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Atlanta opens applications for Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator
The accelerator programme aims to connect young entrepreneurs to the tools and funding needed to participate in the US city’s long-term economic legacy.
Mayor Andre Dickens is committed to ensuring major global events happen with Atlanta, not to Atlanta
At a glance
Who: City of Atlanta.
What: The City has opened applications for the Showcase Atlanta Youth Entrepreneurship accelerator, a competitive programme supporting young entrepreneurs through business readiness training.
Why: To connect young entrepreneurs to the tools and funding needed to participate in the city’s long-term economic legacy.
When: Applications must be submitted through the Showcase Atlanta website by 9 March 2026.
Atlanta has opened applications for the Showcase Atlanta Youth Entrepreneurship accelerator, a competitive programme supporting young entrepreneurs through business readiness training.
The accelerator aims to connect young entrepreneurs to the tools and funding needed to participate in the city’s long-term economic legacy. The programme is specifically built for serious founders who are already operating a business or have a clearly developed product or service ready for the market.
Mentorship and investment
The new initiative offers young founders training, mentorship and a chance at $30,000 in grant funding ahead of major global events, such as the Fifa World Cup.
“Every year in Atlanta is the Year of the Youth, because our young people are not just our future – they are already building it. The Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator is about matching that ambition with real tools, mentorship and investment,” said Andre Dickens, mayor of Atlanta.
“As we prepare to welcome the world, this programme ensures our young founders are not watching history happen around them but actively shaping Atlanta’s economic legacy for years to come.”
“In every neighbourhood, there are young founders with the vision to change the game. This programme is our way of saying that your hustle belongs on the global stage”
Programme highlights and rewards:
- Five-week business development: selected participants will engage in structured training from 14 March to 18 April 2026, covering market validation, revenue modelling, and branding
- Grant funding: the programme culminates in a live pitch competition where winners will receive a portion of $30,000 in grant funding for legitimate business expenses
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- Fifa World Cup 2026 vending opportunities: selected winners will have the unique opportunity to serve as vendors for their products or services during the Fifa World Cup 2026
- Ongoing mentorship: all participants will retain access to the Boost! Youth Curriculum through 31 July 2026.
“In every neighbourhood, there are young founders with the vision to change the game. This programme is our way of saying that your hustle belongs on the global stage,” said Lamar Stewart, interim executive director of Showcase Atlanta.
“We want the world to see the talent and culture that was born right here in our streets, and we’re providing the capital and the platform to make sure that brilliance is part of Atlanta’s permanent legacy.”
Candace Stanciel, chief impact officer for the City and co-lead for the programme, added: “The Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator is one of several legacy programmes initiated through our city’s Fifa Human Rights Action Plan. Leveraging the Fifa World Cup 2026 experience means ensuring Atlantans benefit today, and more importantly, beyond the Games.”
Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 21 and either live in the City of Atlanta or have a business registered within the city. Applications must be submitted through the Showcase Atlanta website by 9 March 2026.
Why not try these links to see what our SmartCitiesWorld AI can tell you.
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How will finalists be selected for the Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator?What allowable expenses qualify for the $30,000 grant funding?How will vending opportunities during FIFA World Cup be allocated?Which mentorship metrics indicate participant business readiness improvement?What documentation verifies applicants' ages and Atlanta residency or registration?Latest City Profile
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