Endeavor Atlanta Launches First-Ever ScaleUp ATL Program Exclusively for Black Entrepreneurs
Endeavor Atlanta, an affiliate of Endeavor Global, today announced the launch of its first-ever ScaleUp ATL program exclusively for Black entrepreneurs. The objective for ScaleUp ATL is to support Black founders as they scale their high-growth ventures, ultimately promoting entrepreneurship as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth in the greater Atlanta area.
“Investing in Black founders is very important and I am excited Endeavor is launching ScaleUp to close the opportunity gap.— Jewel Burks Solomon, Endeavor Atlanta Board Member
“Investing in Black founders is very important and I am excited Endeavor is launching ScaleUp to close the opportunity gap,” said Jewel Burks Solomon, Endeavor Atlanta Board Member, Co-founder of Collab Capital and Head of Google for Startups US. “I remember the early days of scaling Partpic, it was challenging to find the right mentors and investor network to help accelerate our growth and think big. The ScaleUp ATL program offers a network of trust a founder can lean on and have the support they need to accelerate their personal and company growth.”
Endeavor offers ScaleUp as a pre-Endeavor program in other markets but customizes the content and scope based on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Atlanta’s six-month, non-dilutive program is specifically designed to equip Black founders who’ve achieved product-market fit and strong year-over-year growth with the resources and confidence they need to take their companies to the next level. The program will beanchored around founder-to-founder mentor connections with entrepreneurs and operators leading high growth companies across the U.S. Mentor calls and workshops around critical topics such as scaling product and technology, customer acquisition strategies, pitch practice and fundraising are carefully curated to help founders calibrate the best path forward. In addition, selected entrepreneurs will have access to coaching services to support their leadership development.
“If we talk about inequality in this country and the challenges that people of color face, the disparity of wealth is at the center. Entrepreneurship is one of the best ways to close that gap.— George Azih, Endeavor Entrepreneur and CEO of LeaseQuery
“If we talk about inequality in this country and the challenges that people of color face, the disparity of wealth is at the center. Entrepreneurship is one of the best ways to close that gap,” said George Azih, Endeavor Entrepreneur and CEO of LeaseQuery. “ScaleUp ATL can have an outsized impact for Black founders with the desire to grow their enterprises, think big, and pay it forward.”
Endeavor’s research arm, Endeavor Insight, recently found only 19 percent of Black-owned businesses reach the size of 10 or more employees, on average, compared to 25 percent of companies owned by founders from other groups. In addition, only 15 percent of organizations supporting Black entrepreneurs work with them beyond the startup stage.
“Considering the disparities between Black founders and their white counterparts in scaling their companies and the lack of support beyond the startup phase, we saw an opportunity to add unique value for Black entrepreneurs. We successfully launched ScaleUp Birmingham last year and are excited to bring a similar model to Atlanta.— Aaron Hurst, Managing Director of Endeavor Atlanta
“Considering the disparities between Black founders and their white counterparts in scaling their companies and the lack of support beyond the startup phase, we saw an opportunity to add unique value for Black entrepreneurs. We successfully launched ScaleUp Birmingham last year and are excited to bring a similar model to Atlanta,” said Aaron Hurst, Managing Director of Endeavor Atlanta. “Given the extraordinary level of Black entrepreneurial talent in Atlanta, we’re grateful for the opportunity.”
ScaleUp ATL will be accepting applications until April 1st, with the program set to launch the first week of May. Day-to-day program operations will be led by Endeavor Atlanta’s Senior Associate, Rachel Kazungu. Entrepreneurs can learn more and apply here.
News provided by Metro Atlanta CEO – February 25, 2021.