Dalton, Ga., is starting up its business accelerator, launching competition

Rob Bradham

Aimed at spurring more entrepreneurship, Dalton, Ga., is starting up an innovation incubator downtown along with a competition where people can pitch business ideas to potential investors.

The Dalton Innovation Accelerator (DIA) is going into the historic, six-level Landmark Building on Hamilton Street where about 1,800-square-feet of space will be carved out to hold entrepreneurs and the services to help them grow their ideas.

Rob Bradham, the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive, said the accelerator – a first in the city – is not just aimed at high-tech companies, but more broadly at entrepreneurs.

Companies located in the space will have access to mentors and other successful business people from whom they can learn, he said.