource Fair — Fayetteville, GA
Here's what's happening nearby — and it's one of the biggest small business events of the year for South Metro. The 2026 South Metro Small Business Resource Fair is set for Tuesday, September 29, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Southside Center (300 City Center Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214), adjacent to City Center Park.
Organized by the City of Fayetteville in partnership with the UGA Small Business Development Center at Clayton State University and SCORE, this fair will connect small business owners with more than 36 resource partners under one roof. That includes:
SBA guidance and lender readiness support
Government contracting pathways (Clayton County procurement, Georgia DOAS, MARTA)
Digital marketing strategies to grow your brand online
Business mentoring from SCORE and UGA SBDC
Breakout sessions on growth engines, funding readiness, and procurement
Registration is free and encouraged in advance. Click here to register through the City of Fayetteville's official registration page.
Why It Matters
Access to capital remains one of the single biggest barriers for small business owners — especially Black-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and first-generation entrepreneurs in communities like South Fulton, Fayetteville, and the broader South Metro area.
Events like these don't just open doors. They hand you the key, show you the hallway, and introduce you to everyone standing in it. When local governments, development agencies, and community organizations come together to lower the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs, the entire community benefits — more jobs, more tax base, more vitality.
And the Locals Only Luau? It's a reminder that community isn't just about commerce. It's about culture, music, neighbors, and belonging. Every full house at a local venue is a vote for keeping that venue alive.
How This Impacts Our Community
The village grows stronger when neighbors know each other — and when business owners know where to get help. Here's who benefits most from these events:
Aspiring entrepreneurs who haven't launched yet but are ready
Existing small business owners who need funding, contracts, or mentoring
Veterans and returning citizens looking to build economic independence
Local music fans and families looking for community events close to home
South Metro neighborhoods that thrive when local businesses and arts are supported
How You Can Get Involved
Attend the Access to Capital Expo TODAY — Burdett Community Center, South Fulton, 10 AM–1 PM. Free.
Grab tickets for the 99X Locals Only Luau on Saturday, September 26 at The Ville Amphitheater in Fayetteville. Support local music.
Register for the South Metro Small Business Resource Fair on September 29. Even if you're already established, the networking alone is worth the trip.
Share this article with a neighbor, family member, or business owner who could benefit. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is a heads-up about the right opportunity.
Follow the City of Fayetteville and City of South Fulton on social media so you never miss an announcement like this again.
If you're a nonprofit or resource organization that serves local entrepreneurs, bring your materials to the Resource Fair on the 29th. The organizers welcome community partners.
Around the Village Calendar
📅 TODAY, Monday, Sept. 21 — Access to Capital Expo | Burdett Community Center, 2945 Burdett Rd, South Fulton, GA | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | FREE
📅 Thursday, Sept. 24 — Town Hall Meeting on House Bill 1581 | Fayetteville City Hall | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | FREE, open to the public
📅 Saturday, Sept. 26 — 99X Locals Only Luau (The Paradox & The Stews) | The Ville Amphitheater, Fayetteville, GA | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Tickets from $50 via Ticketmaster
📅 Saturday, Sept. 26 — Shred & Recycle Day | Fayetteville City Center Park | Free community service event
📅 Tuesday, Sept. 29 — South Metro Small Business Resource Fair | Southside Center, 300 City Center Pkwy, Fayetteville, GA | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | FREE, registration required
Sophie's Suggestions
Heading to a networking event, resource fair, or Saturday evening concert? Here are a few things from Sophie's Mart that our neighbors genuinely love:
Sophie's Mart KP Brew – Single Serve Brewing Capsules ($6.00) — Fuel your business planning sessions and morning prep with a signature brew named after a real community. Perfect for the early-morning entrepreneur who's got a big week ahead.
Moses & Burke Abstract Signature Tumbler ($20.00) — Keep your coffee or cold drink close at the outdoor Luau or a long fair session. Sleek, durable, and made for people who move with purpose.
"I'm Rooting for Everybody Black" Sweatshirt ($47.22) — Show up to the fair, the concert, and the community wearing your values. Because when Black-owned businesses win, every neighborhood gets stronger.
Shop all products at sophiesmart.com.
Around the Village Takeaway
The village grows stronger when entrepreneurs are funded, neighbors show up for each other, and every seat at every table — and every venue — is filled with someone who cares about this community.
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This content was generated by AI.
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