What is Epiphany?
Epiphany is a social entrepreneurship initiative of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. This evergreen program is an incubator and an accelerator for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to address social challenges.
“Atlanta church nurtures socially-conscious based ventures”
Why Epiphany?
We believe God is calling us to a moment of epiphany. Epiphany is revelation. Innovation. Guidance. Light. By lifting up social ventures and socially minded small businesses, we increase our direct impact on the community in ways we would not otherwise have imagined: new ways of loving our neighbor, feeding the hungry, and reconciling people. Epiphany leads to new relationships that expand our capacity to show the love of Christ.
How does it work?
The Epiphany program considers applications from entrepreneurs with business models that address social concerns or community needs. A selection process identifies a short list of Finalists who will be supported through idea refinement and hands-on business planning assistance and mentoring from church members, themselves experienced business leaders hailing from a variety of disciplines (we call them navigators). After a coaching period, chosen ventures (Epiphany Fellows) will present their business cases for consideration for funding. To date, through the generosity of our congregation and community, Epiphany grants have totaled $300,000.
Based on feedback and in light of challenging winter weather in the area, the application deadline has been extended to 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 21.
What is the timeline?
The applications phase for the next Epiphany cohort will open on October 22, 2023 and close on January 21, 2024. Selected ventures will be matched with volunteer navigators for a coaching phase in the spring, including a venture fair on March 23 and concluding with presentations to an evaluation panel on May 5. Epiphany Fellows (grant winners) will be announced in early May and celebrated by the congregation on May 19. Fellows then become part of the Epiphany alumni family for continued relationship with the church.
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Epiphany seeks to partner with early-stage social ventures and entrepreneurial start-up initiatives. We prioritize solutions that build human capacity, dignity, and individual economic empowerment.
There are five key factors Epiphany's volunteer screening team considers when evaluating ventures:
1. Church Fit: The idea fits with the church mission and values, could inspire a high level of congregation involvement, and will benefit the community.
2. Compelling Idea/Societal Impact: The idea is innovative and has potential to offer lasting positive impact by demonstrating Christian values of faith, service, mercy, compassion, grace, peace and/or reconciliation.
3. Self-Supporting Idea: The implementation plan, resources, and applicant capabilities are sufficient to ensure successful implementation and sustainability with a clear path to generating a component of revenue beyond fundraising and donations.
4. Founder/Leadership: The founder or leadership team is equipped with the experience, skills, network, leadership qualities, and passion necessary to deliver on the vision.
5. Engagement: The venture enthusiastically embraces FPC and the Epiphany experience, and is interested in creating a mutually beneficial relationship in the future.
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Epiphany is an initiative of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, created to live our call to participate in God’s mission in and for the world. While adherence to the Christian faith is not required for an applicant’s proposal to be considered, proposals should further the Christian values of love, community, transformation, and servant leadership. Such ideas will pursue authentic diversity, offer radical hospitality, provide mutual care, seek restorative relationships, reflect bold humility, model just generosity, and reflect a commitment to missional living.
Meet the ventures and Epiphany alumni
Get to know the outstanding entrepreneurs and ventures supported by Epiphany, and please consider them when making purchase decisions for goods and services.
Stay in touch!
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