Beltline Business Ventures Accelerator Program Graduates its Third Cohort

On November 4, the most recent cohort of the Beltline Business Ventures small business accelerator program celebrated its success during an exciting graduation ceremony.  

A collaboration between the Atlanta Beltline Business Solutions Office, The Center by Lendistry, and CVM Worldwide, the three-month initiative provides tailored resources to local entrepreneurs interested in establishing or growing their presence via brick-and-mortar locations along the Beltline.  

The graduation recognized an impressive group of small business owners, who demonstrated their passion and determination over the course of the program. Keynote speaker James Harris, co-founder of Core Venture Studios, also gave an inspirational address on entrepreneurship and the Beltline, including the impact businesses have on the current experience and legacy of the trail.  

“Now that you’ve been through this experience, walk it, live it,” he said. “Understand what you’ve earned and where you are.” 

The entrepreneurs were called up one by one to receive their awards and were also asked to share what they liked most about the program. Several talked about the relationships they built.

Shayna Marshall, owner of Fixtreme Inc., said it allowed her to dig deep into her numbers and activities and challenged her to grow and see her business as ever-evolving. Destry Carrasquillo of Rio’s Italian Ice said he appreciated having a chance to set aside an hour and a half a week to focus on his business. 

The full graduating class included: 

• Kayla’s Italian Ice: A mother/daughter duo bringing a New York summer treat, made from local fresh ingredients to Georgia. 

• Pepper’s Hot Dogs: A group repainting the picture of hot dogs using ingredients from across the globe with reimagined classic and original recipes. 

• Beltline Biking: A company on a mission to make Atlanta a biking city, replacing driving with cycling for a greener future. 

• Rio’s Italian Ice: Rio’s aims to delight dessert enthusiasts with a refreshing array of authentic and flavorful Italian ice creations, from classic favorites to innovative twists. 

• Fixtreme Inc: A kickboxing studio with semi-private instruction, no class times, and changing workouts every day.  

• FruitTea: A premier tea shop featuring colorful fruit and milk teas with signature brown sugar boba, a variety of popping pearls, and gluten-free treats. 

• Educator’s Now!: An organization founded to aid all educational institutions with placement, recruitment, and retention of qualified educators.  

• Kosher Guacamole Corp: A spot dedicated to bringing the culture and cuisine of El Salvador to Atlanta neighborhoods, focusing on high-quality ingredients that ensure fantastic flavor and nutrition on every guest’s plate. 

• Spin King Laundry: A spot offering quality, service-oriented, coin-operated laundry service. 

• EveryThang Dope: Atlanta's go-to destination for rare 80s & 90s vintage fashion, inspired by black culture and hip-hop. 

• Iwi Fresh: A plant-based skincare and rest spa that believes in the power of feeding your skin the Truth with raw veggies from the farm. 

Be sure to look out for this incredible collection of small businesses around the city! 

Applications for the Spring 2025 cycle will open on December 9, 2024 and run through January 10, 2025. To learn more about the program and how to apply when it’s time, click here.