Area startup entrepreneurs and community supporters will come together on Thursday, January 26th for the fifth annual Open House event hosted by local economic development nonprofit Four Athens. The organization’s yearly gathering serves as a celebration of Athens entrepreneurs and tech-based businesses who form the burgeoning local startup scene creating new jobs and fueling economic growth in Classic City.

Each year three awards are given to recognize those who represent the best of the local startup community and true entrepreneurial spirit: Founder of the Year, Startup of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. The winners are chosen by the community at large.

New Executive Director of Four Athens, Jordan Burke, explains, “Our open house is one of my favorite events. We get a chance to celebrate the work our members are doing, and set our targets for the new year..”

In addition to the awards ceremony, the evening will include a presentation of the second annual State of Athens Startups report, highlighting the successes of the past year and mapping local resources contributing to the growth of Athens-based startup companies. Chris Blackmon from the Athens Downtown Development Authority is among the special guests slated to make some remarks, as well as Bob Pinckney, Director of the UGA Entrepreneurship Program. Representatives from participating companies in the new Startup Internship Program launching this month are also scheduled speak that evening. The fifth annual Four Athens Open House takes place at the organization's community meeting space at 345 West Hancock Avenue, on the second floor. The event will begin at 6pm and end by 9pm.

Further details will be available on the event page at facebook.com/events/580840662112357/, including announcements of the annual award winners.