Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund Opens Applications for Fifth Cohort Main Street 

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

Georgia State University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute (ENI) has announced the opening of applications for the fifth annual Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund, a six-month business accelerator designed to support resource-constrained entrepreneurs. This year, the program is bolstered by $350,000 in grant funding, including $300,000 from Truist and $50,000 from Bank of America.

The Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund has earned national recognition for its impact, receiving accolades such as the Specialty Award for Most Innovative Program from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), the Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Award from the Deshpande Symposium for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education, and the Award for Excellence in Specialty Entrepreneurship Education from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC).

Since its launch in 2019, Main Street has empowered 86 founders representing 61 companies and has awarded more than $600,000 in non-dilutive funding. Participants benefit from seed funding, targeted workshops, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, and intensive coaching from subject matter experts and the entrepreneur-in-residence.

Each cohort concludes with a signature Demo Day event featuring a business showcase, live radio broadcast, pitch competition and networking reception.

The application period for Cohort 5 is now open and runs through Feb. 28. Interested entrepreneurs can attend information sessions to learn more about the program and its opportunities.

“Main Street represents the heart of Georgia State’s commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship,” said Dave Forquer, former interim director of ENI. “By providing crucial resources and mentorship, we help entrepreneurs bridge achievement gaps and create sustainable ventures that drive innovation and economic growth. This year’s generous funding from Truist and Bank of America strengthens our ability to empower founders and build a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

“What sets Main Street apart is its emphasis on community and resilience," said Joyelle “Joy” Harris, executive officer for entrepreneurship for Georgia State and director of ENI. "From seed funding to mentorship, we equip founders with the tools to overcome barriers and scale their ventures. The program’s impact is a testament to the talent and determination of our participants, as well as the strength of Georgia State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Main Street alums continue to praise the program for its transformative effect.

“Main Street changed my life and the trajectory of the business” said Nigel Stewart, founder and CEO of Mission2Motivate and a Cohort 4 alum. "Main street provided us with mentorship from industry leaders whom I am still connected with, invaluable workshops that helped me hone my business strategy and exposed me to a thriving tech ecosystem in Atlanta. What truly made the difference, though, was the belief they had in me that no one else did. They saw potential in me and my business that I did not see in myself. Because of their support and the spark they provided, I was able to build the foundation for a successful business, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that they opened up for me."

For more information about the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund or to apply, visit eni.gsu.edu/msesf.