A new program to encourage Birmingham entrepreneurs wrapped up its inaugural cohort and has plans to continue next spring.
The Overton Fellowship, a new Magic City-based founder development program, unveiled the graduation of a cohort of 11 innovators. The inaugural class of Overton Fellows was selected in March through a competitive process and participated in a rigorous, six-month coaching and personal development curriculum.
Jared Weinstein, the founder of the Overton Project, hopes to increase the impact of Birmingham change agents. Weinstein drew on his experiences working in both venture capital and government to conceptualize and build the Overton Fellowship, according to a news release. The program provides access to national networks and capital, among other things, and was developed in partnership with Reboot, a nationally renowned coaching firm that has worked with some of the country’s leading venture capital firms, startups and founders.
The Overton Fellowship targets those who are early in an endeavor and it is not focused on any one sector or type of organization.
“Birmingham will thrive when people are emboldened to dream big and swing for the fences knowing they have unwavering community support and the necessary tools to take risks and pursue their calling,” Weinstein said. “The Overton Fellowship is designed to support our city's most promising, innovative and brave, budding entrepreneurs.”
Overton Fellow Ace Graham, the founder of Alchemy and Alchemy Run Crew, called the past six months "a massive transformation."
The Overton Fellowship was recently awarded a grant from Innovate Alabama to expand its programming and reach. It will recruit a second cohort of fellows for a spring 2024 session.
The Overton Fellows include:
- Erika Boeing, founder and CEO of Accelerate Wind
- Courtney Davis, founder of Urban Community Montessori School
- Alex Flaschbart, founder and CEO of Opportunity Alabama
- Ace Graham, owner of Alchemy footwear and apparel, a lifestyle boutique in Five Points South
- Emily Jerkins Hall, Birmingham Business Alliance
- Jahman Hill, playwright, poet, filmmaker and co-founder and executive director of The Flourish Alabama
- Tamika Holmes, founder and executive director of Community Care Development Network
- Emile Hughes, founder and CEO of Ride Resorts
- Amelia Mueller, civic design principal in the city of Birmingham's mayor's office
- Priska Neely, managing editor of the Gulf States Newsroom
- Troy Whetstone, founder of the Modern House Coffee Shop
