January 2026 Newsletter

Key Updates on Smyrna's Economic Growth

The Economic Development Office provides customized support to help your business thrive. Whether you're looking to locate or expand in Smyrna, reach out for information on demographics and available incentives.

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Kick Off the New Year with Three Impactful Business

To-Dos

As the new year begins, many of us are planning for the months ahead. Here are three simple tasks you can check off your list to start the year feeling organized and confident.

1) Register for a Networking Event

Step into networking for the first time or mix things up by attending an event outside your usual circle. Networking helps small business owners build relationships, gain referrals, and uncover new opportunities that don’t always come from traditional marketing. Here are a few local opportunities to consider:

2) Schedule a Meeting with SBDC

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free, confidential business consultations to small business entrepreneurs. From pricing strategies and marketing plans to business development and growth planning, their expert advisors are committed to helping your business succeed. You can bring any topic to the table and walk away with practical, actionable guidance.

The nearest satellite office for Smyrna is in the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University.

3) Apply for a Small Business Grant

Don't be intimidated. Move forward with confidence when you apply for a small business grant. Cobb County Entrepreneurship Grant Program is a local opportunity supporting small business owners across our area. Be sure to review the requirements. Other nationwide grant opportunities are listed below:

Still feeling intimidated? Learn about "Grants for Small Business: Myths vs. Realities," in this webinar with the Small Business Development Center at University of Georgia.

Tax Season Made Easier - Schedule an Appointment with the Tax Center at Osborne High School

Support Osborne High School students' technical experience when you use the Volunteer Income Tax Center (VITA) at Osborne High School for your tax preparation services. The primary site coordinator has over 20 years experience running a VITA site as a high school program.

Please note the tax prep is by appointment only. Learn more FAQ's on the Osborne High School website.

It’s time to vote - 40+ Smyrna Businesses Nominated for Best of Cobb 2026!

This is your chance to support your favorite businesses in Smyrna. Vote for the best places across Cobb – from arts and entertainment to dining and shopping, wellness and more - you can pick your favorites across every category. Vote once a day, per category.

Voting closes Wednesday, January 7th. Submit your votes here.

Find Job Leads with WorkSource Georgia

WorkSource Georgia is the state's unified, federally-funded employment and training system connecting job seekers with employers; and offers many other resources. They also provide labor market information on job openings and occupational wage rates.

Visit WorkSource Georgia's website to search job leads across the state.

Save-The-Dates

Rev Coffee is Hosting a Spin the Block Event at Ruby's Coffee & Cream on January 3rd

Kick off your weekend at Spin the Block, a laid-back morning block party, with Rev Coffee Roasters and Ruby’s Coffee & Cream at The Five on Saturday, January 3rd from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Enjoy a soulful live vinyl set, fresh coffee, warm cinnamon rolls, and a few extra breakfast surprises to keep the vibes going.

Follow Rev Coffee Roasters and Ruby's Coffee & Cream on social for more details and updates.

FruiTea Bubbles Cafe is Hosting a Fourth Anniversary CommuniTEA Party on January 15th

FruiTea Bubbles Cafe is marking its Fourth Anniversary with a CommuniTEA Party on Thursday, January 15th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Join the FruiTea Bubbles Cafe team and celebrate four years of FruiTea with an amazing communiTEA. Connect with organization leaders, school officials, local business owners, and influencers.

All are welcome! Join the team for an evening of bubbles and bites, good vibes, and great company. It’s almost tea time!

RSVP by January 8th with this Google Form.

Friends of Smyrna Library are having a Used Book Sale on January 24th and 25th

Take advantage of the used book sale including a wide selection of adult, teen, and children's hardback and paperback books in fiction, non-fiction, and biography. There will also be puzzles, DVDs, audiobook CDs, and music CDS too.

Learn more event details on the City of Smyrna website.

Business Highlights

Smyrna Residents' Most-Visited Local Restaurants

in 2026

Fried Green Tomatoes

Atkins Park Tavern

2840 Atlanta Road

#1

Victory Pie

Zucca Bar & Pizzeria 2860 Atlanta Road

#2

Experience & Vibe

Rev Coffee

1680 Spring Road

#3

Cafe Au Lait

Cafe Lucia

1260 W Spring Street,

Suite B

#4

Chicken Biscuit

1911 Biscuits & Burgers

3120 S Cobb Drive

#5

Ruby's White Pizza

Rubys Sourdough Pizza

1652 Roswell Street

#6

Tako Yaki

Tokyo Sushi & Steak House

4624 Camp Highland Road,

Suite 700

#7

Street Style Taco

Taco T

1065 Windy Hill Road

#8

Nachos Supreme

The Border Mexican Restaurant

2569 Cobb Parkway

Fettucine Alla Pescatora

Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood

1669 Spring Road SE

#10

Kuroshio Crispy Egg Rolls

Kuroshio Sushi Bar and Grille

2700 Cobb Pkwy

#11

Chicken Wings

Doc's Food

& Spirits

2621 Cumberland Blvd SE

#12

Source: This information was sourced from Placer.ai.

Networking Events

Wednesday, January 7th

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Carmichael Reception Hall

2965 Reed Street

Join SBA members and guests for this FREE in-person networking event. Each attendee will have an opportunity to give a 60-second speech about their business and what an ideal referral would be! Sign up for a free ticket below to receive email reminders and updates. Pre-registration not required.

This week's seven-minute speaker is Terry Graham with Legacy Builders Wealth Management.

Read more and register here.

Tuesdays, January 13th, 27th and February 10th

8:00 am – 9:00 am

South State Bank

3016 Atlanta Road

Take advantage of this informative, short learning series on AI tools designed specifically for busy business owners. Pivotal AI Consulting is hosting a three-session, in-person Breakfast Training series to help SBA members reduce overwhelm, communicate more clearly, and use AI effectively in their businesses. Each session features practical topics and live demonstrations, with content that is accessible and immediately applicable.

This event is open to members only. The cost is $10 per person, and advance registration is required as space is limited. Resister on the Smyrna Business Association website.

Monday, January 12th

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre - Truist Park Battery

800 Battery Ave., Suite 500

Kick off the new year with Cobb Chamber as they welcome Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens for an in-depth conversation on the future of our region.

Mayor Dickens will share exciting updates on Showcase Atlanta, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup and other major sporting events that will shine an international spotlight on our metro Atlanta area. He will also discuss his top priorities for the City of Atlanta, with a special focus on initiatives that directly impact Cobb County and the greater region.

Read more and register here. Registration closes after January 7th.

Welcome, New Smyrna Businesses!

Vibrant, comfortable and welcoming, pro-business and community driven, Smyrna is an excellent place to start, own, and grow your business.

We are pleased to have new businesses in our thriving community. We recognize the value of your investment and wish to serve as a helpful resource. Visit Business Listings to see the latest businesses investing in Smyrna.

Economic Development Team

Andrea Worthy

Economic Development Director

City of Smyrna

aworthy@smyrnaga.gov

(678) 631-5348

Kendra Harruff

Economic Development Coordinator

City of Smyrna

kharruff@smyrnaga.gov

(678) 631-5419

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Hello Smyrna Businesses!

We want our local businesses to have every opportunity to succeed. See the links below on how we can be a resource to you. Have something you'd like to discuss? Request a Business Retention Visit with us here or email us.