Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: Beltline Business Ventures Graduates Fourth Cohort

On Tuesday, August 26, the latest cohort of the Beltline Business Ventures accelerator program celebrated the completion of its three-month program with a graduation ceremony at Wild Heaven West End.   

A collaboration between the Atlanta Beltline Business Solutions Office, The Center by Lendistry, and CVM Worldwide, the initiative delivers tailored resources and support to entrepreneurs looking to launch or grow physical locations along the Beltline corridor. 

The ceremony highlighted the achievements of a passionate and dedicated group of small business owners who grew stronger throughout the program. Natalie Jones, Business Solutions Office Project Manager, opened the event with welcoming remarks. 

Keynote speaker Tarina Hodges, owner of Pepper’s Hot Dogs and a proud graduate of Cohort 3, gave an inspiring speech on entrepreneurship and the Beltline. Hodges, who debuted a stall at Truist Park’s Outfield Market this season and recently opened her first brick-and-mortar location, was also a winner of last year’s pitch competition. 

Graduates were called up individually to receive their awards and share a brief elevator pitch about their businesses. 

The full graduating class included:  

• About You Family Medicine: A membership-based, direct primary care practice offering simple, affordable, personalized, and compassionate healthcare without the hassle of insurance. 

• D Cafe LLC: D Cafe delights guests with healthy and fresh Soul Food that blends tradition and creativity. 

• eStar Rides: Atlanta’s destination for innovative, eco-friendly e-bikes and e-scooters, advancing sustainable and accessible urban mobility. 

• Jazzy Pawz By Andrea: A cage-free, one-on-one dog grooming spa providing stress-free care with soothing jazz and pet-safe essential oils. 

• Lotus Flower Om: Yogi-inspired, sustainable skincare that blends mood-enhancing essential oils, botanicals, and safe ingredients nourish the skin and foster mindful self-care. 

• Lupo Group: This company streamlines real estate project delivery to save time and money while maintaining high architectural standards for developers, owners, and tenants. 

• Papin's Bites: A family-owned restaurant bringing the vibrant street food flavors of Bogotá, Colombia, to the U.S. with authentic, high-quality dishes. 

• Posh Hair District: Posh supplies a comprehensive, thoughtful selection of certified vegan hair products to elevate your hair’s health, vitality, and beauty with every use. 

• Scratch Food Group: Crafting exceptional plant-based meals from scratch that celebrate taste, tradition, and community. 

• Serenade Beverage Co.: Promotes mindful, healthy living with delicious, allergen-free, alkaline vegan beverages created from the finest natural ingredients. 

• Sincerely Fearless LLC: A curated collection of novelty and interactive jewelry that is fun, functional and fashionable. 

Keep these rising small businesses on your radar—they're bringing big ideas to our city! 

Want to be notified when applications open for our next cycle? Fill out this interest form. To learn what other services you may qualify for, complete our small business assessment.