Social Enterprise @ Goizueta at Emory University has teamed with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, CDF: A Collective Action Initiative and the East Lake Foundation to support 31 promising micro-entrepreneurs in the Clarkston and East Lake communities through the Start:Micro-Entrepreneur Accelerator Program.

The 14-week program offered business training, mentorship support and early-stage financing to promising micro-entrepreneurs (early stage businesses employing 1-4 employees) to develop viable and sustainable businesses. Entrepreneurs have competed with one another for an opportunity to receive a loan investment from a loan pool of $30,000 in each community ($60,000 in total). 

To celebrate the 31 micro-entrepreneurs that completed this year’s program, the Start:ME Program Showcase will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 5:30-8:00 PM at Agnes Scott College in Decatur.  The event will feature a market-place for entreprenuers to showcase their products and services, unique foods sourced from local chefs and bakers, keynote address from Noel Khalil (Entreprenuer, CEO Columbia Residential) and loan investment announcements.

Micro-businesses represented in the 2015 Clarkston and East Lake Cohorts include education services, catering, baked goods, health and beauty products, videography, fashion, fitness, home repair, art, home décor and more.

In addition to CDF: A Collective Action Initiative and the East Lake Foundation, local partners including the Clarkston Community Center, East Lake Neighborhood Community Association (ELNCA), Georgia United Credit Union and Refugees Women’s Network play a critical role in supporting Start:ME entrepreneurs in Clarkston and East Lake.

For more information on Start:ME, visit startmeaccelerator.org.