ATL Standard

Georgia State University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute (ENI) has launched applications for its 4th annual Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund (Main Street). In recent years, the business accelerator program has received the Specialty Award for Most Innovative Program from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), the Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Award from the annual Deshpande Symposium for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education, and the Award for Excellence in Specialty Entrepreneurship Education from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC). Main Street is designed to help Georgia State students, recent alums and community entrepreneurs from historically excluded communities start and grow new ventures. Since 2019, the Main Street program has welcomed 75 founders from 49 companies and awarded nearly $600,000 in non-dilutive funding (grants).

This six-month business accelerator program continues to foster inclusive entrepreneurship while eliminating achievement gaps for all entrepreneurs. Participants receive seed funding, targeted workshops, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals, networking opportunities, intensive coaching by Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and access to the Atlanta entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each cohort culminates with the signature Demo Day event, consisting of a business showcase, live radio broadcast, pitch competition, and networking reception. In 2022, the Main Street program partnered with Zane Venture Fund to create a two-day entrepreneurship summit featuring a hackathon, notable speakers, venture capital and entrepreneurship educational sessions, a company showcase, and networking.

“Main Street strengthened the way I think about business and building a company. I got my business in front of so many people and received funding that would’ve taken me longer to attain. Through this program, I gained opportunities to share my story as a founder on a [multiplicity] of platforms, including Business RadioX, GSU seminars and more. I love the impact this program has had on me,” said Alicia Blount, founder & CEO of Yellow Jacket and Cohort 3 member.

Interested Georgia State entrepreneurs are invited to participate in information sessions and apply to Cohort 4. Applications are open now through February 17, 2023.

 

Main Street Entrepreneurship Seed Fund info sessions and application form

Original source can be found here.