Beltline Business Ventures: Celebrating the Latest Graduates

The second cohort of the Beltline Business Ventures program recently concluded its three-month journey! Launched by the Beltline Business Solutions Office in collaboration with The Center by Lendistry and CVM Worldwide, this small business accelerator provides tools, resources, and guidance for local small business owners looking to scale their business and establish or grow their presence via brick-and-mortar locations along the Atlanta Beltline. This cohort included 15 businesses, a full list of which can be found below.

The graduation ceremony, held on May 14, 2024, was a testament to the hard work and dedication of these local entrepreneurs. Keynote speaker Denise Reese, founder and CEO of Grace the Collection, inspired the graduates with tales from her own journey of entrepreneurship and reinforced the importance of perseverance and community support. “Stay hungry but not desperate,” Grace shared, “Your journey might look different from others, but every step you take brings you closer to your dreams.”

Beltline Business Ventures Graduation. (Photo credit: The Sintoses)

Ruben Brooks, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.’s (ABI) Chief Operating Officer, and ABI’s Vice President of Economic Development Kelvin Collins, also spoke at the event, highlighting the Beltline’s efforts to support small businesses by creating affordable commercial spaces and developing the mainline trail, which provides more opportunities for businesses to connect with the community.

Miranda Rodriguez from The Center by Lendistry and Candace Mitchell Harris from CVM Worldwide also shared their insights and congratulated the participants on their achievements. Harris remarked on their potential for continued growth, saying, “This is just the beginning.”

The highlight of the evening was the pitch session, where participants shared their business plans with the audience. Lindsay Barnett, CEO and Creative Director of Kultured Misfits, shared her vision of a premium apparel brand that celebrates individuality and self-expression. Neil Hudson, co-founder of Scotch Boyz, talked about his brand’s success in bringing Caribbean flavors to mainstream markets, highlighting their commitment to supporting local farmers and communities in Jamaica. Latrice Rochelle and Xavier John, owners of Parley Savory Saloon, discussed their journey to create the best seafood, soul food, and snack food in the city. They shared how the program impacted their business, noting that the sessions gave them the information and tools they needed to make informed decisions about their business operations.

The full graduating class included:

• Aligned 4 Life: A top-rated chiropractor with a mission to provide an optimal health care experience that promotes health, vitality, and well-being to Atlantans.

• Bloom Flavours: An elevated Italian ice creator providing treats that are carefully crafted using real fresh fruit and other quality ingredients.

• El Ponce: A traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant that fosters a sense of community through a welcoming and safe space for all with fresh, affordable food and drink.

• Glaciers Italian Ice: A homemade Italian ice provider that works to keep young men safe, educated, and employed.

• Indian Goddess Boutique: A boutique that specializes in handmade Indian-inspired jewelry that is ethically handmade in India.

• Kerykar Candle Co: A company on a mission to spread peace, joy, and good vibes by offering affordable, fun aromatherapy.

• Kultured Misfits Clothing Collection: A premium streetwear brand on a mission to create a community that provides an identity for those that were never meant to fit in.

• Ng’ara Designs LLC: Creators of one-of-a-kind custom garments and accessories.

• N-Ovate Business Solutions: A consulting firm with a mission to champion innovative solutions that align with and accelerate strategic objectives, focusing on real-world impact and success.

• Parlay Savory Saloon: Atlanta’s premier dining choice to share, savor, and sip soul food, seafood, and snack food.

• Pink Dance and Aerial Studio: An aerial studio offering a diverse range of dance and fitness classes, including pole fitness, lyra, trapeze, chair acrobatics, aerial silks, Russian Exotic, burlesque, and kids tumbling.

• Pour Up Atlanta: A premier full-service bar and beverage catering service.

• Scotch Boyz Jamaica: A manufacturer of fine sauces and seasoning from Jamaica.

• Yacht Club Access: A premium lifestyle brand catering to individuals who embrace a luxurious and active lifestyle.

• YANY Beauty: A premier retail destination for cutting-edge, clean beauty sourced from innovative indie founders worldwide.

Congratulations to the recent graduates and best wishes for continued success!

Applications for the next Beltline Business Ventures Cohort are open through June 28, 2024. Click here to apply.