Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Business Diversity unit is partnering with the Morehouse College Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) to help small, minority and female-owned businesses. Participants will learn how to do business at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport in areas such as facilities management, construction and business services.

The Accelerating Activator’s Growth Program (AGAP) Small Business Executive Certificate Program – Cohort IV: Aviation Cohort is the first of its kind for MIEC to address the needs of the aviation industry. The accelerated program is comprised of virtual and in-person workshops and is made possible by a $2.8 million grant from Wells Fargo awarded to Access for Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) and through an additional Wells Fargo grant to MIEC. Delta Air Lines is also an opportunity partner for the program and will share best practices for doing business with the airline via the company’s supplier diversity program.

Twelve small, minority and women-owned businesses make up Cohort IV of the program, which will run from March 7 through June 27, 2023.

“The MIEC is super excited to have Hartsfield-Jackson’s Business Diversity unit and Delta join us as opportunity partners for our Small Business Executive Certificate Program, Aviation Cohort,” said Tiffany Busey, executive director of the Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center. “This partnership highlights our intentional focus on contract and capital readiness for underrepresented companies.”

“This partnership is an outstanding way for the Business Diversity unit at ATL to expand our outreach efforts to reach small and minority businesses that we have not yet touched,” said Elise Durham, Hartsfield-Jackson’s assistant general manager for Business Diversity.

The accelerated program will help businesses learn how to best secure funding, market their business, understand their financials and respond to requests for proposals, all while paying it forward to Morehouse College students through coaching, mentoring and offering internships to the scholars.

In addition to ATL’s involvement, City of Atlanta officials also will facilitate several workshops. Dana Pierce, deputy commissioner of Procurement, will facilitate the procurement workshop on March 7. Jerry DeLoach, chief risk officer, and John Smith, senior risk analyst, will facilitate the insurance and bonding workshop on March 14. Meghan Payne, senior manager-certification, will facilitate the workshop on getting certified with the City on March 14.