AIRPORT SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Gateway to Growth
Program Description: ATL launched a two-part Concessions Small Business Program in late 2024, approved by the FAA on October 16, 2024. Gateway to Growth is an 11-week comprehensive education program (the ATL Airport Concessions Small Business Development Academy) that equips small businesses with knowledge to navigate airport operations, respond to bids, and build operational readiness. SOAR ATL is the accompanying concessions small business program that supports entrepreneurs in actually operating a business at ATL.
Website: https://www.atl.com/gateway-to-growth/
Target Audience: Experienced small business owners seeking to operate concessions at the world’s busiest airport
Cohort Size: Up to 25 participants in inaugural cohort
Program Timeline: Cohort 2: March 2 – May 8, 2026 (11 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 29 (noon ET)
Key Features: Comprehensive training on airport operations, bid response preparation, operational readiness; graduation ceremony during National Small Business Week (May 4-10, 2025); direct pathway to SOAR ATL program for actual business operations at ATL
Status: Active: accepting applications for future cohorts
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 8
Local Small Business Retail Accelerator
Program Description: In partnership with the Port Authority of NY/NJ and American Airlines, URW Airports (operating entity of JFK T8 Innovation Partners) offers small, local, women- and minority-owned businesses the opportunity to test their retail concepts in the airport marketplace as part of the $125 million commercial program at Terminal 8.
Target Audience: Small, local, women- and minority-owned businesses from Southeast Queens, Greater Queens, NYC Metro Area, or NY Regional area
Space Type: Two 175 sq ft inline retail spaces and four 100 sq ft retail kiosks (plug-and-play, turnkey)
Key Features: Short-term leases to test concepts; hands-on support from URW;s retail experts; curated education and networking events; flexible deal terms; reduced startup costs; competitive selection process
Current Status: Active: Six businesses opened in December 2024 including local women-owned brands offering jewelry, home decor, honey products, vegan skincare, and more
Applications due: Friday, May 31, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
ASCEND ABQ
Website: https://abqsunportbiz.com/ascend/
Program Description: ASCEND ABQ is a retail concessions internship program providing small, local, regional and minority-owned businesses an opportunity to operate a Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) or kiosk at the Sunport for 3-12 months. The program is designed specifically for entrepreneurs with little or no airport experience, removing traditional barriers through subsidized space, business training, and mentorship.
Target Audience: Evolving and established small, local, regional and minority-owned businesses; artisans and sole proprietors
Cohort Size: Nine businesses in Class of 2025 (inaugural cohort)
Program Timeline: Lease duration: 3 months minimum, up to 12 months maximum. Annual cohort selection with existing and new applicants evaluated yearly.
Application Process: Rolling applications accepted at abqsunportbiz.com/ascend/
Minimum Fee: Starting at $1,000 (covers signage, business training, and advertising)
Key Features: Custom-designed retail kiosks at no cost; adaptable configurations including refrigeration/water supply options; business training bootcamp; mentorship; high-visibility locations throughout airport; exposure to 5+ million annual passengers; seasonal merchandise rotation (2 RMUs for 3-month leases); local architect-designed units fabricated in-state
Product Categories: Handcrafted arts, gifts and crafts, jewelry, apparel, travel essentials, pre-packaged food and beverages, personal care products (soaps, lotions), culturally significant New Mexico products
Status: Active: Class of 2025 launched September 2025 with 9 retail spaces
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
SEA Sparks Incubator Program
Website: https://www.portseattle.org/blog/igniting-opportunities-small-and-minority-owned-businesses-sea
Program Description: SEA Sparks lowers barriers for small, local, women- and minority-owned businesses by offering limited-term retail concessions and food & beverage opportunities in small-format kiosk locations. The Port of Seattle builds and owns most spaces, allowing tenants to focus on operations and growth rather than significant capital investment.
Target Audience: Small local and regional early-stage, mid-stage, and emerging businesses and brands; culturally-influenced products
Key Features: Reduced startup costs (Port builds/owns spaces); revenue-based rent (fixed percentage of gross sales); small-format plug-and-play kiosks; mentorship and training (orientation workshops, site tours, one-on-one support); First-Time Bidder classes; informational meetings and site tours
Enrollment: Businesses can enroll in SEA’s Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) Concessions Inquiry portal for updates, meetings, tours, and opportunity announcements
Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
Status: Active Multiple small businesses currently operating; ongoing recruitment, Webinar Feb 18: Sign up here
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Business Development Training Academy (BDTA)
Website: https://www.flydenver.com/business-and-community/ceea/bdta/
Program Description: Free cohort-based training program operated by the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) designed for small businesses seeking to understand and pursue contract opportunities at DEN. The program focuses on increasing knowledge about DEN operations, strengthening partnerships, and building pipeline of certified firms ready to work at the airport.
Target Audience: Certified small businesses in architecture, engineering, construction, professional services, goods and services, and concessions industries
Certification: Small business certification from City and County of Denver and/or CDOT highly encouraged; other certifying entities may be considered
Key Features: Modular training sessions; networking events; connections to upcoming opportunities; no cost to participants; regular outreach events including monthly sessions
Status: Active. Ongoing cohorts; DEN serves 82.4 million passengers annually (6th busiest globally)
Application Deadline: Jan 23, 2026 (Series 100)
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)
IAD + DCA
Small Business University & Programs
Website: https://www.mwaa.com/business/small-business-programs
Program Description: The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates comprehensive small business programs including the Small Business University, designed to empower small businesses by strengthening operational strategies and preparing them for prime contract opportunities. Topics include industry marketing, business operations, and partnership strategies with the Airports Authority.
Programs Offered:
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE): For contracts with federal funding from FAA, FTA, and FHWA
- Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (ACDBE): For concessions contracts
- Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE): For non-concessions contracts funded solely by Airports Authority
Key Features: Free training courses; certificate upon completion; networking events; technical assistance; access to contracting opportunities across construction, goods/services, design/build, A&E, and concessions
Status: Active: 2026 Cohort starts Jan 2026
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Capacity Building Program
Website: https://www.dfwairport.com/business/opportunities/bdd/
Program Description: DFW Airport offers a Capacity Building Program series designed to provide business skills training and guidance on doing business with DFW. The airport is committed to serving as a catalyst for growth of small business enterprises through educational programming and certification support.
Certification Programs:
- Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
- Small Business Enterprise Concessions (SBEC)
Market Area (for SBEC): Location agnostic but must be certified as SBEC
Key Features: Business skills training; procurement guidance; quarterly Procurement Buying Plan with forecasted opportunities; access to $12 billion capital program (Terminal F, airfield improvements, new gates)
Economic Impact: DFW supports 684,000 jobs and generates $78.3 billion annually in North Texas; serves 75+ million passengers annually
Status: Active Ongoing training and outreach programs (2026 Program dates not announced)
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