Helping founders find community and connections
Nearly $30 million in loans for at least 250 diverse small business owners over the next three years, enabling 500 local jobs. ACE will also collaborate with Morehouse College’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) to offer management education training to diverse entrepreneurs.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Statewide
ACE Loans
ATDC has been the startup garage to dozens of early-stage science and technology-based companies - among the most renowned and transformative companies ever to be born in the Southeast. The founders we support are visionary, determined, and diverse; sometimes establishing a presence in Georgia just to be eligible for ATDC membership.
Incubator
in
Atlanta
Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
AGAP is a leadership development program designed to empower established business owners to scale and continue to grow their business leveraging a series of bi-weekly 2-hour evening sessions and 1:1 coaching with subject matter experts to solve business owners’ pain points!
Accelerator
in
Statewide
ACE Loans
Coalition of organizations, companies, schools, and individuals dedicated to defining and organizing the Black Tech community in Metro Atlanta. The initiative focuses on setting clear priorities and goals for the next three to five years while building strong relationships that foster collaboration across the ecosystem.
Community/Networking
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
Beltline Business Ventures is a small business accelerator launched by the Atlanta Beltline Business Solutions Office that supports local businesses by providing the tailored services, technical assistance and resources they need to scale and physically locate their businesses in the Beltline Planning Area.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Atlanta Betline
Google for Startups has partnered with Goodie Nation for the fifth round of the Black Founders Fund, an initiative launched in 2020 to provide $25 million in non-dilutive funding to more than 200 promising Black-led startups across the U.S.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
This program offers courses in food safety, POS, food cost/labor, business planning, marketing, access to capital, product development and menu revision and/or support. Courses and coaches help business owners improve their strategies for evaluating opportunities, managing risk, revising menu and supply chain options, identifying and preparing for funding, and support for staff and guests.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Urban League of Greater Atlanta
We catalyze the development and commercialization of breakthrough biotechnology, medical devices, life science, and therapeutic innovations. We serve as trusted partners and deliver a complete toolkit to enhance the odds of success for an early-stage biotech company.
AcceleratorIncubator
in
Atlanta
Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
Coaching Circles are structured and collaborative learning environments, where a small group of individuals come together to support each other’s personal and professional development through coaching and shared experiences. A coaching circle is RICE’s collaborative approach to personal, professional, and business development, fostering community and shared growth among our Stakeholders.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Atlanta
Russel Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
Launch Fayette hosts a dynamic suite of local and statewide education and advisory services, all housed in a collaborative office space designed to propel startups to success. This provides entrepreneurs connection, collaboration, and access to industry leaders, along with educational resources that provide constant learning. Portfolio Membership offers a structured graduation program helping new businesses thrive within just 1-3 years.
Incubator
in
Peachtree City
Launch Fayette
The Cranium Incubator will teach and give examples of knowledge and behaviors critical to success in starting and running a business. There will be additional interactive question/answer sessions after educational sessions to discuss specific situations.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Cranium Incubator
The Cultivate Program at StartUP Columbus is a 6-month intensive program that will equip entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action. We help local business owners turn their passion into a sustainable endeavor through a combination of the 10-week CO.STARTERS™ curriculum and 3 months of 1:1 mentorship with industry experts.
Accelerator
in
Columbus
StartUP Columbus
EI² Global’s mission is to foster economic opportunity around the world through inclusive, sustainable, impactful collaborations with universities, innovators, governments, and nonprofit organizations. Our team offers a comprehensive set of tools to support entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives as important ways to promote local economic growth in your community.
Accelerator
in
Medellín Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
Empower is a training and resource platform dedicated to the education, capacity building and growth of small businesses. The on-demand courses will be offered both in-person and online by subject matter experts focused on increasing business growth, access to capital and markets.
Training/Course
in
Atlanta
Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN)
This program educates business owners who are interested in the import/export field. Clients learn what is involved — how it works, how to register with international agencies, compliance requirements, and what it takes to initiate contact with potential clients. Courses and coaches help clients to identify capacity building within their companies and identify a new customer base and opportunities that businesses do not know existed or are within reach.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Urban League of Greater Atlanta
Relationship-building program supporting startups shaping the future of technology. It provides founders with access to advice, strategic connections, and opportunities to engage with one of the world’s most influential corporations.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
The Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator (GT.FBA) is a transformative initiative designed to propel budding food entrepreneurs from the inception phase in their home kitchens to the coveted shelves of retail stores in six months. This pioneering program will accommodate up to 20 driven founders per cohort.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
This program will take a holistic approach to healing and building profitable woman-owned businesses. Participants will hone their skills and talents while simultaneously creating sustainable business models built to thrive and enrich society.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN)
Provide training and technical assistance for micro and underserved entrepreneurs in rural communities as well as establish retail businesses in growth industries, creating cooperatives, explore employee-owned enterprises, and growth industries including – farming, food and tourism.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Atlanta
Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN)
If your business is ready for growth, SBDC GrowSmart gives you the tools and strategies to reach your goals. GrowSmart was developed by the UGA SBDC to meet the needs of growing businesses. Combining the latest ideas with timeless principles, GrowSmart will propel your business forward! UGA SBDC training has helped thousands of business owners build a foundation for growth. GrowSmart is the product of our experience and commitment to Georgia’s small businesses.
Accelerator
in
Athens
University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
This program is open to clients who have been in business for more than two years, typically generating revenues up to $250k. Clients are guided in growth capacity and strategies to increase annual earnings. Courses and counseling help business owners build capacity, revenues, and brand positioning. One course outcome is a well-defined action plan to increase sales, revenue, customer base and market expansion.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Urban League of Greater Atlanta
Matchmaking and education program that provides established minority business enterprises (MBEs) in the healthcare industry with opportunities as well as up-to-date information on industry trends and technologies, opportunities for teaming, and connections to healthcare leaders. HEART operates with the ultimate goal of providing an avenue for MBEs in healthcare to develop relationships with healthcare leaders.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia MBDA Business Center
It Takes A Village is Atlanta Tech Village’s diversity and inclusion initiative which emphasizes the importance of supporting diverse perspectives and inclusive work environments in technology. We believe an entire community with different skill sets, backgrounds, and cultures is needed to produce the most productive and innovative companies.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Atlanta
Atlanta Tech Village
Google for Startups has partnered with Goodie Nation for the third edition of the Latino Founders Fund, launched in 2022 to provide $10 million in non-dilutive funding to more than 80 promising Latinx-led startups across the U.S.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
Lenovo and AMD have partnered with Goodie Nation through the Lenovo Evolve Small initiative to provide $300,000 in non-dilutive funding and support to 30 high-potential diverse-led CPG brands and brick-and-mortar small businesses across the U.S. and Canada.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
MaconThon℠ is a Hackathon infused Accelerator where we offer resources and classes to take projects from ideas to a social impact solution in a three month timespan and end in a community Demo Day. Cohort groups who do not already have an idea are assigned social challenges in the Middle Georgia area related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Accelerator
in
Macon
Macon Black Tech
Georgia State’s award-winning Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund (MSESF) business accelerator program is designed to support underrepresented student, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia State University
The Microbusiness Enterprise Center (MBEC) is a business “Incubator” located at 230 South Jackson Street in the City. The MBEC serves as a focal point and a catalyst for the formation and growth of new and small businesses and provides direct business assistance and professional office space for lease at affordable rates. The MBEC offers workshops and trainings designed to address many financial and management challenges faced by small businesses to increase business success.
Incubator
in
Albany
Community Economic Development Department - City of Albany
The team of ACCESS Montgomery seeks to boost entrepreneurship in Alabama’s capital by enhancing its Small Business One-Stop Shop (SBOSS), a recently established hub created to empower and strengthen the local small business community. This entrepreneurial one-stop shop gathers people and resources from local entrepreneurial support organizations, providing essential tools, knowledge and connections to enhance the success, growth and sustainability of small businesses. Ultimately, it will create partnerships with local nonprofits and businesses, utilizing the network to support small businesses further.
Accelerator
in
Statewide
Partnership for Inclusive Innovation
Post-accelerator that supports pre-seed startups in advancing toward their seed round by building social capital, fostering leadership, and ensuring accountability over a 12-month period. The program guides founders in achieving critical business milestones and enhancing investor appeal, enabling them to secure pre-seed or seed funding and progress to the next level of support within Goodie Nation’s Seed Stage Program.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
Post-accelerator designed to help pre-seed AI startups progress toward their seed round by building social capital. Over 12 months, the program holds founders accountable for fundraising progress, facilitates high-value introductions, and supports their growth as leaders and individuals. Its focus is on guiding startups to achieve key business milestones and strengthen their appeal to investors during critical fundraising stages. Successfully raising capital propels each venture forward and grants access to the next level of support within Goodie Nation’s Seed Stage Program.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
This program supports clients who have been in business for more than two years, typically generating revenues well over $250k. Clients are guided to grow in capacity and strategies beyond their current annual revenues. Coaches help business owners become more proficient in building revenue and capacity, gaining contracts, securing procurement support, estimating/bidding, and brand positioning. A major outcome of the program is a well-structured, individualized action plan to increase sales and revenue, enhance customer base, and maximize market expansion.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Urban League of Greater Atlanta
The NxLevel Entrepreneurial curriculum was developed by with 15 million dollar endowment to enable practical hands-on learning for business development. BBI teaches an Aspiring (Micro) Start-Up Course, an Advanced Entrepreneurship Course and a Youth Entrepreneurship Course.
Accelerator
in
Austell
Bronner Business Institute
The program offers a structured approach to readying stakeholders for product design, prototype development and eventually mass distribution. The goal of this program is to start with the conceptual design of a physical product and end with a finished prototype, technical design and custom packaging.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Russel Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
Atlanta Downtown’s “Retail Ready” Business Accelerator program is designed to empower product-based businesses to transition into storefront locations within Downtown Atlanta. Through a comprehensive curriculum and grant support, participants will gain the knowledge, resources, and connections necessary to successfully scale their operations, as they consider a brick-and-mortar presence in Downtown Atlanta.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Atlanta Downtown
An experiential learning program revolutionizing brand success in the retail industry. Unlike traditional incubators or accelerators, RRA offers targeted sprints designed to address key challenges for emerging Black brands entering retail. Led by notable entrepreneurs who have dominated the retail space, industry leaders, and national and global brands, RRA equips participants with essential skills, knowledge, and strategies for navigating the retail sector covering everything from understanding the retail environment and supply chain, to storytelling, funding and brand pitching.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Russel Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
Mentor Studio establishes a mentor pool with systematic mentoring procedures to boost startups through scale-up and successful market launch.These combined efforts will become the new standard for moving high-potential ventures from incubation to acceleration to market penetration. It contains the vital blocking and tackling that startups need to advance beyond a business model canvas and product-market fit.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN)
Designed to guide seed-stage startups toward their Series A round through accountability, strategic introductions, curated resources, and leadership development. Over 18 months, it provides a supportive community for founders backed by investors such as Collab Capital and Engage, fostering both business growth and personal leadership.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
Program for founders who have raised their Series A round, connecting them with peers at similar growth stages to share experiences, tackle challenges, and collaborate on solutions. This community offers insights, encouragement, and connections that help propel their ventures forward.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Goodie Nation
SHE HUSTLES is both an event and a community that offers Savannah's women entrepreneurs and leaders a chance to network, learn, and inspire. The Creative Coast hosts tri-annual SHE HUSTLES events to bring Savannah's community of women leaders and innovators together!
Community/Networking
in
Savannah
The Creative Coast
The Showcase is where we show off your ideas. Each year, our team screens thousands of applicants to find the top 10 finalists who will pitch their startup ideas to a panel of investor judges. These finalists participate in a pitch competition for non-dilutive grants, making the stakes higher and the rewards greater.
Community/Networking
in
Atlanta
Startup Runway
A wide range of successful brands have gone through SKU – from food companies like Siete to apparel brands like Criquet. We are seeking innovative brands in all categories of consumer goods. Whether you have a food and beverage brand or have created a unique personal care product, this track will provide you with the education, mentoring and networking to help you successfully scale.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
SKU Atlanta
This cohesive, blended network will foster Minority Business Enterprises’ (MBEs) participation in programs to grow and scale their businesses. This effort is designed to overcome the limited participation of minorities in local innovation ecosystems while giving them access to a broader regional network of connections and experiences.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia MBDA Business Center
Our 10-week fully-remote pre-accelerator program brings together an incredible group of founders from around the world who are in the beginning stages of building their first startup. We combine the power of community, world-class speakers, and customized support to help you build the next profitable tech company.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Square One Startup School
The Specialty Trades Aiming at the Right Targets (START) to Build program has generated over $15 million in contracts by aligning general contractors, developers, and facilities management companies with specialty trade contractors to create an ecosystem that facilitates relationship building and connections to opportunities .
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
SURE (Start Up Retail Entrepreneurship) is a 12-week program, to help entrepreneurs accelerate the process of starting and growing a retail business by providing affordable retail-based training covering merchandising, inventory, product pricing, packaging, marketing, and more.
Accelerator
in
Columbus
StartUP Columbus
Whether you are a new business (in business 2 years or less), or are still in the planning phase, building a business takes the right tools—and a lot of hard work. SBDC StartSmart will equip you to be successful! Developed by a team of business experts from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, this program will guide you through the steps of setting your business on the path to long-term success. The program is 16 hours of business curriculum, held twice a week for four weeks. The sessions are held entirely online.
Accelerator
in
Athens
University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
Have an idea? Do you crave to build something? Working on a startup but looking for a refresher? Join us each Tuesday of the summer, for a semester of Startup Summer School. Learn from leaders in Atlanta's tech ecosystem about what it looks like to start your own company and how to do it well.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Atlanta Tech Village
Designed for Black entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step of doing business with Fortune 500 companies or government agencies. The program focuses on contract readiness and goes beyond education to equity, presenting participants with exponential contracting opportunities. The program has reverse-engineered the contract acquisition process and works directly with corporations to create more access and equity in purchasing and procurement for Black entrepreneurs. The program is immersive and expert-driven, facilitated by key partners who provide industry insights and tailored technical assistance to growth-stage Stakeholder businesses addressing their specific needs.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Russel Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
TAP2GMEN provides business consulting services to microentrepreneurs in the areas of: marketing, management, finance & accounting, legal and human resources. As an Invest Atlanta technical assistance provider, we are proud to help Atlanta small business owners create stronger enterprises for a stronger local economy.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Atlanta
Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN)
Tech Alpharetta’s Incubator is a thriving tech startup incubator that’s home to more than 50 tech startups. Our goal is to help new startups succeed. Center-based startups include fintech, biotech, cyber security, smart city, data analytics, med device, healthcare IT, voice-recognition tech, machine learning, and many others.
Incubator
in
Alpharetta
Tech Alpharetta
Comcast NBCUniversal The Farm creates inclusive programs to support aspiring small-business founders. Our sessions offer programming, coaching, and resources from Comcast NBCUniversal and our partners to help diverse entrepreneurs in Atlanta bring their concepts to life.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
The Farm
Program within Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute and is a member of the National MEP network supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With offices in ten regions across the state, GaMEP has served Georgia manufacturers since 1960. Through coaching and training, we offer solutions-based approaches designed to increase top-line growth and reduce bottom-line cost.
Coaching/Consulting
in
Atlanta
Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
An Entrepreneurial Living Learning Community in Creswell Hall Located on the 4th floor of Creswell Hall, The Launch Pad houses up to 40 aspiring entrepreneurs. Students who participate in the Launch Pad Program have roommates from the Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community.
Incubator
in
Atlanta
Georgia State University
The MIEC’s Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) is 3-to-6-month immersive experience supporting entrepreneurs of color and women owned businesses. By combining executive coaching, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning with subject matter experts, this program offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of securing contracts and capital. The inclusion of teaming with Morehouse Scholars and consulting with the Small Business Development Center further enhances the program’s value, providing participants with access to valuable resources and expertise. It’s an excellent opportunity for CEOs to grow their businesses and sustain long-term success.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC)
The Re-entry from Incarceration through Entrepreneurship Services (RITES) Project was developed to create tools, training sessions, roundtables and collaboration opportunities to assist Returning Citizens in starting and developing business enterprises.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN)
The UGA Idea Accelerator Program, sponsored by UGA’s Entrepreneurship Program and ATDC, takes place twice each fall and spring semester. There are two, four-week “business boot camp” sessions that prepare students for the next step in their business development. After participating in the Idea Accelerator student entrepreneurs are eligible to take the next step with the UGA Entrepreneurship Build Test Accelerator.
Accelerator
in
Atlanta
Georgia State University
The project works to expose new audiences, particularly in rural and Black communities, to AI manufacturing, allowing for the exploration of ideas, careers, and entrepreneurship in a growing, high-demand sector. The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), in close partnership with the University of Georgia, KITTLABS, and Technologists of Color, is engaging its network to develop and deploy the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio.
Incubator
in
Satewide
Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM)
The Women + Tech Program was created for YOU to support and inspire you as leaders, builders, and influencers of the Atlanta startup community. Our mission is to empower women in tech through a kick-ass network, intentional teaching, and purposeful community because it does take a Village. Our goal is to make Atlanta the number one place for “women in tech.”
Coaching/Consulting
in
Atlanta
Atlanta Tech Village
Through a competitive selection process, a group of women entrepreneurs are selected to “incubate” their business at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI), in a technologically advanced environment, designed to foster business growth and sustainability. Through an ecosystem of educational resources, access to funding assistance, and mentorship, the women entrepreneurs will grow their businesses over the course of 15 months, and then transition the business back into Atlanta at the end of that period.
IncubatorAccelerator
in
Atlanta
Invest Atlanta