This November 4–7, Startup Champions Network (SCN) hosts its Fall Summit to Augusta, Georgia, bringing together entrepreneurs, national thought leaders, and ecosystem builders for three days of collaboration, peer learning, and a deep dive of Augusta’s innovation ecosystem.

The Summit is hosted by Eric Parker and Grace Belangia, co-founders of Make Startups and theClubhou.se, two organizations that have been at the heart of Augusta’s entrepreneurial growth. Georgia Power serves as the presenting sponsor, underscoring its commitment to powering economic development and innovation across the state.

“Hosting the SCN Summit is about more than just learning—it’s about bringing ecosystem builders together to test ideas, find solutions, and spark connections that will ripple far beyond Augusta,” said Eric Parker, co-founder of Make Startups and theClubhou.se. “We’re also showcasing how communities like Augusta can be both a testing ground and a launchpad for inclusive, sustainable entrepreneurship."

The Augusta Summit will feature an outstanding lineup of national speakers shaping entrepreneurship and ecosystem building nationwide, including:

* Andy Stoll, former Senior Program Officer at the Kauffman Foundation and current leader of the ESHIP Alliance, a national effort to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems.

* Dr. Aanu Gopald, International Ambassador for the Universal Peace Federation and Founder of the Africa Agility Foundation, who has empowered thousands of young Africans—particularly women—with digital, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills.

* Chad Reese, Senior Policy Advisor at the Institute for Justice’s Cities Work project, where he helps local policymakers and entrepreneurs streamline business regulations, licensing, and permitting to make it easier and faster to start businesses in cities across the country.

This year’s Summit will also dedicate a full day to public policy and entrepreneurship, with sessions featuring Congressman Rick Allen, the Center for American Entrepreneurship, and a State Caucus Breakfast that will bring together regional leaders to address critical policy issues affecting startups and small businesses.

“It’s important for our country and our democracy to understand where job creation comes from. And entrepreneurship is at the center of that,” said Grace Belangia. “Hosting this Summit here allows us to showcase both the spirit of innovation and the collaborative culture that define our ecosystem."

This year’s theme is Open Invitations, playing off Augusta’s deep connection to golf. “With golf, there’s this concept around exclusivity and a velvet rope,” says Eric Parker. “But what we’ve tried to do is theme the Summit around the concept of it being an invitational—because we want everybody to feel like they can participate."

Attendees will experience real-life case studies, immersive ecosystem tours, hands-on workshops, and networking sessions designed to cultivate collaboration across regions. From local startups to national policy conversations, the Augusta Summit promises an inside look into what it takes to build thriving, inclusive entrepreneurial communities.

To learn more about the Summit, visit: www.startupchampions.co/augustasummit.