Showcase Atlanta Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator 

In Partnership with

The Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program is a competitive youth business accelerator designed to elevate the next generation of entrepreneurs in the City of Atlanta.

This program is built for serious young founders ages 16–21 who have a strong interest in entrepreneurship, are already operating a business or have a clearly developed product or service ready to bring to market. Participants will strengthen their business models, refine their revenue strategies, and prepare to compete for funding — while positioning themselves for larger economic opportunities in Atlanta.

It is a focused, five-week business development experience designed to sharpen, strengthen, and accelerate youth-led ventures.

Selected participants will engage in structured training, expert-led sessions, guest instruction, and pitch coaching — culminating in a live pitch competition where selected youth entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to access a portion of $30,000 in grant funding for their business.

Applications are due by March 9, 2026

Applicants will apply and receive all coordination through the Boost link below.


Apply now on Boost

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be between the ages of 16 and 21 at the time of application

  • Live in or have a business within the City of Atlanta limits

  • Be actively operating a business or have a clearly developed product or service idea

  • Be applying as an individual or as part of a group working together on the same business

  • Commit to attending all required program dates

  • Submit all required materials by the application deadline

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (IF SELECTED)

To remain eligible for participation, selected applicants must submit the following:

1. Proof of Atlanta Residency OR Proof of Atlanta Business Registration
 Applicants must provide one document showing they currently live in the City of Atlanta. Acceptable documents include:

  • School record

  • State-issued ID

  • School ID

  • Utility bill (in the applicant’s name or a parent/guardian’s name)

  • Lease agreement

  • Official mail showing the applicant’s name and Atlanta address

If the applicant does not live in the City of Atlanta but owns a business that is registered in the City of Atlanta, they must submit a valid City of Atlanta business license.

2. Proof of Age
 Applicants must provide one document confirming their age. Acceptable documents include:

  • State-issued ID or driver’s license

  • Passport

  • Birth certificate

  • School record showing date of birth

3. Parental Release Form (Required for Applicants Under 18)
 Applicants under the age of 18 must submit a signed parental or legal guardian release form.

4. School Enrollment Verification

School-aged applicants must submit proof of enrollment

What Participants Receive:

All selected participants will receive:

  • Five weeks of structured business development (March 14 – April 18, 2026)

  • In-person and virtual expert-led sessions

  • Guest speakers and pitch experts

  • Market validation and revenue modeling guidance

  • Pitch deck development and storytelling coaching

  • Video pitch submission preparation

  • Live pitch competition experience

  • Certificate of completion

  • Continued access to the Boost! Youth Curriculum through July 31, 2026

At least six (6) winners will receive:

  • A portion of $30,000 in grant funding for their business

  • Continued curriculum access through July 31, 2026

Attendance at all required sessions is mandatory to remain eligible for funding consideration.

Program Duration: March 14 – April 18, 2026 (Sessions are virtual, unless indicated otherwise.)

  • Saturday, March 14 - Accelerator Kickoff (In-Person)

  • Thursday, March 19

  • Thursday, March 26

  • Thursday, April 2

  • Thursday, April 9 

  • Thursday, April 16 

  • Saturday, April 18 - Pitch Competition and Awards Ceremony (In-Person)

PROGRAM DATES

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply?

Youth entrepreneurs ages 16–21 who live in Atlanta and are serious about growing their business. We welcome those who are seeking to learn; however, this program is best suited for those already selling a product/service or preparing to launch with a clear offering.

Do I need to already have a registered business?

A registered business is not required. However, applicants should have a defined product or service and a clear plan to operate or grow their business.

Is this an ideation or beginner workshop?

The learning sessions will be valuable to all young entrepreneurs. However, this Accelerator is primarily designed for youth who are ready to refine, strengthen, and scale their business.

Is attendance required?

Yes. This is a structured accelerator experience. Participants are expected to attend all required sessions (virtual and in-person), submit their video pitch, and attend the live pitch competition to remain eligible for funding.

Because the program builds week-to-week, full attendance is strongly encouraged. Participants may have up to one excused absence for a virtual session; however, they are responsible for catching up on any missed material. If you anticipate missing more than one session, we recommend applying in a future cycle when you can fully commit to the schedule.

Do I need transportation?

Yes. Participants must have reliable transportation to attend the in-person opening session and final pitch competition.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding must support legitimate business expenses aligned with your long-term growth strategy — such as equipment, inventory, marketing, technology, licensing, or operational needs.

How many participants will be selected?

While we invite all youth entrepreneurs to join the cohort program, the opportunity for grant funding and to vend during the FIFA World Cup™ will be limited to entrepreneurs selected to participate in the final pitch competition. We will share more on the final pitch experience in our opening session.

How many will receive funding?

Through our $30,000 investment funding, recipients will receive support based on readiness and need. Funding will be awarded at the final pitch competition, as well as opportunities to serve as a vendor for your service or product during the FIFA World Cup™.

What happens after the competition?

All participants retain access to the Boost! Youth Curriculum through July 31, 2026 allowing continued development beyond the competition.