ABOUT THE FUND
The Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.

VISIONARY MUZIK ACADEMY
Justin Bartley, Founder & CEO
Current Graduate Student, College of Education & Human Development
[email protected]
PROBLEM
The world is evolving faster than classroom instruction and there is an overall lack of concern and support for the social-emotional and creative well-being of young people in our country.
SOLUTION
We are a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) enriched music program serving youth of all ages. In our program, we utilize music as a tool to empower all scholars with the skills, values and cultural understanding to successfully navigate high school and beyond by striving to increase student engagement and commitment.
BUSINESS MODEL
B2B as I work to secure contracts with schools and organizations to host my program.
TARGET MARKET
Schools, churches, public recreational centers
KEY COMPETITORS
After-school All-Stars, Atlanta Music Project, Henry For Music, Music Together, School of Rock, The Music Class
USE OF FUNDS
50% Personnel
25% Marketing
25% Equipment & Material
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
Entrepreneurship is the pathway that will allow me to give all that I have to fight for what I believe in beyond the boundaries and expectations set by entities other than myself. Entrepreneurship is the way that I hope to unlock a world of untapped potential with my own keys.
What is your major at Georgia State and how did it prepare you to run a business?
My undergraduate major was sociology and it prepared me to understand the depths of interacting with people. By understanding the norms and values of people outside of my own circle, I feel able to connect and build with a more diverse group of people. Currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Creative and Innovative Education is literally teaching me how to ensure that the quality of the service that I will provide is consistent, effective, and replicable.
What is the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship?
I feel most challenged in being comfortable adopting a business model. I am very passionate about what I am doing and would love to service children all day every day but recognize the importance and necessity of being able to provide for my family as I pursue my purpose. Because I don’t know what to expect, I feel more exposed in this area than anything I’ve ever felt in my life.
What are your long-term goals for the company?
My long-term goal is for Visionary Muzik Academy to become a global entity where young people all over the world will be able to find a safe haven to create music and express themselves freely. I hope to eventually be able to hire teams of individuals to carry out this mission in different places. I also would like to continue to teach and impact young people through my organization for as long as I am able to because I have 3 young children who I would like to inspire to do more than work a job. I desire to leave a legacy through the impact made from Visionary Muzik Academy. I hope that anywhere my organization is located will be known by all as a true source of inspiration for a better world where all voices are valued.
Share a fun fact about yourself?
The trombone has taken me to very interesting places and allowed me to play for Carlos Santana, Outkast, Curtis Fuller and Ravi Coltrane (son of John Coltrane).
FOUNDER INTERVIEW
COMING SOON
ABOUT THE FUND
The Marcus Foundation supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.