DESIGN ORGANIZATION PRESERVATION ECONOMIC VITALITY
JOIN / SUPPORT WEMC TODAY!
OUR PROGRAMS
WEMC is proactive to the needs of small business by listening to help with obstacles and celebrate opportunities.
OUR ASK
Join our commitment business corridor vitality as a Transformation Visionary in the capacity of membership and/or sponsorship. Be a change agent where each person’s action benefits everyone’s success.
MEMBERSHIP
Retail I Professional Service Providers I Home-Based
Medical Facilities I Faith-Based Entities
Startups and Entrepreneurs
Non-profit & Cultural Organizations I Corporate
MEMBERSHIP - General and Corporate
WHO WE ARE
The West End Merchants Coalition (WEMC) is a 501-C6 organization with the collective goal of promoting the economic interests of its members and the general welfare and improvement of the business community known as the West End. The organization’s objectives are to:
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Promote and encourage the creation and expansion of sound economic development.
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Establish a safe and sustainable business climate to foster progressive positive growth.
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Unite and encourage active participation of its membership.
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Foster and maintain working relationships with appropriate government and public service officials, community groups and resource persons needed to advance the WEMC agenda.
BENEFITS
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Monthly Meetings
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Privilege to Vote / Hold Office
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Marketing / Promo Opportunities
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Advocacy
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Economic Empowerment Series for Business Development
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Communications with Elected Officials, Community Partners, Etc.
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Social / Info Networking Events
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Peer to Peer Exchange Sessions
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Monthly Publications
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Member-to-member Discounts / Perks
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WEMC Swag
Our formal membership program is currently being redeveloped as we restructure key initiatives such as the Business Watch Program and the West End Business Directory. Our goal is to create
a strong foundation that delivers meaningful representation, added value, and benefits that help drive sustainable economic growth in the district. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay connected and take advantage of ongoing opportunities—including Atlanta Streets Alive, Shop Small, monthly meetings with relevant topics, Minding Your Business workshops, district cleanups, and our online publications.
A key part of our restructuring includes establishing a Main Street Council and securing 501(c)(3) status. The Council will guide our affiliation with Georgia Main Street and Main Street America, alongside six other Atlanta Main Street districts under the City’s Department of Planning.
While we have successfully secured grants in the past, operating solely as a 501(c)(6) limits the types of grants we can pursue and restricts our ability to engage in more robust donor and sponsorship fundraising. Transitioning to also include a 501(c)(3) structure will strengthen our capacity to attract broader funding and support.
To view our current 501(c)(6) structure, you may access our bylaws <HERE>.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURE
SPONSORSHIP
BECOME A SPONSOR PARTNER
Because grants have restricted funds, we depend on membership, donations, and sponsorships to provide operational sustainability. In the last 3 years WEMC has made significant inroads as a catalyst for transformation in addressing district issues, building an administratively vibrant organization, and unifying the business community. The West End has seen a noteworthy economic boom at Lee+ White and now historic West End is poised to follow suit with the new development of the Mall West End. The combined energy and economic realities are being structured and supported by WEMC. Sponsor support in the form of financial, in-kind, volunteerism, and endorsement is key to helping West End businesses succeed and thrive.
SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES
WEMC sponsorships are available in the following 3 categories
WEMC Annual Association Sponsor
$2,500 – 5,000
PROGRAM SPONSOR
for one of the following:
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A View From Behind/ Legacy Program - $1,500
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Minding Your Business Series - $3,000
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Business Watch Program – $4,000
WEMC Fundraiser
TBD
