Give the Gift of Opportunity
Sandy Headley & ACE Honored by GMEN
Sandy Headley, ACE Vice President, accepted the Micro Enterprise Development Organization of the Year Award on behalf of ACE at the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN) 20th Anniversary Awards Dinner. Sandy was chosen to represent ACE because she has been with the... read moreACE Awarded $1 Million by the U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund for Rural NW GA
In a highly competitive award process, ACE received a million dollars from the U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund. These highly coveted funds will be used to help underserved small business owners in rural northwest Georgia. For more information, read about the CDFI Fund and... read more
The Sweet Sound of Success: Twelve Studios Wins National Award
With some assistance from ACE, Dina Marto’s Midtown Atlanta business, Twelve Studios, was named a winner in the Wells Fargo Works for Small Business: Neighborhood Renovation Program Contest. The award includes a prize of $10,000, which she plans to use in remodeling her innovative recording studio.
read moreBrackett Joins Board of Directors for AEO
ACE is pleased to announce that Joshua Brackett, our Chief Financial Officer, has joined the Board of Directors for the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO).
“We are excited that Joshua has joined our board,” says Susan Patterson, Vice President and Communications Coordinator at AEO. “We look forward to working with him in advancing our mission.”
Grace Fricks, President and CEO of ACE, also added, “We are proud of Joshua for stepping up to help in the community. This is just another example of how our ACE team cares.”
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Two of Atlanta’s Finest Serve ACE
Congratulations to Matt Bozzelli, ACE’s Board Chair-elect, and Theia W. Smith, ACE Advisory Council Member, for being named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2017 40 Under 40 list!
The list consists of Atlanta metro area rising stars, forty young movers and shakers who have scaled the ranks, are making a mark in their industries and leading in their communities.
We are very excited for Matt and Theia and appreciate all they do to support ACE. They will be honored at the ABC’s 40 Under 40 awards celebration at The Foundry at Puritan Mill on Thursday, Nov. 9th.
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Client Spotlight: Crown Bottle Shop
Freddy Marquez, an immigrant from Venezuela, was looking for an entrepreneurial opportunity when he spotted an empty liquor store near his home. “It was a nice location, close to everything, including Kennesaw University, five hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings, he says. “It seemed like a nice opportunity – and a challenge.” Marquez received two loans from ACE, which helped him organize and develop his inventory. Today, his business, Crown Bottle Shop, offers 25,000 bottles, covering 200 brands of liquor, beer, and wine.
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2017 CDFI Briefing Materials
The Community Reinvestment Fund recently published a report to provide information and insights into the important role Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play in stimulating growth and economic opportunity across the country. It was created to present to White House staff and other members in the administration to create conversations and engage them in discussions around the impact of CDFIs. ACE was one of the CDFIs highlighted, with a special emphasis on our work with women business owners. Several of our clients were also featured in the report.
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Partner Spotlight: Minority Business Development Agency
By 2044, the Nation’s prosperity will rely even more on minorities, the fastest growing segment of the population. Today, U.S. Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) represent 29 percent of all firms but only 11 percent have paid employees. If these companies were to obtain entrepreneurial parity, the U.S. economy would realize 13 million more jobs. ACE is joining forces with the Minority Business Development Agency in Atlanta to assist and strengthen minority-owned businesses.
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Client Spotlight: Spirits Tavern
Sabrina Walker looked at the tumble-down saloon and saw potential for something special: gourmet burgers and craft cocktails. Now Spirits Tavern in Dahlonega has become so popular that even Rachael Ray has taken notice. Learn how ACE helped her realize her dream.
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