Regional Accelerators/Programs
ATDC: From its Venture Showcase to various industry programs, the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) has been a central technology-based incubator since it first opened its doors in 1980.
Atlanta Tech Village Pre-Accelerator: ‘It Takes a Village’ is Atlanta Tech Village’s diversity and inclusion initiative to help early-stage founders. Be sure to check out other ATV programs here.
Founder Institute Atlanta pre-seed accelerator: Startups in the idea, MVP, or early stage can apply here.
Joules Accelerator North Carolina: This accelerator is designed to boost CleanTech startups and connect them with commercial opportunities in the area.
Techstars Atlanta: In partnership with Cox Enterprises, Techstars Atlanta has risen to be one of the prime accelerators in the region. Read more about mentors and program deadlines here.
Cox Enterprises Techstars Social Impact: Are you building a for-profit company addressing social justice and systemic racism issues? The program, which takes place in Atlanta, is looking for you.
Techstars Alabama EnergyTech: Founders working in the electric or utility space are encouraged to check out Techstars program. This accelerator is run out of Birmingham.
Comcast SportsTech Powered by Boomtown: Do you have the next breakthrough idea in sports technology? Atlanta-based Comcast NBCUniversal has open applications here.
RAISE (Retention and Advanced Investment for the Southeast at Emory) Forum: Is a semi-annual event for Southeast startups looking for funding between $500,000 and $5M.
The Cranium Incubator: This program is the brainchild of veteran Atlanta investor Joe Beverly and is designed to help underrepresented founders.
Launchpad2x: Designed as a founder-to-CEO accelerator training program located in Atlanta
Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund: Supports underrepresented student, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship
ScaleUp ATL: Endeavor’s 6-month non-dilutive program exclusively for Black founders
Zane Capital Readiness Cohort: is a 10-week program for underrepresented founders
5G Connected Futures Incubator at Curiosity Labs: T-Mobile, Georgia Tech’s ATDC, and Peachtree Corners Curiosity Lab have teamed up for an accelerator focused on 5G startups. Applications here.
Bronze Valley Accelerator: Located in Birmingham, Bronze Valley is a non-profit accelerator for tech-focused startups with underrepresented founders.
Velocity: Part of Birmingham’s Innovation Depot, this 13-week program has a rolling application.
The Innovation Lab: Based in Memphis, this pre-accelerator program is through a partnership with Zeroto510 and Epicenter.
Silicon Road Retail Accelerator: RetailTech startups are encouraged to apply to this Atlanta-based accelerator program.
Cohab StartupTrax: Based in Shreveport, Louisiana, Cohab StartupTrax is designed to help local startups gain traction. Learn more here.
2Gether-International (2GI), supported by Google For Startups, is focused on bringing new opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs
Grant/Funding Opportunities/Pitch Competitions
Atlanta Startup Battle: Atlanta Startup Battle gives national exposure to up-and-coming founders. And the winner walks away with $100,000.
Startup Showdown, powered by Atlanta-based Panoramic Ventures, is a monthly competition with a $120,000 prize for the champion. Applications for each month can be found here.
Alabama Launchpad, a EDPA program, provides a pitch competition for early-stage startups.
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Pitch For Good competition has a different industry focus each month
Veteran entrepreneur James Oliver, Jr. launched ParentPreneur’s grant program to help Black parent entrepreneurs get an idea off the ground.
Startup Runway connects startups led by underrepresented founders to investors and makes $10K grants
Coworking Options
As the nature of work shifts in our post-pandemic world, many local co-working spaces have transformed membership options to allow for more flexibility.
Atlanta Specific:
- Strongbox West: Located on West Marietta St in West Midtown, Strongbox West offers day passes and caters to those looking for an “office.”
- Constellations: From its space in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, Constellations offers private offices and event spaces.
- The Lola: A womxn workspace and membership-based community.
- No18 Buckhead: Located in Buckhead Village, No18 provides co-working spaces, private offices, and event spaces.
National Coworking Companies:
- Industrious: Southeast locations include Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Nashville, Raleigh, and Tampa Bay. Industrious Access is a new option for members to work from any Industrious anywhere and pay for the days you use
- Serendipity Labs: Serendipity has Southeast locations in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Charleston, Nashville, and Memphis
- Firmspace launched a hybrid work product both to help companies cut down on rent/overhead and keep staff happy
- WeWork On Demand: WeWork has launched pay-as-you-go hot desking options
- Alkaloid Networks: Located on the Atlanta BeltLine, Alkaloid Networks is offering coworking-for-a-day passes
EDITOR’S NOTE: This page will be updated regularly; bookmark this page and come back regularly for the latest helpful information.
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