TURN YOUR IDEA INTO A THRIVING BUSINESS OR TAKE YOUR EXISTING VENTURE FROM SURVIVAL TO SCALE IN DEKALB COUNTY

Program Kick Off:
Thr. August 14, 2025 • 6 p.m.

An intensive 8-week program (two hour/week) that empowers early-stage entrepreneurs to validate ideas, gain traction, and become investor-ready, with hands-on mentorship, tools, resources, and more.

  • Week 1: Orientation & Entrepreneurial Mindset
  • Week 2: Problem Discovery & Customer Validation
  • Week 3: Solution Design & MVP Development
  • Week 4: Go-to-Market Strategy
  • Week 5: Financial & Legal Essentials
  • Week 6: Identifying Capital & Pitching
  • Week 7: Case Studies
  • Week 8: Graduation

Program Schedule

Have a question?
Please email Marc Parham at mparham@ulgatl.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Are residents of Fulton, Clayton or Gwinnett County allowed to participate in this program?

Answer: This program is specifically for residents of DeKalb County and/or owners of businesses located in DeKalb County with businesses operating for two years or less. If you don’t live or have a business in Dekalb County, you are not eligible to participate in this program.

I have 1 or more business partners. Do they need to register and submit their information also?

AnswerYes – everyone who participates needs to register and provide income and residency information.

Why do I have to submit income and residency information in order to participate in this free program?

Answer: DeKalb Small Business Micro-Enterprise Programs (DSBMEP) are funded using The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proceeds. The expressed purpose of these programs is to support HUD’s third overarching goal: to expand economic opportunities which principally benefit low-to-moderate income persons. As a result, HUD requires all participants submit income and address verification prior to attending any programs.

I have not started my business yet? Am I able to participate in the webinar?

Yes, this start-up program is specifically designed for pre-venture business owners and business owners who have been operating for two years or less.

What if I can’t make all ten sessions?

Answer: Life happens; we understand. All sessions are recorded and you will have access once the session is over. We allow up to three missed sessions.

What is required to verify income and residency?
AnswerThough there isn’t an income limit for acceptance into the program, HUD requires that we capture and maintain income and residency information on file. Send your verification documents to: https://tinyurl.com/Fall21StartUpVerify

One piece of Income and Residency verification from each list must be submitted 48 hours PRIOR to the program

Below is a list of forms that can be used for Income Verification

  • -Paystub less than 90 days old
  • -2020 W2
  • -First page of 2020 Tax Return
  • -Unemployment verification letter
  • -Separation notice

NOTE: W2 and/or 1st page of Tax Return will satisfy both Income AND Residency Verification

Below is a list of forms that can be used for Residence Verification

  • -Valid Driver’s License or State issued ID
  • -Valid Vehicle Registration
  • -Utility Bill
  • -Mortgage Statement or Lease Agreement