March is Women’s History Month!

As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, we are proud to honor the remarkable contributions of women to our society and economy. At ACE, our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs has been a cornerstone of our mission since our founding. Our dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs is embodied through our 2 ACE Women’s Business Centers (WBC) in Norcross and Savannah, GA. As we reflect on their achievements, we remain dedicated to our mission to serving and promoting women-owned entrepreneurs.

SBDC Women's Business Summit

ACE team members were out in force to support founder Grace Fricks who delivered the keynote address at the SBDC Women's Business Summit in Albany, Georgia on March 12th. ACE South Georgia sponsored the event. Pictured L-R: Tonya Rapley, Chanel Randolph, Ana Maag, and Tommie Beth Willis, Grace Fricks, and two ACE SGA clients.

ACE Featured in Atlanta News First Segment

We are thrilled to share that ACE was recently highlighted in a segment of ATL Live on Atlanta News First. The feature, titled "Building Your Dream & Getting it Funded with ACE," showcased our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in the Atlanta area.

Also interviewed was Amia Mize, Founder of Takes a Village Transportation LLC, a business dedicated to providing safe and reliable transportation for students. Thanks to ACE’s support, Amia was able to expand her business, now safely transporting over 1,500 students. With ongoing support from ACE, Takes a Village Transportation continues to grow, making a lasting difference in the community.

Watch the full segment to learn more about our initiatives and hear directly from our Chief of Business Advisory Services, Ray Pennie, and Amia, whose business has thrived with support from ACE.

ACE Fuel’s Growth in Atlanta Entrepreneurs Through Partnership with Cummins Inc.

Entrepreneurs are at the heart of thriving communities, creating jobs, driving innovation, and shaping the future of local economies. During a Black History Month celebration, Cummins Inc. honored Atlanta’s entrepreneurs while supporting BIPOC-owned businesses through the CARE microloan program. Through the CARE program, Cummins has supported 10 businesses and has created or sustained 48 jobs in the Atlanta Metro area in the past year. This initiative has helped stabilize communities, expand opportunities, and break financial barriers for local business owners.

The Anchor of Hope House LLC

Congratulations to DeWana Fields on the recent funding of her first loan with ACE. Fields is the Owner and Director of The Anchor of Hope House LLC, a group home dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk girls. With over 14 years as a probation officer and 15 years with Family Connections, she has devoted her career to supporting vulnerable youth. Her passion for mentorship and advocacy led her to establish the home in March 2021, offering stability, education, and emotional support to girls aged 12-18. Through her hands-on leadership, The Anchor of Hope House continues to empower young lives, giving them the tools to heal, grow, and build brighter futures.

We’re pleased to recognize the ACE Lending team, and all ACE staff whose dedicated commitment to growing Georgia businesses helped us to achieve a record setting month in February 2025.

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

Small businesses in South Georgia affected by Hurricane now have until March 31st to submit an application for the ACE SGA Emergency Disaster Relief Loan.

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.

At ACE, we are grateful for the incredible partners who believe in our mission and champion our efforts. However, it truly takes a village, and every contribution makes a difference. Join us in driving impactful change across Georgia—consider making a donation today to support our vital work!

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