Atlanta’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem is bolstered by a variety of programs designed to support local businesses and startups. These initiatives provide resources ranging from mentorship and education to funding opportunities, playing a crucial role in the city’s economic development.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI)
WEI is the nation’s only municipality-funded accelerator dedicated to early-stage women entrepreneurs. This nine-month program offers strategic analysis, leadership development, partnerships, and funding opportunities, aiming to cultivate sustainable and scalable businesses founded by women in Atlanta. Participants benefit from curated workshops, expert-led sessions, and hands-on training, fostering a supportive community of like-minded women entrepreneurs.
Start:ME Atlanta
Start:ME is a free four-month program that supports microbusinesses in Atlanta. With a focus on underserved communities, it provides business knowledge, robust networks, and grant capital to entrepreneurs. The program has served over 500 microbusinesses, with a significant majority led by people of color and women. Start:ME operates in various Atlanta communities, including Clarkston, Westside, East Lake, and Southside, offering tailored support to local entrepreneurs.
TiE Atlanta Foundation
The TiE Atlanta Foundation encourages entrepreneurship education in Georgia through sustainable programs for high school and university students. By increasing interest in entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities, the foundation builds paths to economic freedom. Programs like TiE Young Entrepreneurs empower high school students with the means to explore and develop entrepreneurial skills.
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 community. Through training classes, resources, and one-on-one coaching sessions, the center helps entrepreneurs transition from the pre-venture stage to business start-up, acquire funding, obtain contracts, and hire additional employees, contributing to the growth of sustainable businesses.
Georgia State University’s Main Street Foundry
Formerly known as the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund, the Main Street Foundry is a comprehensive accelerator designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs beyond capital alone. This four-month program offers tailored programming, resources, and mentorship aligned with specific stages of business development, ensuring entrepreneurs receive support that matches their readiness and operational maturity.
Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) at Georgia Tech
ATDC offers a range of programs to support tech startups in Georgia. From the Educate program, which provides knowledge and support to transform ideas into viable startups, to the Accelerate program for growth-minded tech founders, and the Signature program for high-potential tech startups aiming for national and global impact, ATDC provides dedicated coaching, investor access, and corporate connections to accelerate entrepreneurial success.
Launch Incubator For Traction (LIFT)
Hosted by the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, 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 offers two distinct paths to empower founders based in Atlanta and those based nationally.
These programs exemplify Atlanta’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial environment. By leveraging these resources, local entrepreneurs can access the support needed to navigate challenges, scale their businesses, and contribute to the city’s economic vitality.