Atlanta’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, thanks in part to a variety of local programs designed to support small businesses and startups. These initiatives provide essential resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Start:ME Atlanta
Start:ME Atlanta is a free, four-month program that has served over 500 microbusinesses, with 84% led by people of color and 74% by women. The program offers business knowledge, robust networks, and grant capital to entrepreneurs in communities like Westside, Southside, East Lake, and Clarkston. 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 provides strategic analysis, leadership development, partnerships, and funding opportunities to help women in Atlanta grow sustainable businesses. Discover more about WEI.
TiE Atlanta Foundation
The TiE Atlanta Foundation encourages entrepreneurship education in Georgia through programs like TiE Young Entrepreneurs for high school students and TYE University for college students. These initiatives focus on building real businesses through education, mentoring, and networking. 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 offers tailored programming, resources, and mentorship aligned with various 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 community. Services include training classes, resources, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Center.
Center for Black Entrepreneurship’s LIFT Incubator
The Launch Incubator For Traction (LIFT) is a 16-week program supporting early-stage Black-led startups through curriculum-based learning, mentorship, pitch coaching, fractional executive support, and investor connections. Explore the LIFT Incubator.
These programs exemplify Atlanta’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing invaluable support to local businesses and contributing to the city’s economic growth.