Business and Society Institute Programs

Meaningful Change Purposeful Action

We put research into action through innovative programs that create flourishing communities, more inclusive markets, and social impact focused, climate-smart leaders.

Our Programs

We empower entrepreneurs to start and grow small businesses that deliver a big impact in local Atlanta communities.

Start:ME Accelerator Program

Start:ME is an intensive 3-month accelerator program that provides microentrepreneurs (those starting businesses with 1-4 employees) in traditionally underserved metro Atlanta communities business training, mentorship support, and early-stage financing needed to start and / or grow thriving businesses. Operating in Clarkston, East Lake-Kirkwood, Historic South Atlanta, and Northwest Atlanta communities, the program conducts sessions weekly each spring working with 15-18 promising micro-entrepreneurs in each community along with year-round alumni support activities.

The program is delivered by the Goizueta Business School with lead community partners Friends of Refugees, East Lake Foundation, Focused Community Strategies (FCS), Grove Park Foundation, and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta.

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We cultivate improved economic opportunity for coffee growers throughout Central America.

Direct Coffee Farmer Support

Launched in partnership with Emory University’s Office of the Provost Social Justice and the Socially Engaged Arts Initiative, The Understanding and Enhancing Farm Stories Project connects Emory students with coffee growers through semester-long directed studies and spring break trips to Central America focused on developing and enhancing farm stories.

The project closes equity gaps and cultivates improved economic opportunity for coffee growers by empowering them to craft and tell their own farm stories, which include written narratives that can be shared on websites or on coffee bags.

Public Scholarship

The Specialty Coffee Transaction Guide (SCTG) provides an online platform where coffee consumers, direct trade roasters, and other ecosystem stakeholders share information and insights about the economic treatment of coffee growers. Produced annually in both English and Spanish, the guide summarizes contract data from more than 100 companies to serve as an an alternative pricing benchmark to the commodity markets (C Price).

Within the SCTG website, users can also find other research-based tools developed and maintained by Professor Peter Roberts including the Specialty Coffee Retail Price Index (SCRPI) which tracks roasted coffee prices from a diverse set of specialty coffee roasters quarterly.

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We develop business leaders committed to just, equitable, and inclusive workplaces and communities.

The John Lewis Racial Justice Competition

Engaging more than a thousand students representing nearly 100 universities from 2021-2024, the John R. Lewis Racial Justice Case Competition brought lasting value and change to both student participants and corporate partners. This student-run case competition generated 50 corporate action plans and granted more than $125K in grants to nonprofits advancing justice.

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We develop the next generation of systems thinkers and problem solvers prepared to tackle the biggest challenges of the 21st century.

Social Enterprise Fellows Program

We recognize undergraduate and graduate business students who demonstrate both a deep interest in social and / or environmental impact and commitment to the Institute’s core focus areas of work. Fellows have access to hands-on education along with exposure and experiences to develop their capabilities as changemakers in a variety of careers and industries.

Program Benefits include career coaching and mentorship through Executives-in-Residence and faculty/staff, cohort-based events/social activities, dedicated personal development funds, and opportunity to apply for summer or post-grad stipend funds for work in the social and environmental impact field.