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Pillar 3: The Urban Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development

We are a dedicated, person-to-person organization invested in the economic success of African Americans, coaching them to a better life.

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A Guiding Hand Helps An Entrepreneur Launch Her Dream
A Guiding Hand Helps An Entrepreneur Launch Her Dream
A guiding hand helps an entrepreneur launch her dream.  Kemisha Carter had a sound idea to develop a...
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ABOUT PILLAR 3: The Urban Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development

We are empowering and uplifting entrepreneurs and helping them realize their dreams.


The Entrepreneurship Center (TEC) was launched in Atlanta in October 2004.  TEC was designed to assist entrepreneurs with starting and growing successful and sustainable businesses in the Metro Atlanta community.  We are able to achieve our goal of cultivating successful and sustainable businesses through providing entrepreneurs with: Training Classes, Resources, and One on One Coaching Sessions.  As a result of the services we provide, entrepreneurs find themselves taking their business concept from pre-venture stage to business start-up; acquiring funding to operate and grow their business; obtaining contracts to assist in growing their business; and hiring additional employees to assist with their business growth. 

Our Programs

TEC was designed to assist entrepreneurs with starting and growing successful and sustainable businesses in the Metro Atlanta community., to Fuel your business dreams with our dynamic small business accelerators, designed to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Register for an Accelerator

Meet the Money People

Guides clients who have a business idea or those in business for less than two years who need to refine and grow their business to higher revenues

Gives clients in business for more than two years the tools they need to boost revenues beyond $250k. Courses and counseling promote growth capacity and strategies for increasing annual earnings. 

Focuses on entrepreneurs who generate more than $250k annually to help them build revenue and capacity. Courses and counseling guide clients to gain new contracts, secure procurement support, and develop strategies for estimating/bidding and brand positioning. Clients typically are well-established business owners interested in gaining access to larger contracts and major capital. 

Targets entrepreneurs in the restaurant business seeking to improve their strategies for evaluating opportunities, managing risks, revising menu and supply chain options, identifying and preparing for funding, and increasing support for staff and guests. 

Opens avenues for business owners interested in the import/export field. Clients learn the ins and outs of the import/export field, how to register with international agencies, compliance requirements and more. 

Guides women retailers in increasing their visibility and marketability in retail. Business owners learn to connect to supplier inclusion programs and to become multi-employee firms.

Guides women retailers in increasing their visibility and marketability in retail. Business owners learn to connect to supplier inclusion programs and to become multi-employee firms.

In 2023, the LA Urban League partnered with Intuit to dramatically improve business basics such as bookkeeping, tax prep, marketing, and leadership skills for over 25 entrepreneurs across Los Angeles. Selected applicants participated in a year-long program and connected with Intuit experts, Urban League business counselors, and executive coaches from Zella Life (www.zellalife.com) to leverage the resources and software products from Intuit. With such a great response, Intuit is now excited to expand IDEAS across the country – with 25 opportunities for Atlanta businesses. Participants who successfully complete the newly expanded 12-month program will have free access to Intuit products and expertise. They also will be eligible to receive a $5,000 grant to continue business growth. The $5,000 grant is awarded only to eligible participating firms that complete the program requirements by the conclusion of the 12-month program. Applications for IDEAS are closed for the current cohort.  

Designed to increase the number of Black Entrepreneurs in the appraisal industry, this program offers mentorship, training, and resources to entrepreneurs interested in operating real estate or real estate appraisal businesses. The course leads to certification and support for launching the business endeavor. 

Exposes business owners to new opportunities for growth. Entrepreneurs learn how to register for various federal, state, and local procurement contracts; certification and procurement; estimating and bidding; and creating and building relationships. Coursework includes understanding how to successfully navigate certification requirements and processes. 

Guides clients in business for less than two years to better strategies for business development and growth beyond their current annual revenues. Eligible entrepreneurs must be DeKalb County business owners/residents. 

Guides entrepreneurs in refining an idea and creating a well-devised business plan. Entrepreneurs enter a pitch contest that awards $20k to the best plans. Eligible contestants must reside or have a business in Cobb County and possess a business license within the county

Meet Our Team

Kimberly Irvin Lee cropped
Senior Director of Entrepreneurship & Economic Development
Kimberly Irvin-Lee
MarcParham
TEC Director
Marc Parham
john-p-1
Business Coach
John Paschal
KienoJones
Business Coach, CBA
Kieno "Nino" Jones
KK Headshot
TEC Program Coordinator
Khristie Kennedy
Tiffaney Graham
MACRP Program Manager
Tiffaney Graham
Antonio Shackelford
MACRP Business Coach
Antonio Shackelford
IMG_0493
MACRP Business Coach
Tanya Turner
Lauren Patin
MACRP Program Coordinator
Lauren Patin

contact us

Find us Here

  • 230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2600
  • Atlanta, GA 30303-1600

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Office Hours

  • Mon- Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.