There are a lot of writers, bloggers, and experts that have a lot to say about starting and sustaining a business. However, the best people to listen to are those who have been through the process and came out on top. Atlanta has tons of entrepreneurs and business owners, so the below list is indeed not exhaustive. These are the individuals bringing their innovation, influence, and creativity to make a splash in Atlanta’s entrepreneurial scene. If you are a budding small business owner who is looking for some insight into the process as well as the nuances of the Atlanta business-scene, look no further than the below five Atlanta business influencers you should follow on Twitter.
Ben Chestnut
CEO and Co-Founder of MailChimp
Ben Chestnut is the CEO and Co-Founder of MailChimp. He was a part of The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Power 100 list and led the company to become Inc’s 2017 Company of the Year.
Why You Should Follow Him: In addition to promoting MailChimp’s newest features, Chestnut regularly tweets about the work of other innovative startups and entrepreneurial resources. He highlights examples of small companies that have gained venture funding, and are wisely stewarding their resources.
Jasmine Crowe
Founder of Goodr
Jasmine CroweJasmine Crowe is a technology and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Goodr, an app that combats hunger by addressing the problem of food waste. Crowe has outlined her work at TEDx Peachtree and has been featured in The Huffington Post, Blavity, and Black Enterprise.
Why You Should Follow Her: Crowe tweets about fellow startups that have a unique goal and mission. Also, Crowe is candid about the highs-and-lows of being an entrepreneur and founder. She discusses the importance of self-care, and the business launch and funding process. She takes followers on her own journey while providing advice along the way.
David Cummings
Founder of Atlanta Tech Village
After helping to grow the presence of Pardot, David Cummings started the Atlanta Tech Village, a 103,000-square foot facility with the intention of housing and developing some of Atlanta’s most innovative tech startups. Cummings is also the CEO of Atlanta Ventures, and is also an avid investor himself.
Why You Should Follow Him: What better way to learn about what VC investors are looking for than to follow one? Cummings regularly discusses business growth strategies, insight into the entrepreneurial journey, and general business management tips. He makes a practice of sharing what he knows, an excellent benefit for any budding small business owner.
Karen Houghton
Vice President of the Atlanta Tech Village
Karen HoughtonKaren Houghton helps to run the show at the Atlanta Tech Village. She leads strategic marketing initiatives, organizes events, and connects with the investors and sponsors of the village. She is also a Venture Partner at Atlanta Ventures.
Why You Should Follow Her: Houghton shares a variety of business trends and news that any entrepreneur could benefit from. She also gives an excellent view of the work the Atlanta Tech Village is doing in the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. If you want to get a feel for startup events in the Atlanta-area, Houghton is a must follow.
Joey Womack
Founder of Amplify 4 Good and Goodie Nation
Listed as one of “20 Innovators Shaping Atlanta’s Black Startup Community,” Joey Womack has blended his passion for startups with solving some of the city’s most pressing social issues. In 2014, he started Amplify 4 Good, an organization meant to help nonprofits solve problems in underserved communities. Not long after that, he founded Goodie Nation, a social impact incubator and accelerator.
Why You Should Follow Him: If you are a startup owner or aspiring entrepreneur and are wondering which events you should attend in Atlanta, Womack’s twitter is definitely one to check out. He regularly tweets about startup events happening in Atlanta and also shares opportunities to blend entrepreneurism with social good. For those who have aspirations to start a social impact business, this Twitter account is for you.
