ACE Welcomes New President and CEO
Martina Edwards

Martina Edwards is now at the helm of ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs as the new CEO and President. With 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Edwards is focused on continuing ACE’s legacy of providing affordable loans to under-resourced business owners. 

“I firmly believe in ACE’s mission to provide access to affordable capital — empowering small businesses across the state and creating a ripple effect of prosperity in the community,” said Edwards, who assumed the leadership position on Jan. 1, 2025 after serving six years as ACE’s Chief of Strategic Partnerships. “In my new role, I plan to lead ACE on its continuing journey of 25 years of growth by serving more clients, generating more impact, and reaching more markets.” Edwards is a nationally recognized advocate for economic and financial justice and ACE’s ambitious goals will remain a priority under her leadership. In the role of CEO, Martina’s experience will ensure ACE remains stable, financially secure, and open to ideas about how the ACE team can better serve Georgia business owners.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW LEADER

ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Proudly Celebrates 25 Years of Growing Georgia Businesses, and we couldn’t have come this far without you!

From an initial grant of $50,000, ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs has helped North Georgia and metro Atlanta’s entrepreneurs survive and thrive for 25 years. On behalf of everyone at ACE, we extend our sincerest gratitude for the contributions of our partners, funders and donors who stand with us in our work and commitment to drive economic development by providing access to affordable, diverse, and responsible capital to underserved business owners across Georgia – many of whom are often overlooked by traditional lenders.

Stay tuned over the coming months as we look back over the years at our 25 year history and impact; share remarkable stories of our clients and their business successes; and look forward to the next quarter century with a focus on growth and sustainability.

More to come!

ACE | Starbucks | Atlanta Dream Partner to support small women-owned businesses in Metro Atlanta

Retirement of ACE Founding CEO Grace Fricks

MacKenzie Scott Donation 

ACE Recognized as One of Atlanta’s Best Place to Work

2024 Impact

Our results show that ACE continues to give small businesses a chance when others can’t or won’t.

ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs is the largest small business focused CDFI in the state of Georgia.

ACE’s HISTORIC IMPACT

Over the past impactful years, ACE has been proud to support Georgia’s small businesses through challenges like economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and even hurricane recovery efforts. Our unwavering commitment over our 25-year history has helped more than 2,800 small businesses access over $247 million in capital. We’ve also provided over 100,000 hours of business coaching and countless connections, enabling entrepreneurs to thrive despite adversity. As we embark on the third year of our five-year strategic impact and growth plan, ACE has expanded our reach to all 159 counties in Georgia, including South Georgia. With so much on the horizon, we’re eager to share updates and continue driving meaningful change together.

COORDINATES - SANYA & AARON ROSS

Congratulations to ACE clients, Sanya Richards-Ross & Aaron Ross, owners of Coordinates, LLC who were recently featured on ABC’s Shark Tank!

The couple’s partnership with ACE has been pivotal in expanding the brand's reach. A $250,000 loan from ACE enabled the business to purchase inventory, hire staff, and fund marketing efforts. ACE's support, coupled with business advisory services, has helped Coordinates navigate its growth while maintaining financial efficiency.

WILDER SOLUTIONS

Congratulations to Ron Wilder on the recent funding of his fourth loan with ACE. Wilder is the owner of The Wilder Solutions Inc, a franchise of 1-800-WATER-DAMAGE, which specializes in water damage and restoration, fire cleanup, mold remediation services, odor removal, and sewage cleanup.

Please help us welcome Tonya Rapley who joins ACE as the new Director of Strategic Partnerships.

Congratulations to Vonda Echols, Small Business Loan Officer, who celebrates 10 years with ACE!

ACE South Georgia Extends Deadline to Apply for Emergency Disaster Relief Loans

Small businesses in South Georgia affected by Hurricane Helene have until February 7, 2025 to submit an application for the ACE SGA Emergency Disaster Relief Loan.

Affordable loans for startups are also available for businesses from Columbus to Macon, to Savannah to the GA/FL border.

The ACE team in South Georgia is ready to serve Georgia businesses from Columbus to Macon, to Savannah to the GA/FL border.

Contact our South Georgia Team: 229-270-1620

ACE WBC Savannah Region was recognized as a Women’s Business Center of Excellence for 2025 by the Association of Women's Business Centers!

Veteran Loan Fund Announces Its Third-Year Results, Closing of Second Round of Funding

Times May Change But ACE’s Commitment to Small Business Remains the Same

Learn more about opportunities to work with our mission-driven, innovative and impactful team HERE.

Sign up to attend ACE WBC Trainings and Events!

As the educational arm of ACE, the Women’s Business Center (WBC) provides valuable training and business advisory support for small businesses. To access our calendar of virtual, hybrid and in-person sessions, you must register with one of our WBC locations, located in Metro Atlanta or Savannah, GA.

President’s Day – Monday, February 17, 2025

Keep yourself informed about ACE'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.

We give people a chance when others can’t!

If you’re a small business in Georgia in need of a loan, look no further. In addition to capital for your business, ACE provides coaching & connections throughout the lifetime of your loan to help ensure you reach your business goals!

Learn more about our loans »

As Georgia’s largest small business focused community development loan fund, ACE catalyzes entrepreneurial growth through financing and education, with a focus on women, people of color, and low to moderate-income business owners.

More about ACE »

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!