Got an idea for a small business but don’t know how to get started? The Edge Connection can help.

The Edge Connection is a nonprofit organization that has helped entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed since 1998. In 2004, it was certified as the Metro Atlanta Small Business Association Women’s Business Center. Clients include low-to-moderate income women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities.

Located on the campus of Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business, The Edge Connection offers various services, including classroom training and consultation about business planning, marketing, financial management, lending resources, information technology, and legal and regulatory issues.

“We serve 31 counties, and in this economy we’re seeing a growing list of clients who need our services,” said Patricia Harris, executive director and CEO of The Edge Connection. “About 60 percent of our clients are unemployed. Many people have figured out that if they’re going to find a new job that provides the same level of income that they had before, they are going to have to create that job themselves as entrepreneurs.”

Programs such as Exploring Entrepreneurship help people decide if they should start a business and what kind would best suit their passions, aptitudes and skills. The 14-week Plan for Profit course teaches entrepreneurs the skills and discipline required to grow a successful start-up.

“We have seen so many graduates change their lives, like one client who couldn’t find another high-level technology job, so she followed her passion for flowers,” Harris said. “She bought a florist shop, which initially saved five jobs. Now she has 10 employees and is making about $30,000 a month.”

The Edge has nurtured businesses in child care, cleaning, catering, tutoring and staffing services, to name a few. Expert training and support have made a difference.

“Businesses supported by The Edge have an 82 percent success rate, which is higher than the national average,” Harris said.

The latest statistics from the Small Business Administration show that about two-thirds of new businesses survive for at least two years, while only 44 percent make it for four years.

This spring, The Edge Connection is opening the first nonprofit culinary kitchen incubator for food-related businesses in Georgia.

“So many people want to start a food-related business, but they don’t have access to a commercial kitchen, the right equipment, or culinary, product-packaging and food-safety expertise,” Harris said.

The culinary incubator will accommodate six entrepreneurs per six-hour shift and operate 24/7. It’s already 60 percent leased.

“We’re excited about this model, which we believe we can reproduce in other parts of the city to help entrepreneurs and create jobs,” she said.

On March 23, the organization will host its second Business-Forward Breakfast, with keynote speaker Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX, and a panel of business leaders that includes Mark Wilson of Ryla Corp. and John Lu of Lucky Corp.

“The panel will be discussing growth strategies for small businesses with $5 million to $10 million in annual revenue,” Harris said.

For tickets to the breakfast or information about The Edge Connection, call 770-499-3228 or go to www.theEdgeConnection.com.

— AJC Jobs on Twitter: