Last week the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) launched the Atlanta Growth Collective, a community for the leaders and executives of high-growth, mid-market startups. Headed by longtime Atlanta entrepreneur and MAC board member David Cummings, the goal is to be a resource for advice and networking for leaders navigating that next phase of growth for startups.
“Metro Atlanta is a hotbed of entrepreneurial talent, and as a region, we’ve established a supportive ecosystem and development resources for early-stage startups. Atlanta is home to a self-perpetuating ecosystem of founders and leaders committed to nurturing the region’s mid-market, high-growth community,” said David Cummings, chief executive officer and founder of Atlanta Ventures. “But there is a notable gap in support for business leaders transitioning into the growth and scaling stages. “Atlanta Growth Collective is the next step in supporting our growth-stage businesses that are so critical to metro Atlanta’s thriving innovation economy and startup ecosystem.”
Cummings will be the chair of an advisory board that guides the program. The board will include a number of other leaders from the Atlanta entrepreneur world. The program will offer a chance for executives to get together with those in similar situations, with a deliberate and honest platform to learn from peers and others that have successfully scaled companies. Between MAC, the Atlanta Tech Development Center (ATDC) and Atlanta Tech Village, the support system for startups is continuing to strengthen in the region.
“Designed by founders for founders, Atlanta Growth Collective is yet another example of why metro Atlanta is built for business,” said Alex Gonzalez, chief innovation and marketing officer, Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This initiative harnesses the power of our collective business community as we solidify our stature as a top entrepreneurial ecosystem and build the companies and careers of the new economy.”
Atlanta has a robust ecosystem for startups to find success and get a foothold, but this program will work with them to move into the next phase of revenue, possible sale or acquisition. To qualify for the program, companies must have at least $10 million or more in yearly revenue, with at least 25 percent growth rate. There is an investment requirement of at least $5,000.
“Founders at this growth stage face distinct challenges – things like building scalable processes while maintaining product quality and managing increased customer demand,” said Stephanie Nadi Olson, founder and executive board chair for We Are Rosie and advisory board member for the program. “With Atlanta Growth Collective, you get a safe community where you can be honest in seeking insights and shortcuts from trusted peers and experts who have successfully scaled businesses in this region.”
The innovation economy is a key part of the Atlanta economy becoming the world-class status that the population and demographics are virtually demanding. MAC is the only organization dedicated to the entire region’s business community. They focus on both growing existing Atlanta companies, in addition to recruiting new ones.
