The Georgia Startup Academy by 500 Global, a part of GITA's Innovative Startup Acceleration Program, is designed for early-stage founders and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to validate their problem, build/enhance their product, strengthen their business model, and prepare for local and international growth.
If you’re considering applying, this information session will give you a deeper understanding of the program, how it works, and what it takes to stand out as a strong applicant. You’ll get a breakdown of the 12-month program structure, what founders actually gain, and how to approach your application strategically, so you don’t have to guess your way through it.
The session will conclude with a live Q&A, where you can get direct answers to your questions about the program, expectations, and application process.
If you’re serious about building something real — and want to give yourself the best chance of getting in — join us.
Program structure
Understand the stages and expectations across the 12-month program.What makes a strong application
Learn common mistakes founders make, and how to position your startup more effectively.What founders gain beyond the curriculum
Discover the real value of mentorship and networks, and how it impacts your growth trajectory.How to assess if this program is right for you
Evaluate if this program is the right fit for where you’re at on your journey.Direct answers to your questions
Bring your questions for our team, and get clarity for your application.
This session is for you if you're…
An early-stage founder in Georgia actively building a startup, with a clear problem and an initial product or MVP in progress;
Looking to gain traction and validate your business model through structured support and hands-on mentorship;
Committed to transforming your project into a scalable venture and ready to dedicate time to rapid iteration and growth;
Seeking access to an ambitious founder community, network of experts, and resources to accelerate your path to commercialization.
Lucia Perttula is a Director of Market Launch at 500 Global, where she leads the launch and execution of startup programs in new markets. She has successfully led market entry and program launches in 10 different markets across the Americas, Eurasia, Asia, and the Middle East. Lucia manages a global team of Program Managers and Program Directors, guiding cross-regional program execution and ensuring operational excellence.
Prior to 500 Global, Lucia worked in economic development. She holds a B.S. in Organizational Leadership/Business and a master’s degree in International Relations from Harvard University.
Katrin Zlobina is a Global Program Manager at 500 Global, where she leads high-impact programs for founders across multiple regions, driving entrepreneurial growth and enabling scale. She has delivered diverse and international projects, including supporting Korean startups expanding to the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, designing a growth program in Canada, and running founder support initiatives in Egypt. She specializes in program design and operations, stakeholder management, and founder engagement, ensuring the seamless and effective execution of complex global initiatives.
LEGAL NOTICE: THIS PROGRAM IS OPERATED BY 500 STARTUPS INCUBATOR, L.L.C (TOGETHER WITH ITS AFFILIATES, “500 GLOBAL”). ALL CONTENT PROVIDED IN THIS WEBINAR IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY CONTENT PROVIDED THEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS INVESTMENT, LEGAL, TAX OR ACCOUNTING ADVICE BY 500 STARTUPS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, L.L.C. OR ITS AFFILIATES (“500 GLOBAL”). UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THIS INVITATION OR ANY INFORMATION OR CONTENT IN THE WEBINAR BE CONSIDERED AS AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF INTEREST TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES. FURTHER, NO CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS INVITATION OR WEBINAR IS OR IS INTENDED AS AN OFFER TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OR FINANCIAL ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING HEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS FUND MARKETING MATERIALS BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND.APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN INVESTMENT FROM 500 GLOBAL, OR ITS RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES.
