“We entrepreneurs are loners, vagabonds, troublemakers. Success is simply a matter of finding and surrounding ourselves with those open-minded and clever souls who can take our insanity and put it to good use”

– Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop

ACE Wraps Up Another Successful
Annual Speed Coaching Event

ACE's 9th Annual Speed Coaching event successfully brought together 50 business and financial experts under one roof, creating an impactful day of knowledge-sharing and networking. Close to 70 small business owners took part in the event, each benefiting from one-on-one sessions with seasoned professionals. These experts provided personalized guidance, insights, and actionable strategies, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas. The event highlighted ACE's commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, fostering connections, and supporting the growth of small businesses in our community.

Founding President & CEO of ACE Grace Fricks to Retire

After 24 years of visionary leadership, Grace Covington Fricks, the founder and CEO of ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, has announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2024. Grace’s tireless dedication to advancing small businesses across Georgia has left an indelible mark on countless entrepreneurs and their communities. As we celebrate Grace’s incredible journey, we are also excited to announce that Martina Edwards will step into the role of President and CEO, effective January 1, 2025. Click HERE to view our press release. Congratulations to both!

ACE and Latinas Rise Partner to Amplify
Latina Entrepreneurs through MOU

In celebration of September and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15^th, Lisa Clarke, Founder & CEO of Latinas Rise, and Sandra Font, Sr. Director of ACE Women’s Business Center, came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement solidifies the commitment of both organizations to collaborate closely, fostering open communication and cooperation. The primary goal is to address the needs of Latina small business owners while supporting the growth and development of small businesses across Georgia.

2025 Nominations Are Now Open

The State of Georgia recognizes and values the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of Georgia's small businesses that keep the state's economy strong by proclaiming Georgia Small Business Week during the first week of May. Every year the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Economic Developers Association team up to present a few outstanding small businesses with the title of Small Business ROCK STARS. The awards salute the risks taken, innovations, outreach, and impact of the state's small businesses. Nominate your Small Business Rock Star HERE before October 31, 2024.

Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program

The Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) program is designed to help more women-owned small businesses win federal contracts by providing a level playing field for WOSBs to compete. This webinar will provide an overview of the WOSB and EDWOSB Federal Contracting Program as well as eligibility requirements.

September 5, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | VIRTUAL

Introduction to Intellectual Property Fundamentals

New to patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets? Get a solid foundation in intellectual property (IP) and learn how to safeguard your innovations as you move from concept to creation.

September 18, 2024 @ 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. | VIRTUAL

Small Business Access to Capital

LookLooking for funds for your business? Join us and learn about ACE’s loan products and requirements, business plan tool, who is funding start-ups and all the resources ACE and the Women's Business Center offer to support small businesses.

September 25, 2024 @ 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | VIRTUAL

If you couldn't attend our training sessions, you can access them at your convenience through our website. Seeking guidance on a particular topic? Explore them right HERE.

Keep yourself informed about the most recent updates regarding entrepreneurs, small businesses, and the economy...

AI-Driven Business: Scaling Success in 2024 and Beyond: The marriage of AI and business growth is a harmonious union that opens a world of endless possibilities, and this is only the beginning. If a company is not growing, it is falling by the wayside. Read More

Leveraging TikTok Shops for Explosive Growth in Q4 and Beyond: TikTok Shops have taken the e-commerce world by storm, generating over $11 billion in gross merchandise volume in 2023 alone. As the platform continues its meteoric rise, savvy brands are finding creative ways to tap into this lucrative sales channel and connect with a highly engaged Gen Z audience. Read More

Turning Your Side Hustle Into A Full-Time Business: In today’s gig economy, many people start a side hustle to earn extra income or pursue a passion outside their 9-to-5 job. While some are content keeping their side gig as a supplementary income stream, others dream of turning it into a full-time business. Read More

We value building ongoing relationships with our clients. As a result, we kindly request that new clients participate in at least one of our webinars or training sessions prior to booking a complimentary one-on-one coaching session. This coaching session, lasting 45 minutes, can be scheduled to discuss a specific topic in-depth, at the client's convenience. To begin the process, Create a Client Profile HERE and have access to all the services and resources the WBC provides. Register only once, it’s easy and free!

Keep yourself informed about WBC's resources, classes, and offerings. Stay connected with us on social media to receive real-time updates on announcements and events.

Want to be kept in the loop? If you haven’t already, subscribe to our newsletter HERE. Is there a specific need or question we haven't addressed? Feel free to inform us HERE.

Presented by the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association, join an empowering workshop tailored specifically for women in the construction industry, aimed at cultivating cultural intelligence. In today's globalized world, understanding and navigating diverse cultural landscapes is essential for success. In fact, according to studies, companies with the most ethnic and gender diversity on their executive team are 43% more likely to experience higher productivity and profitability. For additional information or to sign up click HERE.

* All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis | Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance | Contact acewbc@aceloans.org for accommodations