Start M.O.R.E. Start M.O.R.E.

Established in 2023, our Start Making Opportunities a Reality Entrepreneurs campaign is a free entrepreneurial program. Our Start M.O.R.E. program, inspired by the successful model of Main Street Monroeville's Business Understand and Opportunities for Youth (B.O.U.Y.), is a beacon of hope and inspiration to aspiring business owners. This inclusive program is tailored for entrepreneurs, from high school sophomores to individuals of any age, ensuring everyone can benefit regardless of age or experience. Main Street Atmore launched its Entrepreneur Program in August 2023 to replicate this success. Start M.O.R.E. is a program designed to help entrepreneurs with strategic business plans, assumptions, marketing, taxes, certification (tailored to participants), mentoring, staff recruitment and training, succession planning, self-investment, and how to pitch a startup business successfully.

Atmore Main Street Economic Vitality Committee and Mrs. Yolanda Johnson, with the Small Business Development Center of Alabama (S.B.D.C.), the goal is to build a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs by providing business education and resources that can help take their business concept from an idea to a viable business. By supporting this program, community members can contribute to the growth and prosperity of our local economy. We offer a 9-month program with a pitch competition and prizes (participants must be between 16 and 21 years of age to qualify) and a work-at-your-own-pace program available to any participant with at least 16 years of age. This program can include in-person classes and offers some prizes and grant programs.

Turn your idea into a real business.

START M.O.R.E. is a 12-week entrepreneurship program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs ages 16 and up who are ready to learn how to launch, grow, and pitch a business.

Through hands-on sessions, participants will learn how to:

• Develop a business idea into a real opportunity

• Understand budgeting, money management, and business finances

• Build a brand and attract customers

• Learn the basics of taxes, business structure, and planning

• Create and deliver a strong business pitch

Participants will also have the opportunity to compete for up to $5,000 in startup funding to help bring their business idea to life.

Program Details

• Dates: August – October

• Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Eligibility: Ages 16+ (applicants under 18 must have parental permission)

Ready to get started?
Complete the application below and return it to the Main Street Atmore office or via email at info@mainstreetatmore.org to apply for the START M.O.R.E. Entrepreneur Program.