About Us
Start:ME is a free small business training program that provides entrepreneurs the tools and connections necessary to build and grow successful businesses.
What Start:ME Delivers
Networks
Connections to mentors, support services, and fellow entrepreneurs
Capital
Grants for promising ventures and connections to capital providers
Our Network
Our Communities
Start:ME Stories
Entrepreneurs
Mentors
Our Partners & Supporters
Our Team
Erin Igleheart
Program Director
Erin manages Start:ME and engages other small business support organizations.
Fun fact: she summited Mount Kilimanjaro. The view was pretty awesome.
Alina Bills
Program Associate
Alina oversees the operations, marketing, and alumni programming of Start:ME.
Fun fact: she was a shuttle driver through New York City in the Bronx and Manhattan boroughs.
Brian Goebel
Clarkston Program Lead
Brian manages and delievers the Clarkston accelerator program.
Fun fact: he played bass guitar in what esteemed critic Kathleen Goebel called the “best rock band in Detroit.”
Kareem Hall
East Lake + Southside Program Lead
Kareem manages and delivers the East Lake and Southside accelerator program.
Fun fact: he is a world class baby toy assembler.
Sushma Barakoti
Clarkston Coordinator
Sushma manages the Clarkston program’s coalition, recruitment, and local alumni programming.
Fun fact: she is also a Start:ME alum and actively working her business, Sunavworld.
Mercedes Rivera
East Lake Coordinator
Mercedes manages the East Lake program’s coalition, recruitment, and local alumni programming.
Fun fact: she loves to travel - Mercedes has backpacked to 12 countries, 20 states, and Puerto Rico. Including biking from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Ghent, Belgium.
Fran Carroll
Southside Coordinator
Fran manages the Southside program’s coalition, recruitment, and local alumni programming.
Fun fact: she is a two-time graduate of Georgia State University - go Panthers!