at Program
Bringing ATDC's Support to Entrepreneurs Across Georgia
The ATDC at Program extends the reach of Georgia’s statewide innovation hub beyond Atlanta, ensuring founders anywhere in the state can access the same level of coaching, expertise, and startup resources in Georgia traditionally found only in large metropolitan areas. Through a network of six Regional Catalysts, based in Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah, and partnerships with entrepreneurial support organizations in their communities, ATDC meets founders where they are and helps them grow where they live.
Launched in 2016 and expanded in 2022, the program was created to remove geographic barriers and make high‑quality entrepreneurial resources available to all Georgians. Whether a founder prefers to stay rooted in their community or simply doesn’t want to relocate to a major city, ATDC ensures that location is never a limitation.
No Matter Where You Live in Georgia, ATDC is Here to Help You Succeed
Gain Access to Georgia's Innovation Resources
The ATDC at Program gives founders outside metro Atlanta direct access to coaching, community, and the startup resources in Georgia that meaningfully accelerate growth. Each Regional Catalyst works within their region to provide hands‑on guidance, helping founders validate ideas, build scalable business models, identify customer acquisition strategies, and develop clear pathways for growth. These Catalysts also serve as local connectors, linking entrepreneurs to ATDC’s statewide talent, mentors, curriculum, and events.
For founders in smaller cities or rural regions, this access can be transformative. It allows entrepreneurs to build high‑growth companies in the communities they already call home, supporting local job creation and strengthening Georgia’s broader statewide innovation economy.Â
 ATDC offers free Educate memberships for entrepreneurs located outside metro Atlanta.Â
Our Locations: Statewide Innovation Hubs
ATDC’s statewide innovation support is fully interconnected. Entrepreneurs can work with any coach, in any region, virtually or in person, regardless of where they reside. In addition to our main location on the Georgia Tech campus in Midtown Atlanta, ATDC has six regional locations, with startup coaches in each area, ensuring founders statewide can tap into startup resources in Georgia whenever and wherever they need them.
Albany
Ben Andrews, Statewide Program Manager
Athens
Christian Foster, Startup Catalyst in Athens
Augusta
Chris Dickson, Startup Catalyst in Augusta
Columbus
Gregg Warren, Startup Catalyst in Columbus
Macon
Sierra Martin, Startup Catalyst in Macon
Savannah
Radford Harrell, Startup Catalyst in Savannah
ATDC Programs: Your Path to Success
Educate
ATDC Educate gives every Georgia entrepreneur the knowledge and support to transform ideas into viable startups. Build skills, make connections, and discover if entrepreneurship is your path.
Accelerate
ATDC Accelerate helps growth‑minded tech founders build momentum and scale with confidence. When you’re ready to move from MVP to product-market fit, this is the program built for your next stage.
Signature
ATDC Signature is where Georgia’s highest‑potential tech startups transform into category‑leading companies. These companies are ready to move from product-market fit to scale.
Not Sure Where Your Company Fits in ATDC?
Check out our interactive tool to determine which of our programs is the right fit for you.
Questions about the Accelerate Program
Do I need to be a technology company to join Accelerate?
Yes. All ATDC Accelerate companies must have a tech-related aspect in order to join the program. If your company is not a technology-related company, you are able to take classes through ATDC’s Educate Program.
Is there an application deadline for the Accelerate Program?
There is no specific application deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed as they are received. Our team conducts additional due diligence, including meetings with founders, to assess program fit, readiness, and alignment with Accelerate’s product market fit-stage focus.
Does ATDC provide funding to Accelerate companies?
ATDC does not provide direct funding to portfolio companies. However, we support founders in preparing for fundraising through targeted resources, expert guidance, and introductions to potential investors and funding partners when appropriate.
How long does the Accelerate Program last?
ATDC is an incubator and long-term home for startups, so participation in the Accelerate Program is not time-bound. Companies remain in Accelerate until they demonstrate the metrics, traction, and readiness to progress to our Signature Program. On average, companies participate in Accelerate for 1–3 years.
What will best prepare me for the Accelerate Program?
To best prepare for the Accelerate Program, we recommend completing meaningful customer discovery and developing a strong understanding of the problem you are solving before applying. Founders can also take advantage of the ATDC Educate Program, which offers classes and resources designed to help startups build a solid foundation and prepare for Accelerate.
Do I have to be a Georgia-based company to apply to the Accelerate Program?
Yes. While your company may be incorporated in another state, it must be registered to do business in Georgia. Additionally, at least one founder must be based in Georgia and committed to growing a strong local presence. ATDC works with companies across the entire state, not just in Atlanta.
Do I have to be on site at ATDC’s offices to participate in the Accelerate Program?
No. We support companies throughout Georgia and offer many classes and resources through virtual platforms. For Atlanta-based companies, flexible office space is available as a benefit of participation, but it is not required to be part of the Accelerate Program.
Is there a cost to participate in the Accelerate Program?
Accelerate companies are charged a $300 membership fee per quarter.
ATDC at Program In Action
What We Do for Startups
We equip serious, growth-minded, tech entrepreneurs in Georgia to transform their ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses.
ATDC is Georgia’s statewide innovation hub and startup incubator. We provide deep industry expertise, hands-on coaching, funding and talent connections, and proven economic and workforce impact that supports and inspires entrepreneurs and drives Georgia’s innovation economy forward.
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