Select Fulton

How far can $5,000 take a growing business? For Metro Atlanta’s global-minded companies: as far as they dare to go. Each year, the Metro Atlanta Chamber welcomes a new cohort of ambitious companies ready to take their international strategy to the next level—some stepping onto the global stage for the first time, others sharpening their edge in markets around the world. With an initial $5,000 export grant, these firms jumpstart targeted activities that unlock new customers and opportunities abroad. But the real highlight happens at Pitch Day—our annual competition where cohort members go head-to-head, making their case to a panel of judges for a chance at additional grant funding. It’s here that their drive, creativity, and global ambition take center stage. And the results speak for themselves: 🚀 Millions in export sales 🌍 First-time international customers 📈 Growing global brand recognition Every success story reminds us of the tenacity Atlanta’s SMEs bring to expanding their global footprint. Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate our 2025 Pitch Day winners: 🏆 1st Place ($15,000): LockThreat GRC 🥈 2nd Place ($10,000): ZCorum 🥉 3rd Place ($5,000): Compac Industries A big thank you to our host (Stream Realty Partners - Malik Leaphart) and program partners and sponsors, without whom the MEC and Pitch Day would not be possible: Georgia Department of Economic Development, NRW.Global Business, Delta Air Lines, Mayor's Office of International & Immigrant Affairs - Welcoming Atlanta, Partnership Gwinnett, Select Fulton, SelectCobb, Invest Atlanta Much more to come in 2026! Lizann Grupalo Michael Howley Daniel Dueren, MBA Seong Su (Andrew) Kim Julio Rivera-Montero Paulina Guzman Nicholas Mulkey Andrew Hickey Samir Abdullahi, Dana Johnson, Amanda Blanton, Laurie Prickett

🎉 Celebrating This Year’s Atlanta Metro Export Challenge Winners! Last night we wrapped another successful MEC Pitch Day, where metro Atlanta companies showcased their global growth strategies, and the top three walked away with export grants and Delta Air Lines flight vouchers to accelerate their international expansion.   “This pitch competition demonstrated the remarkable accomplishments of metro Atlanta’s homegrown companies”, shared Stefan Harrigan, Senior Manager, Global Business Development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Programs like the MEC help propel local businesses to global markets and demonstrate the cutting-edge innovation and quality that Atlanta offers the world. Congratulations to the winners and a sincere thanks to the partners who make the Metro Export Challenge possible each year.”   2025 Winners: 1st Place $15,000 grant - LockThreat GRC 2nd Place $10,000 grant - ZCorum 3rd Place $5,000 grant – Compac Industries   A huge congratulations to all the participants who spent the past year advancing their export readiness through mentorship, counseling, and strategic planning. "It’s initiatives like the Atlanta Metro Export Challenge that lay the groundwork for regional success,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We’re excited to bring together targeted resources from regional partners to support growing companies ready to expand into global markets." Minority, women, or veteran-owned businesses make up 38% of grant recipients, underscoring the region’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.   This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the support of our regional partners: Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mayor's Office of International & Immigrant Affairs - Welcoming Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, Partnership Gwinnett, SelectCobb, Select Fulton, NRW.Global Business, and proceeds from MAC’s Certificate of Origin program.   Thank you to our 2025 judges: • Darrel Hulsey, SBDC International Trade Center • Daraka Satcher, Georgia District Export Council • Michael Howley, Georgia Department of Economic Development   And congratulations to all the companies that pitched this year: Compac Industries Ecoslay LockThreat GRC Patientory, Inc. ZCorum   Applications for the 2026 MEC cohort are now open through January 17, 2026. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eBAFGhVK   #MetroAtlanta #GlobalTrade #MEC2025

Salesforce continues to Select Fulton with the expansion of 250 new jobs to Fulton County by 2028. Showing how a growing region needs companies to grow to meet demand. Thanks to Georgia Department of Economic Development for sharing the good news! https://lnkd.in/eqvzbXkf

Metro Atlanta's technology sector is thriving. Congratulations to Salesforce on the announcement of 250 new jobs in our region. Salesforce's mission to create leading AI-powered Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools aligns perfectly with the talent emerging from the Georgia Institute of Technology and other colleges and universities in the area, complemented by Georgia's business-friendly environment. If you would like to learn more about why Metro Atlanta is a perfect location for your business, please reach out. Georgia Department of Economic Development Georgia Power Economic Development Select Fulton Invest Atlanta Metro Atlanta Chamber Larry Gigerich Amy Waggoner Kristen Casimir #economicdevelopment For more details, visit the link: https://lnkd.in/eqvzbXkf