“Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way.”

– Caterina Fake, Co-Founder of Flickr

Sandra Font, Grace Fricks ACE’s President & CEO and Alejandra Diaz

Farewell to ACE’s Founder & CEO Grace Fricks

2025 Women-Owned Small Business Cohort

Women Entrepreneurs: Do something big for your business in 2025! Are you a woman business owner? Do you want to position your business to compete in the multi-billion-dollar federal marketplace? If the answer is yes, then join our Cohort! This series will be comprised of several virtual and in-person trainings that will educate women business owners on the process to submit their WOSB self-certification on the SBA portal. The WOSB Cohort is scheduled to start in February, sign up now!

Click HERE to Learn More and Register Now!

Apply for a Small Business Catalyst Fund Grant

The Small Business Catalyst Fund offers grants to small businesses located throughout Fifth Third’s geographic footprint, with priority given to businesses located in Atlanta Grove Park (Zip Codes: 30314 and 30318). The grant awards of $5,300 can be used for working capital, technical assistance, or other similar expenses that occur in the regular course of business. Also, because it’s a grant, it doesn’t need to be repaid!

Applications will be accepted through Dec. 13, 2024. For more information and to apply click HERE.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Report

Insights from the 2024 Wells Fargo Report: The report reveals that women own 14 million businesses, representing 39.1% of all U.S. businesses. These enterprises employ 12.2 million workers and generate an impressive $2.7 trillion in revenue. It sheds light on critical disparities, including wealth gaps, business experience, network size, industry focus, and capital access—challenges that are particularly pronounced for women of color.  Explore the full report HERE to uncover insights and opportunities to drive meaningful change.

Client Spotlight: José Boada

This month of December we are honored to spotlight Mr. José Boada, Founder of Rivica Janitorial Services, a company that specializes in serving grocery markets and food facilities. “From the very first moment I reached out to ACE, their care and attention made me feel right at home. The team is incredibly professional and full of wonderful people who put themselves in your shoes to help you achieve your goals with expert assistance in all aspects. Truly, it has been an incredible experience to feel supported in a country where, at times, we don’t know the way forward” says José Boada. Congratulations José on this recognition!

ACE Services & 10 Steps to Start a Business

Wondering how ACE can support you as an entrepreneur? You know your business idea, however, you don't know the steps to begin your entrepreneurial journey. Learn about what to consider when starting a business, basic steps, business plan tool and more.

December 12, 2024 @ 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | VIRTUAL

Small Business Access to Capital

Looking 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.

December 18, 2024 @ 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | VIRTUAL

We Connected! Now, What?

Networking is more than exchanging business cards—it’s a critical tool for business growth and success. Join us for an engaging training that explores the fundamentals of networking and how to leverage it effectively to expand your business and personal brand.

January 14, 2025 @ 6:00 - 7:30 pm. | IN-PERSON

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.

We extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who shared their expertise in November!

Eric Santos with the GA Tax Clinic 

Ronald Thomas with SAGE

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

8 Small Business Trends and Predictions for 2025: Year to year, businesses and their employees must face enormous hurdles, undergo a vast amount of change in how work is done, and practice adaptability and flexibility. Here are 8 trends to watch this year that could redefine how you operate, manage your workforce, engage with customers, and sustain growth. Read More

How to Overcome Common Challenges Women Face When Launching a Startup: Launching a startup is an exciting journey filled with creativity, resilience, and endless opportunities. However, for women, the road can sometimes feel rocky. From securing funding to navigating the common stereotypical notions, women must overcome extra hurdles to run a successful venture. Read More

6 Common End-of-Year Financial Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make — and How to Avoid Them: The reality is that small businesses tend to face more financial challenges since they have fewer resources than larger companies. It's easy to make mistakes, especially toward the end of the year when things are busy. Let's look at six common end-of-year financial mistakes entrepreneurs make and how you can avoid these issues. 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.

* 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