Advancing Community & Economic Development in Atlanta: Momentus Capital’s Approach

Atlanta is a city on the move, with entrepreneurs launching new ventures, neighborhoods evolving, and demand growing for housing and education projects that serve local communities. But momentum needs to be matched with resources. 

This is why the Momentus Capital branded family of organizations is investing $50 million through 2027 to help advance community and economic development in Atlanta. Through flexible lending, impact investments, business advising, and technical assistance, our branded family of organizations is supporting local businesses, housing developments, and education facilities.  

Our place-based strategy puts community voices at the center, partnering with local leaders to create solutions that reflect Atlanta’s evolving needs and priorities. 

Why are we fostering economic development in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s economy is growing rapidly and the city has been adding residents at a rate of about 1.1% annually, increasing the need for community infrastructure like affordable housing, health care, and education for a growing population. This is especially true given that more than 14,000 students are waitlisted to attend charter schools due to low supply, and that housing affordability is a major issue in the city and the surrounding metro area. The entrepreneurship ecosystem is also flourishing, with about 9,000 new small businesses being launched each year in an ecosystem of more than 110,000 small businesses. This growth illustrates the need for responsible capital to support these entrepreneurs. 

This presents significant opportunities for small businesses and community development, so that local businesses and community leaders can create a lasting impact for their communities.

How We Are Centering Communities

At Momentus Capital, we want to see people in all communities thrive. Our place-based strategy is centered on aligning our investments with priorities identified by local stakeholders, focusing investments in specific areas to create substantive change. 

To support Atlanta’s communities, we engaged directly with business owners, real estate developers, and economic development organizations to draw on local insights and identify the needs and priorities of neighborhoods. This outreach allows us to pinpoint where capital can be most effectively deployed to strengthen existing assets and foster new opportunities by focusing on lending to small businesses, affordable housing, and community development facilities.

Lending Products & Services in Action: How Do We Do It?

Momentus Capital leverages a continuum of financial, knowledge, and social capital to support community and economic development in Atlanta. Through our comprehensive products and services, we aim to address critical gaps in economic potential while creating pathways for long-term community growth:

Through these business lines, we are creating pathways for sustainable economic growth by investing in projects that strengthen local businesses, enhance community assets, and build long-term economic stability in Atlanta.

Partnering with Local Organizations to Foster Community & Economic Development in Atlanta

Our work is powered by collaboration with trusted partners that share our commitment to advancing community and economic development in Atlanta. By aligning with organizations that understand the unique needs of local communities, we amplify the impact of our investments and support projects that drive long-term economic growth.

One example is our partnership with LIIF and Reinvestment Fund to deliver capacity building and capital solutions to real estate development firms based in GHD’s core geographies, including Georgia.

Another example is our partnership with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), a leading advocate for small business growth in Georgia. Together, we are working to expand financing options for local entrepreneurs through targeted lending and business advising.

We are also collaborating with community development organizations, local lenders, and economic development groups to foster economic opportunity in Atlanta. These partnerships allow us to connect with entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and other stakeholders to identify high-impact projects that align with regional priorities.

What’s next?

As we continue to expand our work in Atlanta, we’re bringing with us the full strength of the Momentus Capital family of organizations. With more than 80 years of combined experience, a $3 billion portfolio under management, and a national presence guided by local strategies, we have the tools and track record to support impactful, community-focused growth across regions. 

While our current work in Atlanta focuses on lending, investment, and technical assistance across small business, housing, and education, we’re also preparing for what comes next.

As our presence deepens, we will continue to explore longer-term opportunities that reflect emerging needs and potential for impact in the region. These may include:

• New Product Development: Bringing new tools to market to expand reach and flexibility based on community needs.
• Entertainment Industry Technical Assistance: Designing a training and support program for entrepreneurs in Atlanta’s growing entertainment sector.
• Tech Start-up Ecosystem Support: Developing lending and investment pathways tailored to early-stage tech businesses based in the region.

Each of these ideas is under active consideration in collaboration with local partners. As we move forward, we remain committed to strategies grounded in community priorities and responsive to Atlanta’s evolving economy.

If your organization is exploring similar opportunities or seeking to expand its impact, we invite you to connect with us.

Together, we can drive sustainable growth that benefits communities in the region.