Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Georgia Named No. 1 for Best Business
Climate by Site Selectors

“Georgia’s recognition as the No. 1 state for Best Business Climate by Site Selection is a testament to our partnership approach to job creation and economic growth,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Our world-class workforce, strategic investments in infrastructure, and business-friendly policies continue to attract companies from around the world and create opportunities for hardworking Georgians in every community.” Read the press release HERE.

Introducing Our New Coach, Ms. Virginia Nava

We are thrilled to welcome Virginia Nava, CEO of The Transformative Power, as our newest coach! With over 25 years of experience in business strategy, marketing communications, and leadership development, Virginia brings a wealth of knowledge and a truly global perspective. Having traveled the world and gained 15 years of multicultural experience, she has worked with businesses of all sizes—including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, start-ups, and entrepreneurs - helping them grow through strategic leadership. A dedicated advocate for women’s leadership, Virginia has facilitated over 4,000 female entrepreneurs through the Bank of America Women Entrepreneurship Certificate Program at eCornell. We are excited for the insight and expertise she will bring to our women business owners!

Learn More HERE.

Grant Opportunities for Business Owners!

Halcyon Future Builders Fellowship 2025 - This program brings together founders from across the U.S., empowering them to address climate challenges, health barriers, and equity gaps. Founders gain expert training, critical resources to accelerate their ventures, a one-week in-person residency in Washington, DC, and a one-week in-person residency in Atlanta. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 2/16/2025: Apply HERE.

HerRise Micro-Grant ($10 fee to apply) - Each month a $1,000 micro-grant will be awarded to a for-profit small business owned by women of color. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more. Apply HERE.

2025 Tax Filing Season Has Started

The Internal Revenue Service has opened the 2025 tax filing season, and is accepting and processing federal individual tax year 2024 returns. Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions. The Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific to individual circumstances. Based on input, it can determine a taxpayer’s filing status, if a person should file a tax return, if someone can be claimed as a dependent, if a type of income is taxable, if a filer is eligible to claim a credit or if an expense can be deducted. Read more HERE.

Client Spotlight: Lisa Thompson

This February, we are honored to spotlight Ms. Lisa Thompson, Founder of Zealous Me Not, LLC. Her business offers a diverse range of products, including school supplies, office supplies, customized apparel, and specialized equipment, all designed to meet government standards and regulations. “My journey with ACE WBC has been an incredibly valuable experience. Their personalized guidance and expert support have helped me navigate the challenges of growing my business, providing me with the tools and confidence to take the next steps" says Lisa. Congratulations, Lisa, on this recognition!

Overview of Federal Certifications

During this webinar, we will explore the advantages of engaging in federal contracting and discuss key certifications required to do business with the federal government. Additionally, we'll highlight the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification and how it can help grow your business by increasing your chances of winning contracts!

February 6, 2025 @ Noon - 1:00 P.M. | VIRTUAL

Coffee Power Hour: Compliance &
Its Impact of Cash Flow

This session will feature valuable insights from a seasoned business expert with extensive experience in financial management and compliance. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance or ask them live during the event. Don’t forget to bring your favorite mug of coffee or tea to enjoy while you join the conversation!

February 7, 2025 @ 8:30 - 9:30 A.M. | VIRTUAL

Capturing Your Company’s Naics Codes

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the government's numbering system for businesses. It precisely categorizes the products or services your company provides, and it's crucial to get it right. Join our interactive session, where we will assist you in effectively searching and selecting the appropriate NAICS code for your business.

February 13, 2025 @ Noon - 1:00 P.M. | VIRTUAL

Small Business Accounting Essentials

In this session, you will learn best practices for staying compliant, setting up accounting software, tracking transactions, balancing finances, and more. Whether you are just starting out or looking to enhance your current processes, this session will equip you with actionable strategies and tools to streamline your financial management.

February 18, 2025 @ 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. | VIRTUAL

Writing A Winning Capability Statement

During this session you will learn why it is important to have one, and the key components to include while we share some examples. We will allocate some time to start working on your Capability Statement and you will be able to ask questions of the presenter.

February 20, 2025 @ Noon - 1:30 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.

February 26, 2025 @ 3:00 – 4:00 P.M. | VIRTUAL

Interactive Walk-Through Of Federal Contracting Opportunities

Unlock the vast potential of government contracts for small businesses with our interactive training. Learn the ropes of discovering federal contracting opportunities tailored to your business. Explore recently awarded contracts, and witness the untapped potential waiting for you..

February 27, 2025 @ 6:00 - 8:00 PM . | IN-PERSON

Location: ACE WBC – 10 College Street, NW. Norcross, GA 30071

If you could not 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 January!

Anitra Deen Consulting, LLC.

Hilda Abbott with Rudhil 

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

Future-Proofing Your Marketing Strategy - Trends to Watch in 2025: The world of marketing is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of emerging trends is crucial for businesses aiming to remain competitive. As 2025 approaches, understanding the key shifts in consumer expectations and technology will help companies create strategies to not only survive but thrive in the future. Read More

Maximize Tax Benefits by Paying Your Children for Working in Your Business: Running a family business isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly—it’s about building something meaningful together. When you hire your children to work in your business, you’re not only teaching them invaluable life lessons about responsibility and hard work, but you’re also setting up your family for financial success. Read More

How Women Over 50 Are Redefining Success Through Entrepreneurship: For women over 50, success isn’t solely about climbing corporate ladders or chasing traditional definitions of wealth. It’s about creating lives, and businesses, that reflect their values, passions, and hard-earned wisdom. 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!

Join ACE’s Newly Launched
Business Directory!

Get more exposure for your business with a listing in the all-new ACE Client Network Directory

Some of the features of the directory include: Easily filtering businesses by category, type, services, location, etc. along with marketing tools and resources (videos, photos, sales opportunities & ads) and customer reviews and testimonials.

Register your listing today HERE. Participation is only $49 annually for WBC clients.

The 23rd annual South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) conference will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with a vibrant community of professionals, all working together to shape the future of the South Metro region. To learn more about the conference and to register click HERE.

This is a virtual program of 6 sessions with a lot of valuable information to assist small business owners and start-ups to thrive. Webinars will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00 -8:00 P.M. starting on March 4, 2025, through April 8, 2025. For additional information and to register click here:  HERE.

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