Program Timeline
Apply
Sep - Oct
Applications open, info sessions and workshops hosted
Review
Oct - Nov
Every application reviewed by 3+ readers
Finalist Interviews
Nov - Dec
Finalists invited to group interviews and cohorts selected
14-week Program
Jan - Apr
Cohorts meet weekly in-community
Graduation
May
All graduates celebrated and peer-selected grants awarded
WATCH A VIDEO OVERVIEW
ACCESS A PDF APPLICATION
Please review the sample application below. To complete your application, return to the top of the Apply page
Frequently Asked Questions
Application & Selection
Between 60 and 100 applications in each community.
Start:ME is looking for promising small business owners with a passion for their business/idea and a strong tie to the local community – living, working, and/or providing valuable products or services to community members. Strong applicants clearly and thoroughly outline their business and/or idea, commitment to their business, and tie to the local community.
Applications for the Winter 2027 program open on Sep 1st 2026 and close on Oct 1st 2026.
All applications are reviewed by multiple people, from both the Start:ME team and our local community partner(s). 24 finalists are invited to participate in group interviews. 16-18 are selected to participate in each community program.
All applicants must be 18 years of age when the program starts in January.
No, credit score/history is not considered for admission to the program nor for peer-selected grants. Credit is discussed as part of the curriculum for educational purposes only.
Yes, Start:ME welcomes applications from those that were not selected in past years. We encourage applicants to explain how they have further developed their business. Each year, our cohorts have included entrepreneurs not selected in previous years.
Start:ME’s application is online and mobile-friendly. If you do not have access to a computer or cell phone, please reach out to your local coordinator to discuss other options.
The Start:ME resources page lists many tools, upcoming events, and support programs. You can also sign-up for our monthly newsletter, which includes a number of upcoming events for entrepreneurs.
Start:ME collects demographic information from all entrepreneurs that are selected for the program. This information is essential for securing funding so that the program can be delivered to all participants free of charge. Start:ME values inclusivity and respects your confidentiality.
Start:ME is delivered by Emory University's Goizueta Business School in partnership with local nonprofit organizations. Emory University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status.
Community Tie
Start:ME is a place-based program, serving entrepreneurs who live in, work in, and/or provide valuable products to the local community. Start:ME operates in four metro Atlanta communities – Clarkston, East Lake area, Atlanta's Southside, and Atlanta's Westside. Applicants should apply to the one community to which they have the strongest connection. To learn more about each of these communities, please visit their community page.
Entrepreneurs with no tie to community are not eligible. If you are not eligible, please see the Start:ME resources page for tools, trainings, and other organizations that can help you with your business.
No, however all selected entrepreneurs must have another strong tie to the community – working there, providing needed products/services to community residents, etc.
Start:ME works with for-profit businesses across all industries – HVAC repair, electrical, art, fashion, catering, farming, and more. It is not necessary to have a social enterprise or nonprofit model to benefit the local community.
The selection committee is looking for an explanation about how your business or idea helps community members, for example by providing a space for neighbors to gather, employment/training opportunities for residents, products that are difficult to find locally, services that neighbors desire but can't find locally, etc.
Start:ME Businesses
Start:ME is looking for business owners who want to learn business skills and build their business network. The program serves many stages of small businesses, from clearly defined business ideas looking to launch to operational businesses looking to expand or grow, across all industries. Meet program alumni via the Start:ME Shopping Guide to get a feel for the businesses we have served.
Start:ME has served over 500 businesses in metro Atlanta to date. Visit the Start:ME Shopping page to see a list of some entrepreneurs that have graduated from previous years' programs.
Most of the businesses that go through Start:ME are considered microbusinesses, meaning they have 1-5 employees (including the owner), have some sales/revenue, and oftentimes have other indicators of building their business (incorporation, employees/contractors, significant time commitment, etc).
No. Start:ME serves many stages of small businesses. If you are applying with a business idea, be as focused and detailed as possible in explaining your concept/idea, especially any steps you've taken to pilot the idea (such as selling to friends & family, participating in markets, or securing your business license).
Yes. If you’re applying with an idea (or multiple ideas), you should focus on only one and explain it as clearly and succinctly as possible.
No. Please only apply with one business. Explain it as clearly and succinctly as possible.
No.
No. Start:ME works with businesses that are in the idea or pre-launch stage along with those that have sales and are looking to grow. That said, most of the businesses that we have worked with do have some revenue when they apply.
No. Incorporation is not required to participate in the program and some applicants are not incorporated upon starting Start:ME.
97% of Start:ME alumni operate for-profit businesses. The program is geared towards for-profits, particularly financials, legal, and accessing capital, and does not cover grants or grant writing. Nonprofits that sell products or services to generate a majority of their revenue (funding) are encouraged to apply.
Yes. You do not need to have prior entrepreneurial experience to apply. Please share relevant professional, educational, or life experiences that help demonstrate why you (and your partners if applicable) are a great fit for this business. For example, if you are launching a food business, tell us about learning to cook at your grandmother’s feet, past work in food services, and/or your personal passion for the kitchen.
Yes, most of the businesses Start:ME works with are run out of the business owner’s home. If you have an office or location outside of the home, that's great too!
Franchise businesses or multi-level marketing businesses are not eligible for Start:ME. Please contact your program coordinator if you have questions about your eligibility.
Session Details
Start:ME is free for all selected entrepreneurs. Participants are required to attend all sessions. Your tuition is your time.
Yes. Start:ME is an intense program that relies on peer-learning and mentorship coaching. The curriculum builds on the previous weeks and relationships take time to grow.
No, both business partners do not have to attend all the sessions. However, one primary participant must attend all the sessions. Business partners are not allowed to switch in and out week to week. The partner who will attend sessions, if selected, should complete and submit the application.
In 2027, the Start:ME program will run from January through April. Sessions will take place in each community from 6:30-9PM on the same evening each week - Tuesdays for East Lake, Wednesday for both Clarkston & Westside, and Thursday for Southside. Entrepreneurs are also expected to complete assignments and work on their businesses between sessions.
Business trainings, materials, and mentorship are delivered in English. Applicants must have working comfort in English (both speaking and writing). Start:ME is not able to provide translators or materials in other languages.