The Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative, an incubator program for women-owned businesses in the City of Atlanta, recently announced open applications for its third cohort.

Launched in 2016 with support of the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) is an incubator designed to foster and promote community and business growth for female entrepreneurs. WEI is one of the only city-funded initiatives of its kind in the nation.

Through an ecosystem of educational resources, access to funding assistance, and mentorship, the program participants will grow their businesses over 15 months and then transition the business back into the city of Atlanta. WEI supports participants in areas such as refining business plans, identifying marketing and branding strategies, financial education, and transition support to reinforce business longevity and success. Businesses have spanned a variety of industries, including construction, security, marketing, fitness, and more.

“Nearly 48 percent of women cite a lack of community support as a key challenge to starting a business,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “The Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative provides a collaborative environment where these entrepreneurs have access to resources that can help them thrive. Invest Atlanta is committed to assisting women entrepreneurs on their entrepreneurial journeys to grow their businesses and become the city's job creators.”

Invest Atlanta recently announced the hiring of Monica Delores Hooks as the new Executive Director of the program. Hooks brings more than 20 years of marketing and business development experience to the position with deep expertise in new media, entertainment, and technology. She is also a graduate of the inaugural WEI class.

“Since its beginnings, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative has supported and empowered entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level,” said Hooks. “Our plans for 2020 will continue to build on that legacy. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of outstanding entrepreneurs that will make Atlanta’s small business ecosystem even stronger.”

Applications are currently open and will close on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. Businesses must be 100 percent woman-owned, licensed to do business in the city of Atlanta, and have no more than three employees at the time of application. For full eligibility requirements and to apply for the 2020 cohort, visit www.weiatlanta.com.