
About this Event
Ignite Small Business Academy: Hosted by Atlanta Housing & The DRL Group
Dates: October 21 – November 18, 2025
Format: Hybrid | 2 in-person sessions + 3 virtual sessions
Registration Deadline: October 19, 2025
About the Program
Now in its third successful year, the Ignite Small Business Academy has helped Atlanta-based entrepreneurs build stronger operations, adopt growth strategies, and prepare to do business with Atlanta Housing.
Hosted by Atlanta Housing and led by The DRL Group, a nationally recognized leader in federal contracting and small business growth, this free academy equips you with the skills, strategies, and connections needed to scale your business and become a valued supplier to Atlanta Housing.
Who Should Attend
- Small businesses that meet SBA size standards
- Companies with 2+ employees
- Entrepreneurs interested in becoming an Atlanta Housing supplier
- Business owners seeking long-term growth and procurement success
Why Attend
- Proven program trusted by Atlanta small businesses for three years
- Access to The DRL Group’s 30+ years of expertise in growth and procurement
- Direct connections with Atlanta Housing procurement staff
- Strategies in operations, finance, marketing, and compliance to help your business scale sustainably
- A graduation certificate validating your procurement readiness (must attend at least 4 classes. )
- Valuable information about becoming Section(3) certified through Atlanta Housing
Program Schedule
Tuesday, October 21 | MODULE 1: Strategy & Operations of a Scaling Business (In-Person) 10: 00AM- 12:00PM
Location: Emma Darnell Aviation Museum & Conference Center
3900 Aviation Circle, NW, Atl, GA 30336
- Meet & Greet / Kickoff – Welcome, introductions, program expectations
- Aligning Vision, Mission, and Goals with Operations
- Identifying Operational Gaps and Bottlenecks
Tuesday, October 28 | MODULE 2: Marketing & AI Strategies for Small Businesses Seeking Growth (Virtual) 11: 30AM- 1:030PM
- Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Customer Acquisition
- Traditional & Digital Marketing Best Practices
- Case Studies in AI Adoption
Tuesday, November 4 | MODULE 3: Financial Strategies to Scale & Build Stability (Virtual)11: 30AM- 1:30PM
- Business Financing & Access to Capital
- Financial Planning & Cash Flow Management
- The 5 Cs of Capital: What Lenders Evaluate
Thursday, November 13 | MODULE 4: Procurement Preparedness & Tools for Growth (Virtual)11: 30AM- 1:30PM
- Preparing for Procurement Opportunities
- Capability Statement & Proposal Best Practices
- Compliance, Performance, and Supplier Expectations
- Contractual Obligations & Legal Concerns
Tuesday, November 18 | MODULE 5: How to Do Business with Atlanta Housing (In-Person)11: 30AM- 1:30PM
~ Location will be announced soon ~
- Direct Engagement with AH Procurement Teams
- Walkthrough of AH’s Procurement Processes
- Networking & Relationship Building
- Graduation & Certification Ceremony
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Emma Darnell Aviation Museum & Conference Center (formerly Aviation Community Cultural Center), 3900 Aviation Circle Northwest, Atlanta, United States
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