When it comes to starting a business, many entrepreneurs tap into savings or use their credit cards.
“There’s a real problem with entrepreneurs being able to access capital,” said Eric Parker, president of theClubhou.se and co-founder of Make Startups.
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theClubhou.se is spearheading an effort to pilot a program providing skills training and certification to aspiring entrepreneurs, according to a news release. Backing the program are 21 lenders and venture capitalists who are willing to support its graduates.
The first cohort of the 12-week program begins May 25, and 75 people have already applied to be part of it, he said. A second cohort is slated for September.
At the end of the 12 weeks, the graduate will be partnered with a mentor.
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Make Startups has created a network with other similar organizations across the state of Georgia. They include Spark Macon, StartUp Columbus, Creative Coast in Savannah and Zane Access in Atlanta. Together, the groups will cover 45 counties in the state.
The news release said this is the first industrial accreditation course of its kind in the country, and organizers believe it will have a wide and lasting impact.
“This is a game changer for our entrepreneurs who may only need $5,000 to $10,000 in seed funding to take their company to the next level. To have a capital partner give them a second chance with a micro-loan, small grant or access to greater funding sources is really how we can improve community health and economic development for all,” said Grace Belangia, co-founder of Make Startups and theClubhou.se executive director, in the news release.
The goal of the program is to help small business owners establish themselves and their businesses to provide jobs. If 250 entrepreneurs opened 250 small businesses in Georgia, that could result in at least 500 to 800 jobs created in the next 12 months, the news release said.
Parker said entrepreneurs interested in the first cohort have lifestyle products and services as well as technology-based ideas.
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“They run the gamut,” he said.
The network and program came about through a $250,000 Partnership of Inclusive Innovation Grant theClubhou.se received from the Georgia lieutenant governor’s office.
Any entrepreneur can apply for the program, but one goal is to reach disadvantaged entrepreneurs with financial aid and assistance.
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“Georgia alone has an annual untapped potential of 8,000 disadvantaged entrepreneurs, who, if successful, could help create, 32,000 jobs,” the news release said.
To learn more about the program or to apply for the cohort, visit makestartups.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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