Celebrating a Rich History and an Even Brighter Future
Founded at Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University
The Edge, originally the Cobb Microenterprise Council, was created by a partnership of four local agencies: United Way of Cobb, Cobb Family Resources, Cobb County YWCA, and Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business where it has been housed on its main campus. Together, their purpose was to alleviate poverty in Cobb County. They wanted to offer low to moderate-income residents a hand up–a proven path to increase their income and financial security. Through micro-business training they could help the unemployed and underemployed launch businesses to create jobs for themselves and others.
First Micro-Business
Launched with 31 participants. Cobb Microenterprise Council celebrates its first graduation of 27 clients. Jane Fonda is the first keynote graduation speaker.
Award-Winning
SBA Vision 2000 Models of Excellence Awards for small business development and the Partnership Ecellence Award, presented by Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
Rebranded
The Cobb Microenterprise Council is rebranded as the Cobb Microenterprise Center and is awarded its 501(c)(3) status and its first SBA grant, the PRIME Grant, for $250,000.
Women’s Business Center
Awarded $150,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to operate a Women’s Business Center
Expansion to 19 Counties
Cbeyond leads a rebranding effort, and the Cobb Microenterprise Center becomes The Edge Connection, an acronym for Empowering and Developing Georgia’s Entrepreneurs.
First Annual Gala
Celebrates the first annual Gala & Award Fundraiser. Honored with an award from the Ms. Foundation in New York to provide learning clusters with other “best practice” organizations around the country.
Learning Programs
Expands programs and services with classes and workshops targeting startups, including development of growth enterprises, access to capital through micro loan funds, SBA lending, procurement, and minority and women business certification
10th Anniversary
Expands programs and services with classes and workshops targeting startups, including development of growth enterprises, access to capital through micro loan funds, SBA lending, procurement, and minority and women business certification
Breakfast Fundraiser
The first annual Business Forward Breakfast Fundraiser takes place with a keynote adress from inaugural Mayor Kasim Reid with over 280 supporters in attendance.
Training Site
Keynote address from Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX, to an audience of over 330 supporters. Certified by the Department of Labor, Workforce Investment Act as a self-employment training site.
Community Award
Honored with the Building Community Network Award from The Home Depot Foundation and the Georgia Center for Non-Profits.
PEARL Academy
Launched the Purposeful Engaged And Resilient Leaders (PEARL) leadership development program with the support of founding members Southern Company, Lockheed Martin, Kennesaw State Coles College of Business, and Exhibits South
Maker & Micro Business Expo
In partnership with the City of Kennesaw named an ETSY Maker City and launched the first annual Maker & Micro Business Expo for the handmade seller business industry.
Coaching Partnership
Established partnership with the International Coaching Federation and first PEARL Leadership training program with nine graduates.
#next20 Initiatives
Description to come
Our mission: To empower and develop Georgia’s entrepreneurs with a holistic approach to serving the whole person and developing a Community of corporate and strategic partners, funders, and volunteers to support them.
Founded in 1998, The Edge is a non-profit entrepreneurial training center serving the entire Metropolitan Atlanta Area and beyond. We specialize in serving individuals seeking to launch, grow, or sustain a micro-business or a small-scale business with up to ten employees.
The Edge is one of two Women’s Business Centers in the state of Georgia. In cooperation with the Small Business Administration (SBA), The Edge provides training, consultation, coaching, financial education, and community. Through partnerships, we offer human resources, employee benefits, and the use of a business incubator.
With training and support services from The Edge, our entrepreneurs learn how to take a hobby or a talent to the next level. They discover whether their idea if feasible, whether it could be developed into a viable business. They learn how to develop a business plan as a fully fleshed-out roadmap to success. They learn how to turn their strengths into money-making ventures. They learn to turn their dreams into reality.