March 9, 2015 - Introducing the New Startup Atlanta

One week ago we introduced a new brand and a new vision for Startup Atlanta.

The new Startup Atlanta is laser focused on serving growth-oriented entrepreneurs. We want to foster and connect a community that at it’s core represents us at our best.

The dreams & dreamers looking to make a dent in the universe. Diverse people from diverse backgrounds who share a common desire to create something where once there was nothing.

Our new model isn’t reliant on $50,000 donations from big sponsors. Instead it’s reliant on the time, talent and treasure of those who want to see our ecosystem thrive. It’s a grassroots model that we feel will lead to a stronger and more vibrant organization.

So what are we actually doing?

First, we’re hosting a series of incredible public events. You can expect an event every two months.

Some of the events we have planned are going to be incredible. You can get a taste of them below.

The Rise of the Design-focused Entrepreneur: How you can use design to differentiate.

Entrepreneurial Placemaking: The role of space in innovation & culture.

Getting Press: How to make news as a startup.

How Startups & Corporations Can Partner to Innovate: Breaking through the red tape.

These events will be a core piece of our programming. Tell us if you love them or hate them. If you have ideas, we’d love to hear them. We want your input and your feedback. We’re building this organization for you.

We’ll also be hosting more intimate small scale events designed to strengthen the relationship between startups, government and corporate leaders. Creating stronger ties and interactions to strengthen the overall innovation network.

We want this organization to transcend borders and silos. Too often in Atlanta we think of geography as dividing us. OTP vs ITP. Buckhead vs Midtown. Atlanta Tech Village vs everywhere else. But the truth is, we rise and fall as a single region.

We’re also working on policy issues that will help spur innovation. Just last week we worked with Invest Atlanta to pass a resolution through city council that will lower the costs to starting a company. Providing ATL startups an exemption on fees for their first three years, or until they reach $1M in revenue.

This summer we’re launching a business plan competition for underserved kids in the boulevard corridor of Atlanta as part of Kwanza Hall’s Year of Boulevard initiative. Creating possibility and opportunity for kids who need it most. Kids that are too often left out of our ecosystem.

And this fall, we’ll be hosting the first ever Made In ATL awards celebrating the best in startups, music, technology & creativity. There’s too many great things created in this city for us not to recognize them.

We have some pretty ambitious plans. But, we can’t make them happen without your help.

We need 500 members & companies paying $100/year. That’s less than $10 a month. Your money won’t go to fancy offices. We don’t have any. It won’t go to me. I’m working for free. Your money will instead be an investment in the ecosystem. If you want to support us, you can become a member here.

But more important than money is your time, your attention & your talent. Don’t be shy. Let us know what you think and if you want to volunteer, we’ll welcome you with open arms.

Welcome to the new Startup Atlanta. I hope you’ll join us on this journey.