Think and Ink Grant Consulting’s relationship with ACE began in 2022 with a need for capital. Through ACE Lending, the company received more than $120,000 in financing, enabling the owner to hire her first full-time employee—an important step in transitioning from an independent consultant to building a growing firm. But the financing was only the beginning.
Through ACE Business Advisory Services, the company received ongoing support with financial planning, cash-flow forecasting, pricing, business strategy, and financial management. This support became especially critical in 2025, when changing market conditions, longer sales cycles, and delayed receivables created significant cash-flow challenges.
ACE worked across departments to help the business navigate the difficult period through financial guidance, loan modifications, payment restructuring, and cash-flow planning.
“Without ACE, I would have closed my doors.”
At the same time, the ACE Women’s Business Center helped strengthen the company’s capacity through training in federal and state contracting, business certifications, financial management, marketing, and AI.
Participation in the WBC’s Annual Speed Coaching Event also created a valuable connection with an ACE corporate partner that helped transform the company’s LinkedIn presence of more than 12,000 followers into a stronger lead-generation pipeline.
In 2026, the owner participated in the WBC’s Small Business Financial Clinic: Path to Capital, strengthening her understanding of financial statements, cash flow, and projections. Additional ACE programs provided six months of subsidized bookkeeping assistance and six months of strategic business consulting, helping the company improve its financial systems and prepare for future growth.
ACE’s training and resources also supported the company’s contracting strategy. Today, Think and Ink Grant Consulting holds multiple certifications, including WBE, WOSB, EDWOSB, and DBE, positioning the business to pursue additional corporate and government contracting opportunities.
Today, the company is on track to close 2026 with approximately $650,000 in sales, with a goal of reaching $1 million in annual revenue and plans to hire three additional employees.
Think and Ink’s journey demonstrates the impact of ACE’s comprehensive approach to small business development. Lending provided the capital to grow. Business Advisory Services provided guidance during both growth and challenging periods. The Women’s Business Center provided training and capacity building. ACE programs and partnerships created connections, specialized expertise, and new opportunities.
As the owner describes it:
“Capital opened the door. Coaching kept the doors open when the market turned. Training built the capacity I’m operating on now.”
Shavon Richardson
Founder
Think + Ink Grant Consulting