Downtown Development Authority
Welcome to Downtown Dawsonville a business friendly town. Dawsonville offers many opportunities for those wishing to start a new business adventure. Dawsonville is rich with history and located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains with all of the Atlanta conveniences. Highway 53, which runs through the middle of the town, provides good visibility and a steady flow of traffic to support local business. Currently, there are many business opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in opening or expanding their business concepts.
Helpful Links:
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DowntownDawsonville.com
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Take the self-guided tour of Dawsonville.
- Why invest in Downtown Dawsonville
- 2025 Downtown Dawsonville Pamplet
Bonnie East
Downtown Development Director
Serving the City since July 2026
Email: bonnie.east@dawsonville-ga.gov
(706) 203-4922
Caroline Collins
Customer Service/GA Grown Coordinator
Serving the City since July 2026
Email: caroline.collins@dawsonville-ga.gov
(706) 203-4918
Funding Available
The Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF), from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, is to assist cities, counties and development authorities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by providing below-market rate financing to fund capital projects in core historic downtown areas and adjacent historic neighborhoods where DD RLF will spur commercial redevelopment. The Dawsonville Downtown Development Authority may serve as sponsor for qualified products within the Historic Business District. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a viable downtown development project and clearly identify the proposed uses of the loan proceeds. Once approved, funds may be used for such activities as: real estate acquisition, development, redevelopment, and new construction; rehabilitation of public and private infrastructure and facilities; purchase of equipment and other assets (on a limited basis). The maximum loan is $250,000 per project. Applications will be accepted throughout the year and as loan funds are available to the Department. For more information please visit: https://dca.georgia.gov/
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA)
The Downtown Development Authority of Dawsonville, Gerogia was created by Resolution of the City Council of Dawsonville, Georgia on February 6, 1996 pursuant to O.C.G.A. §36-42-1 et seq. The mission of the Downtown Development Authority is to help grow and improve the economic development in our Downtown area. This will be accomplished by promoting a pro-business climate and vision that will allow us to present a strong positive image of Dawsonville. Our goal is to have people think of Dawsonville as an exciting place to live, visit, shop, dine and of course invest. We desire to continue expanding the economic base of the town and the City's appearance to help insure these goals.
| William Illg, Chair | Term through 12/31/2029 |
| Jonathan Campbell, Vice Chair | Term through: 12/31/2027 |
| Tasha Howell, Treasurer/Secretary | Term through: 12/31/2029 |
| Lynda Hudson | Term through: 12/31/2027 |
| Jamie McCracken | Term through: 12/31/2029 |
| Chris Sheets | Term through: 12/31/2029 |
| Mary Wright | Term through: 12/31/2027 |
