Atlanta’s Women Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI), a business incubator for early-stage, women-owned businesses, announced the 15 members of its fifth cohort today.

The only municipally funded program of its kind in the nation, WEI launched in 2015 with the support of the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta. The 15-month incubator fosters and promotes community and spurs business growth for female entrepreneurs in a wide range of industries from transportation and logistics to healthcare, media, education, and consumer goods.

Since its inception, WEI businesses have created more than 600 jobs for the City of Atlanta and its entrepreneurs have garnered more than $4 million in capital investment.

“We’re focused on creating an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive, to help advance equity and equality in Atlanta,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “WEI is another shining example of Atlanta’s work to fulfill our mission of making sure all Atlantans have equitable access to opportunity and pathways to wealth creation as we continue to move Atlanta forward.”

This cohort’s theme – “HerMove” – celebrates the strategic role that women play in entrepreneurial leadership with its new class of entrepreneurs in districts from the southside, westside and northside, showcasing the growing diversity and inclusion of its business community. WEI provides access to practical business education, mentorship engagement, financial literacy assistance and business support services, including collaborative co-working space at the historic Flatiron Building in downtown Atlanta.

“Women-owned businesses play a major role in Atlanta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and are vital to the success of the city’s economy,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “Businesses founded and helmed by women represent 42% of all U.S. businesses and statistics show that women reinvest 90% of their income into their families and their local community, so supporting them is a win-win.”

“WEI and Invest Atlanta prove once again, women founders are profitable, innovative and impactful; and that our fair city is a guiding star for diversity, equity and inclusion in entrepreneurs,” said Monica Delores Hooks, executive director of WEI.  “Cohort 5 is positioned to bring continued accolades and awards to help make Atlanta the most economically competitive and dynamic city in the world."

Fifth cohort participants include:

• Agate Solutions LLC
• Art In The Paint Corporation
• Ask Me Your MD, Inc.
• Could Be Pretty Cool LLC
• Fourth Party LLC
• Helping Empower Youth Incorporated (HEY!)
• HERide
• Hillendell Medical Training
• IHCBP Infinity Holdings INC
• Jo David Design Studio
• Kore Beauty Co. LLC
• Lapapoe LLC
• Pretty Luxe Picnics
• RAW Body Essentials
• READI Consulting, LLC