Pictured L-R: Chris Weaver and Ciara Coleman of The Rockefeller Foundation; Grace Fricks, ACE President and CEO, and Martina Edwards, ACE Chief of Strategic Partnerships
ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs recognized The Rockefeller Foundation for partnering to build Georgia businesses during its 2024 ACE Annual Awards. The awards program, held in Atlanta in August, celebrated the extraordinary achievements of entrepreneurs and partners who have made significant contributions to the Georgia business community.
The J. Alton Wingate Economic Partnership Award is presented to a partner that plays a significant role in ACE’s impact story. This year, The Rockefeller Foundation was honored with the Wingate Award in recognition of its donations to ACE totaling $6 million, which helped ACE deploy $14.4 million in loan capital to underserved borrowers, enabling clients to save more than $865,000 in interest. Funding from The Rockefeller Foundation will continue to support capital and credit access for historically disadvantaged small businesses throughout Metro Atlanta via the ACE Recovery and Resilience Program. The award was received by Chris Weaver, Executive Director of the Economic Coalition of The Rockefeller Foundation. Though unable to attend, Rockefeller Foundation President Dr. Rajiv Shah recorded a congratulatory message which was presented at the awards program. (VIDEO).
“It is an honor to receive this recognition and to work alongside ACE to advance underserved entrepreneurs across the state,” said Weaver in accepting the Wingate award. “The Rockefeller Foundation is proud to be part of ACE’s 24-year history. We extend our gratitude to Grace C. Fricks, the board, stakeholders, and staff for their unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of entrepreneurs across the state. We couldn’t do this work without pioneers like you, who promote practices that advance opportunities for underserved communities. We deeply appreciate this recognition of our impact.”
Crystal Edmonson, Broadcast Editor of the Atlanta Business Chronicle, served as the Mistress of Ceremony. The celebration united honorees, special guests, ACE senior management, staff, and board to not only highlight ACE clients and partners, but to also honor Fricks as she retires from her post as President & CEO. Current ACE Chief of Strategic Partnerships, Martina Edwards was also welcomed as incoming CEO beginning January 2025.
In addition to the beautiful awards presented, the three client winners each received a $2,500 scholarship from ACE for their businesses. The honorees were:
- Commercial Impact Award, presented to: MuniRem Environmental LLC | Dr. Valentine Nzengung (VIDEO)
- Small Business Impact Award, presented to: Bolivar Coffee | Nicolas Jaramillo Angel (VIDEO)
- The Ripple Effect Award, presented to: Dragon Academy | Fern Pegus (VIDEO)
A new award was also introduced in honor of ACE President and CEO, Grace Fricks. The Grace C. Fricks Founder’s Award is given to an ACE business owner, partner, or volunteer, past or present, who has made an exceptional impact on building entrepreneurship and strengthening communities by supporting others beyond themselves. This year’s Grace C. Fricks Founder’s Award honoree was James Daniel of App Studios in Dahlonega, GA (VIDEO).