Business Resources
- Welcoming Atlanta
- Nov 20, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Atlanta Metro Export Challenge
The Atlanta Metro Export Challenge is a year-long program powered by the Metro Atlanta Chamber. This program is designed to assist local businesses in expanding globally.
Through the program, selected companies receive a $5,000 reimbursement grant that can be used for expenses related to their international business growth. Program participants also receive tailored mentorship to assist in the development of their global sales plans and go-to-market strategies.
For questions on the Metro Export Challenge, email globalcommerce@macoc.com
Women Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Women Entrepreneurship Initiative is a cohort-style incubator program focusing on business analysis, learning and leadership development, strategic partnerships, and funding opportunities.
This 15-month program provides community outreach, educational workshops and mentorship engagement for women in entrepreneurship.
Women-led, early-stage startups in the Atlanta area are eligible to apply to the WEI cohort. Learn more about eligibility requirements here, and keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to apply for their next cohort.
Prospera
Prospera is an economic development, non-profit organization that specializes in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business. Prospera offers business consulting, seminars, business advancement services (business/marketing plans, legal assessments), and access to capital.
Schedule a free consultation with their Georgia branch here, or by calling 678-904-0944. Check out their upcoming webinars here.
Start:ME at Emory University
The StartMicro Enterprise Accelerator Program (Start:ME) is a free small business training program offered by Emory University that offers hands-on training, mentor support, and grant opportunities. This place-based program serves Clarkston, East Lake, and Southside Atlanta, and it operates in partnership with several community organizations.
Each cohort-style program runs annually from January-April, and brings together Emory’s Goizueta Business School, community organizations, mentors, and sponsors to support rising entrepreneurs.
If you don’t have a strong tie to one of Start:ME’s communities (Clarkston, East Lake, and Southside Atlanta), you can still access their other resources, which include workshops around Business Development, Marketing and Storytelling, and Finance and Accounting.
Accion Opportunity Fund
The Accion Opportunity Fund offers small-business loans, education resources, and comprehensive, one-on-one business coaching services for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Services are currently available in English and Spanish.
Learn more about their services here, and check out their YouTube page for video resources.
Additional Resources
Starting a business
Resource | URL |
Small Business Administration | |
Startup Atlanta | |
Invest Atlanta |
Growing Your Business + Going Global
Resource | URL |
ATL Tech Hub | |
Atlanta Beltline Marketplace | |
Doing Business with the City | Contact nimulkey@atlantaga.gov |
Georgia District Export Council | |
Metro Atlanta Chamber Metro Challenge Grant |
INTERNATIONAL TRADE RESOURCES
The Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs has compiled a list of Federal, State and local resources to ensure that Atlanta businesses have access to the necessary tools and resources to be competitive in the global market.
Federal
Resource | URL |
Export Import Bank | |
The Small Business Administration | |
The International Trade Administration | |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service supports four State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs) | |
U.S. Agency for International Development | |
U.S. International Trade Commission | |
The CIA World Factbook | |
Office of the United States Representative – Free Trade Agreements | |
U.S. Commercial Service |
STATE & LOCAL
Resources | URL |
Metro Atlanta Chamber | |
The Atlanta Metro Export Challenge | |
Georgia District Export Council | |
Export-U | |
University of Georgia Small Business Development Center | |
Georgia Department of Economic Development | |
Southern United States Trade Association |
Bring your business to ATL
Contact Nicholas Mulkey (nimulkey@atlantaga.gov)
How International students bolster atlanta businesses
The Open Doors report provides yearly statistics on international students in each state. Georgia has experienced significant growth in the field of international education, with thousands of students studying across many Atlanta-based universities. Check out Georgia's statistics. For more statistics and exploring the benefits of a robust international education ecosystem, visit the Institute of International Education.