Starting and Growing Atlanta's Small Businesses
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 Manager
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.
Dylan Bahena
Program Associate
Dylan manages Start:ME marketing and program operations.
Fun fact: he was a member of his college's Quidditch team.
Adrienne Hines
Equity and Business Development Intern
Adrienne reviews Start:ME materials and standards to elevate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Fun fact: she is a fraternal twin!
Maria Peck
Clarkston Program Lead
Maria manages and delivers the Clarkston accelerator program.
Fun fact: she was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia in 2021.
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 Uzuegbunam
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!