Empowering Renewable Energy and Economic Development
At Area 51 Consulting, our mission is to empower businesses in the renewable energy sector by delivering strategic consulting services that drive growth, optimize operations, and unlock funding opportunities. We specialize in business management, sales strategy development, and grant acquisition, equipping our clients with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a competitive, sustainability-focused marketplace.
Empowering Startups & Small Businesses
We are especially passionate about supporting startups and small business owners, helping them build strong foundations, access key industry networks, and connect with the right partners to accelerate their success. Our goal is to drive the clean energy transition by helping visionary companies turn ideas into impact.
Founder
With a career rooted in the renewable energy sector and a strong foundation in business management, Harvey Abouelata brings over two decades of expertise in helping organizations innovate, grow, and thrive, particularly in the clean energy space. After earning his degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1984, Harvey began his professional journey in cost accounting and software development for manufacturing—an analytical background that continues to inform his data-driven approach to strategy and decision-making.
Clean Energy Leadership
Harvey’s professional path reflects a consistent focus on launching and scaling companies, developing impactful sales and marketing strategies, and securing critical funding to support business growth. His leadership roles with Solar Alliance, ARiES Energy, and multiple other renewable energy ventures have played a significant part in advancing Tennessee’s clean energy economy.
Strategic Connector
As the founder of Area 51 Consulting, Harvey specializes in business planning, grant acquisition, and strategic alliances, particularly for startups and small business owners. He is also a connector at heart, leveraging his deep industry relationships to create meaningful networking opportunities between businesses, utilities, and municipalities. His unique blend of green technology expertise, business acumen, and promotional experience (including a background in network television and brand identity) positions him as a versatile and forward-thinking consultant.
Sustainability & Personal Inspiration
Driven by a passion for sustainability and community impact, Harvey is committed to building win-win solutions that fuel both economic development and environmental progress. Outside his professional life, he enjoys time with his family, drawing inspiration from their entrepreneurial paths in the mortgage and culinary industries.
Project Coordinator
With a background spanning social work, academic advising, and renewable energy coordination, Atheeqa Garrison brings a multidisciplinary lens to strategic planning, outreach, and organizational development. Atheeqa earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she specialized in evidence-based interpersonal practice and trauma-informed care. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geological Science from SUNY Geneseo, along with a minor in English Literature—blending analytical thinking with strong communication skills.
Grant & Workflow Expertise
Atheeqa’s professional journey includes managing complex administrative workflows, coordinating solar energy projects, advising hundreds of undergraduate students, and leading success programs within higher education. She has a strong track record in administration coordination, as well as grant research and writing, helping teams identify funding opportunities and craft proposals that align with organizational goals.
People-Focused Solutions
Her experience in hospital and community settings has shaped her deep understanding of client-centered planning and inclusive engagement strategies. At Area 51 Consulting, Atheeqa supports startups and small businesses by aligning project workflows with people-focused strategies, helping clients build sustainable systems that enhance performance and promote equity and resilience.
Atheeqa's Commitment to Social Impact
Atheeqa’s work is driven by a strong sense of social responsibility, which is reflected in her volunteerism, mentorship, and advocacy for underserved communities. Her unique mix of operational insight, program development, and cross-sector collaboration continues to drive meaningful, measurable impact.