Four months ago, this year’s Start:ME Southside cohort walked into the program carrying bold ideas, ambitious dreams, and a commitment to their communities. On graduation night, they walked across the stage as entrepreneurs equipped with sharper business strategies, stronger support networks, and renewed confidence in what’s possible.
Start:ME, a program of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and offered in partnership with FCS and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta, equips neighborhood-based entrepreneurs with business training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to capital. Over the course of 14 intensive weeks, participants refined business models, strengthened financial strategies, engaged in customer discovery, and prepared to pitch their ventures with confidence.
From food entrepreneurs and artists to wellness leaders and creative visionaries, the 2026 cohort reflected the innovation and entrepreneurial energy thriving across Atlanta’s southside. For many participants, the journey was about more than learning business fundamentals. It was about learning to see themselves differently.
“South Atlanta Farms entered the program as an operating farm with real community roots but without the structure, language, or confidence to call itself a business,” shared Mark Boswell of South Atlanta Farms. “We leave with all three.”
Others spoke about how Start:ME challenged them to refine and rethink their ideas in ways they hadn’t expected.
“I am proud to have taken an idea, changed and developed it literally eight times, and to come out with something solid that I can truly run with,” said Holiday Simmons of Southern Soul Wellness.
Throughout the program, entrepreneurs tackled everything from bookkeeping and marketing to customer discovery, financial planning, and pitch development. But one theme surfaced again and again: confidence.
“Start:ME didn’t just give me information, it gave me direction, structure, and confidence,” said Idly Etienne of Maid Spotless. “I’m leaving with a real business, a clear plan, and the ability to execute.”
As always, graduation night was a chance to celebrate everyone’s progress and recognize a few standout entrepreneurs with seed funding to help launch or grow their businesses. In total, Southside entrepreneurs received over $15,000 in Start:ME awards and grants.
Community Awards ($500)
Community Impact Award
- South Atlanta Farms — Mark Boswell
Most Resilient Award
- Beautiful Bites — Alexei Stokes
Peer of the Year Award
- Sumthin Sweet Confections — Tanesha & Tameka Oneal
Start Grants ($1K–$3K)
Supporting early-stage entrepreneurs with promising ideas and strong momentum.
- Marvelous Touch Painting — Antonio Rosas
- House of Lux Designs — Sherry Southard
- The Glaze Room — Arian Hornsby
Grow Grants ($4K–$5K)
Awarded to businesses ready to expand their reach and deepen their impact.
- SoulRoller Rimz — Radhiya Abdul-Raheem
- Carrot Dog ATL — Kemi Bennings
For some entrepreneurs, the momentum is already continuing beyond the program. Kemi Bennings of Carrot Dog shared that the business held its soft opening just two days after Pitch Night. Joshua Barber of Voicebox Cocktail Lounge celebrated hiring his first employee during the program. Others left with new partnerships, expanded offerings, or a clearer roadmap for growth.
But beyond the business milestones, many participants said the relationships they built may be the most lasting part of the experience.
“I’m not sure I can name a single moment — what I keep coming back to is the people,” said Boswell. “Not just colleagues I’ll stay connected to professionally, but friends.”
That sense of community and collaboration is central to what makes Start:ME unique. Entrepreneurs learn alongside peers, receive guidance from mentors, and gain support from a network that genuinely wants to see them succeed.
“The support and encouragement I received exceeded my expectations,” said Radhiya Abdul-Raheem of SoulRoller Rimz. “I was inspired by fellow entrepreneurs at every stage of business.”
At FCS, we’re incredibly proud of this year’s graduates and excited to see what comes next for each of these entrepreneurs.
Because these businesses are more than ventures. They represent creativity, resilience, and the belief that thriving neighborhoods are built when neighbors have access to opportunity, support, and community.
And this graduation was just the beginning.
