Got a Startup With Purpose? Apply for 2026 Epiphany Grant!

Epiphany 

Every startup begins with a spark. First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of its Epiphany program, a faith-based social entrepreneurship incubator supporting startups tackling today’s most pressing challenges. The deadline to apply is January 6! You may apply via the link here firstpresatl.org/epiphany. Epiphany is an evergreen initiative that equips entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to social issues with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance. If you are an emerging founder with a vision to address societal challenges often overlooked by traditional markets, Epiphany offers the resources needed to help your venture grow. Examples of qualifying ventures include businesses that employ formerly incarcerated individuals or adults with developmental challenges, as well as enterprises offering services such as coding training for refugees or mechanical skills development in low-income communities. Since its launch, Epiphany has awarded nearly half a million dollars in grants and supported multiple successful ventures, including Refuge Coffee Co., PadSplit, and Purposeful Gourmet Foods. Modeled in part after the format of Shark Tank, the program provides early-stage entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and access to a network focused on impact areas such as hunger, homelessness, housing, refugee resettlement, racial equity, poverty, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. To learn more about Epiphany, explore previous grant recipients, or apply for the 2026 cohort, visit firstpresatl.org/epiphany.

Fulton County

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Midtown

Georgia

Every startup begins with a spark. First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of its Epiphany program,...

Mpaza Kapembwa, is a standout in so many ways. A 2011 graduate of , he is a soccer star, a scholar (Gates Millennium Scholar, a Coca Colar Scholar and a Dell Scholar) in addition to being a philanthropist. Having come to the United States from Zambia just under five years ago, , along with his mother and sister, lost their home right after his freshman year. Still, while working 40-hours a week at McDonald's and maintaining his honor roll status, he started an initiative to donate clothes to children's and women's shelters. Then, he and a friend formed the Dream Scholarship where they raised money to award two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors. Although he's moved on to <a href="http://www.williams.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Williams College</a>, he still remains connected to Cross Keys High School where he continues to be one of its biggest cheerleaders. I'm so excited to have him join Brookhaven Patch as a blogger. Be sure to look for his posts this week.

Mpaza Kapembwa, is a standout in so many ways. A 2011 graduate of , he is a soccer star, a scholar (Gates Millennium Scholar, a Coca Colar Scholar and a Dell Scholar) in addition to being a philanthropist.

Having come to the United States from Zambia just under five years ago, , along with his mother and sister, lost their home right after his freshman year. Still, while working 40-hours a week at McDonald's and maintaining his honor roll status, he started an initiative to donate clothes to children's and women's shelters. Then, he and a friend formed the Dream Scholarship where they raised money to award two $500 scholarships to graduating seniors. Although he's moved on to <a href="http://www.williams.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Williams College</a>, he still remains connected to Cross Keys High School where he continues to be one of its biggest cheerleaders.

I'm so excited to have him join Brookhaven Patch as a blogger. Be sure to look for his posts this week.

DeKalb County

Brookhaven

Mpaza Kapembwa graduated from Cross Keys in 2011.