THE COHORT
According to Mathew George, CDF Economic Development Director, “The 2015 cohort reflects the diversity of Clarkston—ethnically, yes, but also the wide diversity of talents and interests that truly make this community unique. CDF is excited to work with our partners and these micro-entrepreneurs on the continued economic strengthening of Clarkston.” For the names and businesses of the 2015 Start:ME Clarkstson cohort members, please click here.
START:ME CLARKSTON
Start:ME cohort members will meet weekly from January through April for an intensive 14 week business accelerator program. Start:ME Clarkston is a collaboration among CDF, Social Enterprise @ Goizueta (Emory University’s Goizueta Business School), Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), Refugee Women’s Network, Georgia United Credit Union, and the Clarkston Community Center. This program provides promising entrepreneurs with the business tools, network access, and financing they need to develop viable and sustainable businesses in Clarkston.
MICRO-BUSINESS
Micro-businesses offer tremendous potential for effective, sustained growth in local economies. This month the Aspen Institute released a paper from our partners at Emory’s Social Enterprise @ Goizueta and Village Capital, “Closing the Microbusiness Gap with Targeted Investments in Social Capital.” In it, Peter Roberts and Ross Baird emphasize the significance and great potential of these small enterprises in communities such as Clarkston. Offering knowledge, networks, and access to capital, Start:ME helps energetic business owners develop their ventures smartly and with eyes on positive effect in the community.