Cohort 3

Helping Established Small Businesses Build the Foundation for Sustainable Growth

Growing a business takes more than working harder—it takes the right strategy, trusted guidance, and a community committed to your success. BRIDGE Small Business Growth Cohort is BRIDGE’s signature 12-week business growth cohort designed for established entrepreneurs who are ready to strengthen their business, sharpen their leadership, and confidently move into their next stage of growth. Through expert instruction, individualized coaching, accountability, and meaningful connections, participants gain practical tools they can implement immediately—and a network of support that continues long after the program ends.

Build. Belong. Become.

Build. Gain practical business knowledge from experienced professionals and subject matter experts who understand the challenges and opportunities of growing a small business. Belong. Join a community of entrepreneurs, mentors, business leaders, and peers who share insights, encouragement, and support throughout your business journey. Become. Develop the competencies, leadership capabilities, and strategic mindset needed to grow your business and become the leader your next stage of success requires.

The Three Drivers of Growth

Business Education

Strengthen your business through practical, expert-led learning focused on today’s most important growth strategies, including marketing, financial management, legal fundamentals, AI and operational efficiency, government contracting, business planning, and more.

Leadership Development

Great businesses require great leaders. Through coaching, guided discussions, and leadership development, participants strengthen the skills needed to make confident decisions, lead teams, overcome challenges, and grow with purpose.

Community Connections

Business growth doesn’t happen in isolation. BRIDGE Small Business Growth Cohort intentionally brings together entrepreneurs, mentors, resource partners, and business leaders to create lasting relationships that extend well beyond the program.

Who Should Apply?

BRIDGE Small Business Growth Cohort is designed for established small business owners who are ready to move beyond day-to-day operations and build a stronger, more scalable business. Ideal participants are entrepreneurs who:

• Have an established product or service and are generating revenue
• Are ready to strengthen their business foundation and prepare for growth
• Want to become more strategic and confident business leaders
• Value collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning
• Are willing to engage fully and implement what they learn

We encourage applications from entrepreneurs representing the diverse communities we serve throughout Metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia.

What You’ll Gain

Over twelve weeks, participants receive:

• Expert-led workshops from trusted business professionals
• Leadership coaching designed to help entrepreneurs grow alongside their businesses
• Practical strategies that can be implemented immediately
• One-on-one access to experienced subject matter experts
• Accountability and peer support that keeps momentum moving forward
• Meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and community partners
• Access to valuable business tools and trusted resources
• A supportive entrepreneurial community that continues beyond graduation
• An individualized Pitch Coaching Report with actionable recommendations to strengthen future investor, lender, and customer presentations

Participant Expectations

Participants commit to:

• Attending all twelve weekly sessions (minimum attendance required)
• Attending Kick-off and Graduation/Pitch Competition in person
• Actively engaging in workshops, discussions, and peer learning
• Completing assignments and action items between sessions
• Meeting with coaches or mentors, when applicable
• Supporting fellow cohort members through accountability and collaboration
• Taking intentional action to move their business forward throughout the program

Why BRIDGE Small Business Growth Cohort?

At BRIDGE, we believe lasting business success begins with investing in both the business and the entrepreneur behind it. Our approach combines practical education, leadership development, and meaningful community connections to help business owners grow with confidence, credibility, and purpose. Whether you’re strengthening your business foundation, preparing to scale, or looking for a trusted community that believes in your success, BRIDGE Small Business Growth Cohort provides the guidance, relationships, and resources to help you move forward.

Ready to Move Forward?

Click Here to Join Our Waitlist

Applications for the next BRIDGE Small Business Growth Cohort will open  11/17/26

Cohort Kick-off: Tues. Feb. 9th, 2027, 11:30a – 1:30p

Weekly Sessions: Tuesdays, via Zoom, 12:00 – 1:30p

Graduation and Pitch Competition: (Tentative)Thurs. May 6th, evening ceremony, Details TBD     

                                                                                                                                                                     Questions?

For more information about BRIDGE Small Business Cohorts, contact:

Kimber Armstrong Program Director,

Better Business Bureau, Greater Atlanta

karmstrong@atlanta.bbb.org