Atlanta, November 4, 2025 — Against the backdrop of Hamilton Mill Golf Club's rolling greens, the Atlanta Georgia Korean Chamber of Commerce brought together the region's business community Sunday for a cause that extends far beyond the fairway: nurturing the next wave of Korean American entrepreneurs.
The Business Startup Golf Tournament, held November 3rd, drew approximately 70 participants from across Atlanta's Korean business landscape — from established business owners to aspiring entrepreneurs — all united in support of the chamber's ambitious Hope Startup Support Project.
“This golf tournament is not just a social gathering, but the starting point of a practical support program to revitalize the Korean-American entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Chamber President Oh-dong Han. “A portion of the entry fee will be donated to the ‘Hope Startup Support Fund,' which will directly benefit the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
The event represents a strategic pivot for the chamber, which has long served as a networking hub for Atlanta's Korean business community. Now, it's channeling that collective strength into a structured pipeline designed to identify and support promising new ventures.
Building Networks, One Hole at a Time
The tournament format proved ideal for its dual purpose: fostering the kind of informal relationship-building that often leads to business opportunities while raising capital for formal support programs. Participants from diverse industry sectors spent the day on the course, exchanging not just golf tips but business insights and potential collaborations.
“These connections made on the golf course today could become tomorrow's business partnerships,” noted one longtime chamber member who requested anonymity. “That's always been the value of our community — we lift each other up.”
Following the tournament, participants gathered for an awards ceremony recognizing achievements across multiple categories. Ji-hoon Jeong claimed the Men's Proximity Award, while Mi-ae Lee took home the Women's Proximity Award. The coveted Long Drive Awards went to Aaron Choi in the men's division and Hyun-ja Yang in the women's division. All winners received prizes donated by local businesses and chamber sponsors.
From Fundraiser to Launch Pad
The tournament serves as a fundraising cornerstone for the chamber's more comprehensive Hope Startup Support Project, which is currently accepting applications through November 30th. The initiative targets Korean Americans planning to launch new ventures or transition between businesses in 2025 and 2026.
The selection process reflects the chamber's commitment to identifying truly viable ventures. Applicants must navigate a rigorous three-stage evaluation: initial document screening, detailed business plan submission, and a PowerPoint presentation to chamber leadership. From the pool of applicants, the chamber will select two finalists, each receiving $10,000 in startup capital.
“It's not just about the money,” Han emphasized. “It's about creating a structured ecosystem where new entrepreneurs can access both capital and the collective wisdom of our business community.”
The timing proves particularly significant. As Atlanta continues its transformation into a major hub for Asian American business — particularly within the rapidly growing Gwinnett County corridor — the Korean American community seeks to ensure its entrepreneurial pipeline remains robust. The chamber's initiative addresses a persistent challenge: the “valley of death” that many startups face between initial concept and sustainable business model.
Prospective applicants can submit materials via email to info@kaccga.org or contact the chamber directly at 780-843-1647. The chamber encourages applications from diverse business sectors, from traditional retail and restaurant ventures to technology startups and professional services.
For Atlanta's Korean American business community, Sunday's tournament represented more than a pleasant autumn day on the links. It marked the visible manifestation of a commitment to ensure that the next generation of entrepreneurs has the support, capital, and networks necessary to transform ambitious plans into thriving enterprises.
As participants departed Hamilton Mill Golf Club, they carried with them not only their tournament memories but also the knowledge that their participation had contributed to something larger: a structured effort to ensure Atlanta's Korean American business community continues to grow and prosper for generations to come.
