Cherokee Economic Development Joins 'Start It Up Georgia'

CANTON, GA — The Cherokee Office of Economic Development recently announced its partnership with Atlanta Tech Village’s newest program – Start It Up Georgia. The initiative is a free, 12-week virtual program open to everyone who wants to start a business. Launching on Aug. 10, Start It Up Georgia will provide mentorship, practical and tactical learning labs, community resources, and an opportunity for participants to apply for seed/grant funding at the completion of the program.

As of June, Georgia is facing an unemployment rate of 7.6 percent. Today’s economic crisis presents a complex set of barriers to overcome for both unemployed and those wanting to launch their own business. Start It Up Georgia helps remove those barriers through its interactive learning labs and by focusing on collaborative partnerships from around metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development joins a growing team of strategic partners that are working to solve Georgia’s unemployment through entrepreneurial education.

“Economic development has always been a team sport,” said Cherokee Office of Economic Development President Misti Martin. “Atlanta Tech Village’s unique vision with Start It Up Georgia aligns well with Cherokee Office of Economic Development’s strategy of using entrepreneurship as an effective driver for economic development and future job creation.”

Cherokee Office of Economic Development’s diverse approach to economic development from product, infrastructure and workforce development to entrepreneurship and film will help support Start It Up Georgia through resources, collaboration, and community involvement. Specifically, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development will leverage its resources and vast network of entrepreneurial support through its entrepreneurship initiative, Fresh Start Cherokee. The North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service - one of those key programs – is a team-based program principled and trained by MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service that provides entrepreneurs around North Atlanta regular access to a diverse community of 27 mentors.

“Nothing says innovation like trailblazing your own career path through entrepreneurship, especially during an economic crisis,” said Cherokee Office of Economic Development Community Manager of Entrepreneurship Jonathan Chambers. “Helping Georgia’s unemployed and aspiring entrepreneurs navigate starting their own business can give them the skills and training they need to relaunch their career and join the workforce stronger than ever.”

To learn more or apply for Start It Up Georgia, visit startitupgeorgia.org.