Business · Training

Start:ME Accelerator

Offered by Emory University Goizueta Business School (Start:ME)

Applications are closedThe last deadline was Oct 1, 2026. This program usually reopens each year.

About

About This Program

Free four-month program with mentoring and peer-selected grants for microbusinesses in Clarkston, East Lake and Atlanta's Southside and Westside.

Start:ME is a free small business training and mentorship program run by Emory University's Goizueta Business School with local nonprofit partners. It serves microbusinesses (usually 1 to 5 employees) and business ideas with a strong tie to one of four metro Atlanta communities: Clarkston, the East Lake area, Atlanta's Southside or Atlanta's Westside. Each community cohort of 16 to 18 entrepreneurs meets weekly from January through April, 6:30 to 9 p.m., with business training, volunteer mentors and peer-selected grants at graduation. Applications for the 2027 program were open September 1 to October 1, 2026, and are now closed; applicants hear back by early November. Credit history is not considered, and franchises and multi-level marketing businesses are not eligible.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

Entrepreneurs who are 18 or older when the program starts in January
Strong tie to Clarkston, East Lake, Atlanta's Southside or Atlanta's Westside (living, working or serving customers there)
Business ideas and existing for-profit businesses, often with 1 to 5 employees
Working comfort in English
Not franchises or multi-level marketing businesses

Area served: Metro Atlanta

The offer

What's Offered

Free four-month business training program
Volunteer mentors
Peer-selected grants at graduation
Alumni support

Amount: Free four-month program with peer-selected grants

Cost: Free

Get ready

What You'll Need

Online application
Commitment to attend every weekly session

Key dates

Dates

OpensSep 1, 2026

DeadlineOct 1, 2026

Last reviewedNov 2, 2026

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