Atlanta has emerged as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, offering a wealth of resources to support the growth and success of local businesses. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing venture, the city provides numerous programs tailored to meet diverse entrepreneurial needs.
Start:ME Atlanta
Start:ME Atlanta is a free, four-month program designed to assist microbusinesses in various Atlanta communities. With a focus on business knowledge, robust networks, and grant capital, Start:ME has served over 500 microbusinesses, 84% of which are led by people of color and 74% by women. The program operates in areas such as Clarkston, Westside, East Lake, and Southside, fostering local economic development. 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-led businesses by providing education, mentorship, and a supportive community. Applications for the next cohort are open until August 30, 2025. Discover more about WEI.
TiE Atlanta Foundation
The TiE Atlanta Foundation encourages entrepreneurship education in Georgia through programs like TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) for high school students and TYE University for college students. These initiatives provide mentorship, education, and networking opportunities to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs. Explore TiE Atlanta Foundation’s programs.
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 supporting early-stage entrepreneurs. Utilizing the PAWS framework—Prepare, Actualize, Work, and Scale—the program offers tailored programming, resources, and mentorship aligned with specific stages of business development. Read 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 businesses in the Metro Atlanta area. Services include training classes, resources, and one-on-one coaching sessions, helping entrepreneurs transition from the pre-venture stage to business startup, acquire funding, obtain contracts, and hire employees. Learn about the Entrepreneurship Center.
Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC)
ATDC, based at Georgia Tech, offers programs like Educate, Accelerate, and Signature to support tech startups at various stages. From transforming ideas into viable startups to scaling companies for national and global impact, ATDC provides education, coaching, investor access, and corporate connections. Find out more about ATDC.
Center for Black Entrepreneurship’s LIFT Program
The Launch Incubator For Traction (LIFT) is a 16-week program supporting early-stage Black-led startups. It offers curriculum-based learning, mentorship, pitch coaching, fractional executive support, and investor connections to improve startup performance and investment readiness. Discover the LIFT Program.
Atlanta’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem provides a robust support network for businesses at all stages. By leveraging these resources, local entrepreneurs can access the tools and connections necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market.