The Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship Wraps Final Business Accelerator of the Year
The Genus Agency | November 18, 2023
From left to right: Ashley Jackson, local serial entrepreneur and former ACCELER8 participant, Ande Noktes, Executive Director of the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship, Santoria Axson, owner of Pearls of LaShelle, LLC, Rhonda Mullens, owner of Enchanted Dollhouse, Dana Roberts, owner of Geechee Girls Tastings and Tours, and AJ Alston, Founding Partner of Alston Industries and pitch night judge.
Pictured at Stembler Theatre, College of Coastal Georgia during ACCELER8 Investor Pitch Night
Brunswick, GA – The Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship successfully concluded its Fall 2023 Acceler8 Business Accelerator, marking the completion of the final cohort of the year. The program, which nurtures local entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, resources, and access to capital, celebrated the accomplishments of the latest group of businesses during an investor pitch night that highlighted the transformative journey of each participant. AJ Alston, Founding Partner of Alston Industries, participated as a mentor for the program volunteering her time and expertise and sat on the panel of judges for the Shark Tank reminiscent culminating event.
Thanks to the leadership of Ande Noktes, affectionately referred to as the "Golden Isles' entrepreneur whisperer," and a panel of esteemed judges, $20,000 in funding was awarded to four standout businesses from the cohort following the event. These awards will support the continued growth and success of local businesses that have shown immense potential through the program.
Additionally, The Genus Agency contributed by awarding a Business Planning & Consulting Package to Oceanhorse Health & Wellness Clinic, further empowering one participant with essential tools to take their business to the next level.
Participants of the Acceler8 Business Accelerator represented a diverse array of local businesses, including:
Geechee Girls Tastings and Tours
Newcastle Wine Merchant
House of Dolls
Jeremiah’s Promise
Oceanhorse Health and Wellness Clinic
Moontide Wellness
Emotion Cycling
Power for Living Enterprises
Ruby Lu’s
TM Project Management
Ella – English Language Learning Academy
Pearls of LaShelle LLC
Radiant Counseling
AJ, shared, “It has been an honor to serve as a mentor for this talented group of entrepreneurs. Their dedication, innovation, and passion for their businesses have been truly inspiring, and I’m excited to see the continued growth and success of this cohort, as well as past participants.”
As the year comes to a close, the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship looks forward to expanding its impact and continuing to empower entrepreneurs across Coastal Georgia. With over 500 entrepreneurs supported through its various programs, the Center remains a pivotal force in the region’s economic development.
About The Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship:
The Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting local economic growth. Through a variety of programs, including mentorship, workshops, and networking events, the center equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to build successful businesses. Learn more...
About Alston Industries: Alston Industries is an innovative, multidisciplinary family of companies dedicated to fostering high-quality connections, engagement, learning, and impact in the communities in which we live and serve... for generations.
For inquiries, please contact:
AJ Alston
Email: media@alston.industries