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Tech Topics In This Article: Atlanta organizations,
After more than a decade of leading human resources and people operations at well-known Atlanta companies like Calendly, Hannon Hill, and Atlanta Ventures, Brianna Jackson is ready to help bring Atlanta’s South Downtown neighborhood into its next era.
Jackson is the CEO of the newly launched nonprofit Heart of South Downtown (HOSD), an organization designed to ensure revitalization efforts in the neighborhood create meaningful opportunities for residents, small businesses, and entrepreneurs without displacement.
The organization will work as a “bridge between businesses, policymakers, and community organizations” building in South Downtown, a part of Atlanta going through rapid change after Atlanta Ventures, the team behind the nationally-recognized startup hub Atlanta Tech Village, announced it purchased the neighborhood properties previously owned by German real estate developer Newport in late 2023.
Currently, there are over 50 businesses — including retail spaces, hospitality ventures, office buildings, and creative workspaces — that are open in South Downtown. As the neighborhood grows, especially ahead of the Super Bowl and the World Cup, which will take place just blocks away, HOSD wants to ensure sustainable growth for all types of businesses.
After launching earlier this month, Jackson answered some questions for Hypepotamus to share with our readers what they can expect from the organization…and how people in Atlanta’s startup community can get involved!
Here’s a snapshot of our conversation:
Question: How do you think your time with Calendly, Hannon Hill, and Atlanta Ventures prepared you to lead this organization and effort to drive growth and opportunity downtown?
Looking back, each of these experiences shaped the way I approach leadership, problem-solving, and community-building in a real way.
I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some of Atlanta’s most successful entrepreneurs, seeing firsthand how bold ideas, the right resources, and a strong support system can turn a vision into something transformative. I learned that entrepreneurship isn’t just about business. It’s about creating opportunities that change lives.
One of my greatest strengths has always been identifying great talent, recognizing the unique strengths of people, and connecting them to opportunities that propel their careers and unlock their full potential. Whether it was helping build high-performing teams, fostering spaces for people to grow, or creating pathways for untapped potential, I’ve always believed that when you invest in people, everything else follows.
Along the way, I’ve also learned how to navigate fast-moving environments, solve complex problems, and build strong operational foundations. This is essential when stepping into something as ambitious as revitalizing South Downtown.
All of these experiences have shaped how I approach economic mobility, job creation, and community transformation. My goal is to ensure that as South Downtown evolves, both longtime residents and new visionaries have the access, resources, and opportunities they need to grow, contribute, and thrive.
Question: Do you have any numbers around how many businesses are currently in South Downtown?
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South Downtown has about 50+ businesses spanning retail, hospitality, creative industries, and professional services. We’ve seen new energy from small businesses and startups wanting to be part of the revitalization, and we expect those numbers to grow as more investment flows into the area.
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One of our priorities is not just increasing the number of businesses, but ensuring these businesses reflect the diversity and creativity of Atlanta, while also providing good-paying jobs and opportunities for residents.
Question: What types of businesses are you looking to attract to come to the neighborhood?
We’re focused on attracting a diverse mix of businesses that not only serve the community and drive foot traffic but also help create a truly walkable neighborhood where people can live, work, and play with access to the amenities they need. Some of the key businesses we’re looking to bring into South Downtown include:
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Locally owned restaurants and concepts that reflect Atlanta’s diverse culture. No big box or franchises.
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Retail spaces that showcase independent brands, makers, and creatives.
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Creative studios and co-working spaces (Atlanta Tech Village) that support Atlanta’s growing entrepreneur and artist communities.
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Experiential businesses and cultural venues that make South Downtown a true destination.
We want to establish South Downtown as a tech and innovation hub that brings high-growth businesses into the area while prioritizing local hiring and mentorship opportunities.
We want businesses that believe in South Downtown’s future, want to be part of its story, and are committed to building a thriving, inclusive community where economic opportunity is accessible to all.
Question: In terms of board members and business partners, what type of people are you looking for?
We’re bringing together leaders who have the influence, expertise, and passion to drive real impact in South Downtown. Specifically, we’re looking for:
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Business leaders and entrepreneurs who have built successful companies and can provide guidance on economic growth and job creation.
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Philanthropic and nonprofit leaders with deep experience in economic mobility, housing, and workforce development.
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Investors and financial leaders who understand how to unlock funding for community-driven projects.
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Arts and culture champions who can help shape public spaces and experiences that reflect South Downtown’s history and future.
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Public sector and policy experts who can help navigate city partnerships and funding opportunities.
More than just titles, we’re looking for people who are truly invested in seeing South Downtown thrive.
Question: Talk to us more about the economic mobility work you are looking to do? What will success look like in terms of new job opportunities/creation?
Economic mobility is at the heart of everything we’re doing. South Downtown’s revitalization shouldn’t just be about buildings. It has to be about people. That means making sure the investments happening here lead to real opportunities for those who have historically been left out.
We’re focused on:
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Partnering with businesses to hire locally and train people for careers in high-demand industries.
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Supporting small businesses and emerging founders with the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to succeed.
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Creating second-chance hiring programs to provide meaningful work and stability for individuals coming out of incarceration.
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Ensuring that local businesses and creatives can be part of South Downtown’s growth without being priced out through affordable commercial spaces.
Question: What does success look like for Heart of South Downtown?
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Hundreds of new jobs are created right here in South Downtown.
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Businesses that commit to hiring locally and paying living wages.
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A pipeline of diverse entrepreneurs building in this neighborhood.
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A model for how urban revitalization can drive inclusive economic growth.
At the end of the day, success is about making sure South Downtown’s resurgence is not just about development. It’s about people having the opportunity to build better futures.
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Featured photo from HOSD’s Facebook Page
