Georgia State University has received a $300,000 grant from The Marcus Foundation to aid student and community entrepreneurs in the development and establishment of new businesses.

The Marcus Foundation grant will fund the creation of the Georgia State University Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund, which will result in the creation of at least 10 new businesses in metro Atlanta by June 2020. It will accomplish this by providing students and targeted individuals from underserved local communities expert guidance and vital early monies to help with initial business concept development, customer discovery activities and, ultimately, the start of their new enterprises.

The Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund will be overseen by Dr. Jennifer Sherer, director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute at Georgia State.

”Georgia State is committed to supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds,” Sherer said. “Our partnership with the Marcus Foundation provides us with critical resources to seed new business ventures that have the potential to create jobs and transform communities.”

Working in conjunction with Georgia State’s rapidly expanding entrepreneurship program, the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund will identify 10 to 15 entrepreneurs who will receive, based on a competitive vetting process, grants of up to $10,000 to aid them through the various stages of their entrepreneurial journey.