Goodwill of North Georgia – one of the largest retail operations & workforce training agencies in Georgia with a mission to put people to work – held its annual Battle of the BIZ! competition at this year’s Gala celebration, benefiting the agency’s GoodBIZ! program and essential training programs. This year’s gala raised over $541,000 to support Goodwill’s 14 Career Centers and provide essential funds for local entrepreneurs participating in the GoodBIZ! Entrepreneurship Program.

Since 2022, Battle of the BIZ! has become Goodwill of North Georgia’s annual fundraising event, now raising more than $1.2 Million to support Goodwill’s mission of putting people to work. Funds raised from the gala provide career training in high-demand fields, job placement services, and job retention support at zero cost to job seekers.

This year’s competition featured five dynamic businesses: Habeeb’s Gourmet Sauces, Cool Picker, Handle It Handbagz, W3C Web Solutions, and Able Academy. Each entrepreneur presented their business models to a panel of judges, competing for the grand prize of $10,000. Kay Muhammed, the founder of Habeeb’s Gourmet Sauces, was announced as the 2024 Battle of the BIZ! grand prize winner, taking home the top prize.

Kirk Halpern, a longtime advocate and leader within the organization and the metro Atlanta community, was honored with Goodwill of North Georgia’s inaugural Community Leadership Award during the evening. Halpern served on the Goodwill of North Georgia Board of Directors from 2013 until 2024 and was instrumental in advancing Goodwill’s mission. His leadership included expanding board diversity, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for diversified fundraising efforts. Halpern’s impact will be felt for years to come, particularly through his support of the GoodBIZ! program, which has helped aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dreams.

“We are honored to recognize Kirk Halpern with our first-ever Community Leadership Award,” said Keith Parker, President and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia. “His unwavering dedication and support have been pivotal in helping us fulfill our mission of empowering individuals through the power of work. Kirk’s contributions will have a lasting impact on our organization and the broader North Georgia community.”

The 2024 GoodBIZ! program continues to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow their businesses. The program includes eight weeks of workshops designed to support entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least three years, culminating in the pitch competition, where participants compete for funds to scale their businesses.

Monica Pearson hosted the evening, which was supported by sponsors, including Capital Group, Chick-fil-A, Keystone Management, and Brunner as 2024 Graduate Sponsors and MastersFirst, Farmers & Fishermen Purveyors, Enterprise Holdings, Marriott Marquis Atlanta, and Kaiser Permanente as Advocate Sponsors.