Local Bakery Owner Seeks Participation in World Cup Economic Boost
Cyrei Daniel has been working hard to draw attention to her bakery, Sweet Me Good, as well as her neighborhood. With Atlanta set to host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup, Daniel is eager to attract the influx of visitors this summer. She proactively sought out grants for her storefront and marketing, successfully receiving two. Additionally, she attended city council meetings to advocate for the support of small businesses during this significant event.
Sweet Me Good is located on Edgewood Avenue, just a block away from the King Center, a popular spot that sees over a million visitors yearly. However, as of two weeks before the World Cup, the streets had little to show in terms of festive decorations or indications of the upcoming tournament. Local economists as well as city representatives see the World Cup as a unique chance for economic growth, but small business owners like Daniel are concerned about whether any of that economic boost will actually benefit them directly.
Anticipating a Wave of Visitors
Atlanta is one of the 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with games scheduled from June 15 through July 15. The Metro Atlanta Chamber estimates that each match could attract around 65,000 fans, totaling over half a million attendees throughout the tournament.
Ona Utuama started her preparations more than a year ago. Her eyewear brand, Tribal Eyes, will introduce sunglasses designed with flags from the nations competing in the World Cup. She is set to set up a booth near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the early matches.
In addition to her eyewear business, Utuama operates a healthcare clinic called CollabMD Direct Primary Care, which targets international visitors who may not have U.S. insurance. This clinic will offer immediate medical services, promoting itself through hotels and other venues.
Utuama is forecasting between $50,000 and $90,000 in revenue from her efforts during the tournament, proving that she is strategically positioned to seize the opportunity.
Local Business Growth and Resilience
Another entrepreneur, Brian Lee of Scratch Food Group, began planning for the World Cup in late 2024. His company specializes in plant-based food products sold in major retailers, and Lee sees this event as a way to showcase his brand to a global audience, with a revenue target of $30,000.
He has taken proactive steps, securing partnerships for events and pop-up shops to introduce his offerings to a wider audience. Despite the risks, Lee emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on help from the city. He highlights the value of actively pursuing opportunities.
On the other hand, Vanetta Roy, who runs Eat My Biscuits in East Point, is also preparing for the influx of visitors. She has launched World Cup-themed merchandise and revamped her staff’s uniforms in an effort to stand out.
If the anticipated visitor traffic doesn’t come through, Roy remains calm, focusing instead on optimizing her online visibility to attract tourists searching for dining options near the airport.
Facing Challenges Amidst Hopes for Growth
Small businesses in Atlanta were already facing challenges prior to the World Cup momentum. Many, like Roy and Daniel, are counting on the tournament to provide a much-needed boost.
Roy remembers a recent beautification project near her restaurant that drastically reduced her foot traffic and revenue. Some local entrepreneurs were left disenfranchised during the Olympics in 1996, leading them to be hopeful but cautious about the current World Cup prospects.
As businesses gear up for the World Cup, the hope for revitalized economic activity is palpable, but many are also aware of the need for resilience in the face of uncertainty.
