Start:ME Atlanta

10/07/2026

That’s a wrap on Start:ME applications! 🎉 We received a record-breaking 381 submissions for Start:ME 2027! 🥳

A huge thank you to our partners, coalition members, and team for helping us spread the word. We truly couldn’t have done it without you!

Applicants can expect status updates from us by early November.

And we’re not done recruiting just yet! We’re still looking for volunteer mentors for Start:ME 2027. Mentors play an important role in supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate challenges, build connections, and grow their businesses.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Learn more and complete an interest form at startmeatl.org/get-involved

10/01/2026

What better way to hear about Start:ME than from the entrepreneurs who experienced it themselves? 👀

Swipe through to hear what our East Lake entrepreneurs had to say about their Start:ME experience!

🚨🚨 Today is the LAST day to apply for the 2027 cohort! 🚨🚨

Visit startmeatl.org/apply to submit your application, explore our FAQs and timeline, or watch our info session to learn more.

We can't wait to see what businesses join us next year! 🛍️

09/30/2026

Some of our favorite projects are the ones where we get to collaborate with our very own alumni!!

A big thank you to Lenny of 5 Stripes Merch (EL, ‘25) for helping us create some new team swag! Lenny brought our vision to life with embroidered Start:ME quarter-zips and rugby-inspired shirts.

We’re excited to rep Start:ME in style as the cooler weather rolls in 🍂

Check out Lenny’s shop: www.5stripesmerch.com

09/23/2026

⏰ Application deadline is almost here!

Need a little help finishing your Start:ME application? Join us for Application Assistance Office Hours on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 11 AM–12 PM.

Drop in anytime to ask questions, get feedback, or get help as you finalize your application before the Oct. 1 deadline!

Come with your questions, and we’ll help you get them answered. 💻✨

📅 Sept. 29
⏰ 11 AM–12 PM
🔗 Link in bio to join!

08/14/2026

Atlanta, we have an announcement to make… 👀🚨

Okay... you won’t actually see a Start:ME billboard on your commute.. BUT you will see Start:ME 2027 applications opening on September 1st! 🎉

That’s less than 3 weeks away!

Start:ME supports entrepreneurs in Clarkston, East Lake, Southside, and Westside Atlanta through a free 14-session accelerator designed to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and connect with their communities.

📅 Applications open September 1–October 1
📝 Info sessions + workshops coming soon

Got questions? Check out our FAQs at startmeatl.org/apply 🔗

Consider this your sign to apply soon. 👀🛣️

07/22/2026

Some places become more than restaurants; they become part of your story. 💙

As 's serves its final week, we're taking a moment to celebrate Chef Viv, our 2021 Southside Start:ME alum, and the incredible impact she's had on our community.

Over the years, Leftie Lee's has been the backdrop for so many special moments with our team. We've celebrated new beginnings over lunch, learned how to make dumplings with Chef Viv, catered our 10-year Start:ME Anniversary celebration, and gathered with fellow entrepreneurs in her welcoming space.

Today, we stopped by one more time, not to say goodbye, but to say see you later! Looking back at a photo of Chef Viv from her Start:ME days reminded us just how far she's come.

Thank you, Chef Viv and Leftie Lee's, for the meals, the memories, and the community you've built. We'll be cheering you on wherever your next chapter leads. 💙

07/13/2026

Start:ME has been making headlines! 🎉

Over the past few months, we've been featured in stories celebrating our entrepreneurs, community partnerships, and the impact of the Start:ME program.

Recent highlights include:
📰 A feature from FCS celebrating our Southside entrepreneurs.
📰 A story from Emory Business spotlighting our 2026 Start:ME cohort and the impact they're making.

Want to catch up on the latest? Visit startmeatl.org/blog to explore our collection of articles, interviews, and media features.

07/03/2026

Here's our final group of Start:ME 2026 grant winners from the Southside cohort! 🥳

Thanks to our incredible partners, and , for helping deliver the program and award $16,500 in peer-selected grant capital and awards to support these growing businesses.

Congratulations to:

🥕 Kemi of
👩‍🦽‍➡️ Radhiya of
✨ A***n of
🏠 Sherry of House of Lux Designs
🖌️ Antonio of .paintsatl

Congratulations to all of our Southside entrepreneurs! We can't wait to see what's next for each of you. 💙

07/01/2026

Ignited by community, empowered through unity. ✨

Each year, one entrepreneur from each Start:ME cohort is selected to represent their community and deliver a cohort message at graduation. Together, they choose a theme that reflects the shared journey of the graduating class.

This year's theme reminds us that while every entrepreneurial journey is unique, growth happens through community. By sharing knowledge, celebrating wins, and supporting one another, this year's graduates showed that success is even more meaningful when it's built together.

Thank you to Blanca of 2Bakers, Britni of Educators' Exchange, Genee' of Party Wat3r, and Radhiya of Soul Roller Rimz for representing Clarkston, East Lake, Southside, and Westside cohorts with such authenticity.

As Britni shared, "This graduation is not the finish line. It's a starting point for our next chapter... and for the community we will continue to build together."

Here's to the Start:ME Class of 2026! 🎓🚀

06/26/2026

Applications Open for Beltline Business Ventures: https://beltline.org/work/small-business/beltline-business-ventures-application/

Applications Open Until July 3rd

Atlanta’s small businesses help drive the culture and energy of the city, and Beltline Business Ventures (BBV) is designed to support businesses ready for their next stage of growth.

Applications are now open for the next BBV cohort, a free accelerator launched by the Atlanta Beltline Business Solutions Office in partnership with The Center by Lendistry and CVM Worldwide. The program helps established businesses strengthen operations and prepare for future brick-and-mortar opportunities along the Atlanta Beltline.

Apply to be apart of the next cohort of the Beltline Business Ventures