Ignite Small Business Academy | Kickoff Event

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

Tuesday, October 21 | MODULE 1: Strategy & Operations of a Scaling Business (In-Person) 10: 00AM- 12:00PM

• 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

• 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

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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