Linda Hughes, an expert on business tactics, spoke at the ACE High Performing Group luncheon on June 8th about the topic of “Strategic Planning Insights” at the ACE Women’s Business Center.
She urged attendees to take time to “get away from it all” — away from all distractions, for example, at a mountain retreat — to concentrate on their goals. She also offered a complete plan outline and other valuable tips and advice for strategic planning.
Linda, President and CEO of the Great Ridge Company, has been honored by The Atlanta Business Chronicle with its “Women Who Mean Business” award.
Sandra Font, new Director of the ACE Women’s Business Center, also welcomed the group and shared her vision for the role. In addition, she highlighted upcoming programming that aligns with ACE’s mission to provide coaching, capital and connections, both pre-loan and post-loan.
The High Performing Group was formed in March 2015 to help selected female entrepreneurs grow and improve their business outcomes by providing high-touch, personalized business advisory services and quarterly group sessions to discuss pertinent business issues. The selection criteria included: businesses displaying an historical growth pattern with revenues near or exceeding $500,000, proactive ACE borrowers with owners who are achievers, and willing to take the initiative to improve their business and continue to grow. Originally 15 businesses were selected and invited to a luncheon in March 2015 where ACE CEO, Grace Fricks, discussed the opportunity and obtained feedback on their needs. Now the group has grown to include more than 20 entrepreneurs.