Starting and Growing Atlanta's Small Businesses
About Us
Start:ME is a free small business training program that provides entrepreneurs the tools and connections necessary to build and grow successful businesses.
What Start:ME Delivers
Networks
Connections to mentors, support services, and fellow entrepreneurs
Capital
Grants for promising ventures and connections to capital providers
Our Network
Start:ME Stories
Entrepreneurs
Mentors
Our Partners & Supporters
Our Team
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Erin Igleheart
Program Director
Erin manages Start:ME and engages other small business support organizations.
Fun fact: she summited Mount Kilimanjaro. The view was pretty awesome.
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Alina Mencias
Program Manager
Alina oversees the operations, marketing, and alumni programming of Start:ME.
Fun fact: she was a shuttle driver through New York City in the Bronx and Manhattan boroughs.
Mildred Meza
Program Associate
Mildred manages Start:ME marketing and program operations.
Fun fact: she drove a cross-country road trip from Atlanta to Northern California, the landscapes along the way made the trip worth it!
Maria Peck
Clarkston Program Lead
Maria manages and delivers the Clarkston accelerator program.
Fun fact: she was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia in 2021.
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Kareem Hall
East Lake + Southside Program Lead
Kareem manages and delivers the East Lake and Southside accelerator program.
Fun fact: he is a world class baby toy assembler.
Sushma Barakoti
Clarkston Coordinator
Sushma manages the Clarkston program’s coalition, recruitment, and local alumni programming.
Fun fact: she is also a Start:ME alum and actively working her business, Sunavworld.
Mercedes Uzuegbunam
East Lake Coordinator + Alumni Program Lead
Mercedes manages the East Lake program’s coalition, recruitment, and local alumni programming.
Fun fact: she loves to travel - Mercedes has backpacked to 12 countries, 20 states, and Puerto Rico. Including biking from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Ghent, Belgium.
Ciara Mokeme
Northwest Program Lead
Ciara manages and delivers the Northwest program.
Fun fact: she has previously served as a Start:ME mentor in our Clarkston and Southside communities!
Fran Carroll
Southside Coordinator and NextGen Lead
Fran manages the Southside program’s coalition, recruitment, and local alumni programming.
Fun fact: she is a two-time graduate of Georgia State University - go Panthers!