Atlanta has long been recognized as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The city’s dynamic business environment is bolstered by a variety of programs and initiatives designed to support startups and small businesses. Here’s an overview of some key resources available to Atlanta’s entrepreneurs.
Start:ME Atlanta
Start:ME Atlanta is a free, four-month program that provides microbusinesses with the tools and connections needed to thrive. With a focus on underserved communities, the program has supported over 500 microbusinesses, 84% of which are led by people of color and 74% by women. Participants benefit from business knowledge, robust networks, and access to grant capital. The program operates in several Atlanta communities, including Clarkston, Westside, East Lake, and Southside. Learn more about Start:ME Atlanta.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI)
WEI is the nation’s only municipality-funded accelerator for early-stage women entrepreneurs. This nine-month program offers strategic analysis, leadership development, partnerships, and funding opportunities. WEI aims to elevate women and empower businesses by providing education that transforms and a supportive community of like-minded women. Applications for the next cohort are currently open. Discover more about WEI.
TiE Atlanta Foundation
The TiE Atlanta Foundation encourages entrepreneurship education in Georgia through sustainable programs for high school and university students. Their initiatives, such as TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) for high school students and TYE University for college students, focus on building real businesses through education, mentoring, and networking. These programs aim to increase interest in entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities. Find out more about TiE Atlanta Foundation.
Georgia State University’s Main Street Foundry
Formerly known as the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund, the Main Street Foundry is a four-month accelerator designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs. The program utilizes Georgia State University’s PAWS framework—Prepare, Actualize, Work, and Scale—to provide tailored programming, resources, and mentorship aligned with specific stages of business development. Learn more about the Main Street Foundry.
Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Entrepreneurship Center
Launched in 2004, the Entrepreneurship Center assists entrepreneurs in starting and growing successful and sustainable businesses in the Metro Atlanta community. The center offers training classes, resources, and one-on-one coaching sessions, helping entrepreneurs take their business concepts from pre-venture stages to business start-up, acquire funding, obtain contracts, and hire additional employees. Explore the Entrepreneurship Center.
Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC)
ATDC, based at Georgia Tech, offers programs tailored to different stages of a tech startup’s journey. From the Educate program, which provides knowledge and support to transform ideas into viable startups, to the Accelerate and Signature programs designed for growth-minded tech founders ready to scale, ATDC provides a comprehensive path to success. Discover ATDC’s programs.
Center for Black Entrepreneurship’s LIFT Program
The Launch Incubator For Traction (LIFT) is a 16-week competency-based, experiential program that provides intensive coaching and curriculum designed to improve startup performance and increase readiness to secure investment for early-stage, tech-based companies. The program supports early-stage Black-led startups through curriculum-based learning, mentorship, pitch coaching, fractional executive support, and investor connections. Learn more about the LIFT program.
These programs and initiatives reflect Atlanta’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to scale, the city offers a wealth of resources to support your journey.