
SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Georgia State has proved students from all backgrounds can succeed at the same levels. With this in mind, the Main Street program aims to support diverse entrepreneurs and foster inclusive entrepreneurship. The program leverages Atlanta’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem as well as funding from corporate and individual philanthropists.
*2020, Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC)
**2021, International Business Innovation Association (InBIA)
Top Reasons to Apply for Main Street
1. Access to Non-Dilutive Seed Funding
Entrepreneurs can receive a share of available grant funding without giving up equity. This capital can help founders launch, scale, or refine their business without financial strain.
2. Intensive Business Coaching & Targeted Workshops
The program offers hands-on training and workshops designed to strengthen core business skills, including finance, marketing, sales, and business development. These sessions help founders refine their business model and growth strategies.
3. Powerful Networking & Exposure
Entrepreneurs will connect with like-minded peers, investors, and influential business leaders in Atlanta’s thriving startup ecosystem, opening doors to new partnerships and opportunities.
4. Exclusive Demo Day & Pitch Competition
The program concludes with a high-profile Demo Day, where participants showcase their business, pitch for additional funding, and gain valuable exposure in front of potential investors, media, and the startup community.
Relive the excitement of Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund Demo Day 2023!
Find out more about our innovation-filled gathering showcasing the incredible achievements of budding entrepreneurs from our community. Learn more about the 12 companies that participated in the Main Street Demo Day, where innovators from various backgrounds and disciplines came together to present their groundbreaking ideas, share their entrepreneurial journeys, and demonstrate the tangible impact of their hard work.
Cohort 4 Demo Day Highlights
Twelve (12) companies, led by MSESF cohort 4 founders, took the stage to present their business ventures during Demo Day in October 2023 with hopes of taking home prizes to advance their early-stage businesses. During concurrent pitch sessions under the product/tech and retail/service, each founder pitched their business effectively and passionately to the judges and an audience of more than 250 in attendance.
After tallying the scorecards and much deliberation, six companies were awarded prizes to support the growth of their thriving businesses.
In the Product/Tech category:
- FIRST PLACE AWARD: Angad and Amit Sahgal of LetMeDoIt, a prize of $6,000
- SECOND PLACE AWARD: Nigel Stewart of Mission2Motivate, a prize of $3,000
- PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Angad and Amit Sahgal of LetMeDoIt, a prize of $250
In the Retail/Service category:
- FIRST PLACE AWARD: Meagan Naraine and Tamir Mickens of Culturally Relevant Science, a prize of $6,000
- SECOND PLACE AWARD: Hadyn O’Hara and Zoe Hughes-Nelson of Java Cats, a prize of $3,000
- PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Hadyn O’Hara and Zoe Hughes-Nelson of Java Cats, a prize of $250
Congratulations to all!
To read the full coverage of Demo Day, visit our blog post.
Join Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (ENI) for a 2-day experience on entrepreneurship and innovation summit on Oct. 13-14 at Center Parc Stadium in partnership with Zane Venture Fund, an early-stage investor in companies founded by diverse entrepreneurs.
Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund (MSESF) Demo Day
11:30 – 12:15 p.m.
Founders’ Lunch with EIR
12:00 p.m.
Business RadioX Interviews Begin
12:00 p.m.
Doors Open
1:10 – 1:30 p.m.
Opening Remarks & Introductions
1:40 –3:00 p.m.
Company Pitches
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Networking Break
3:30 – 4:40 p.m.
Company Pitches
4:45 p.m.
Networking Reception & Awards Presentation
Zane Access Innovation Day
10:00 a.m.
Summit Showcase Opens
10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Hackathon
11:45 a.m.
Showcase Closes
11:45 – 12:00 p.m.
Grab Lunch & Be Seated for Speaker
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Student Entrepreneurship (Beginner to Growth Stage)
12:50-1:00 p.m.
Pitch and Break
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Capital Conversation – VC, PE, Angels
1:50-2:00 p.m.
Pitch and break
2:00-2:45 p.m.
Special Roundtable – Contracts + Customers = Capital
2:45: 3:45 p.m.
Keynote Speaker – Jay Bailey
3:50-4:00 p.m.
Pitch and Break
4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Zane Access Graduation
4:45 – 5:30 p.m.
Networking & Dessert Reception