Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Inc. has reached another significant milestone — more than $50 million in capital provided to Georgia’s underserved small-business owners of color, women, low-income entrepreneurs and others who lack equitable access to small-business financing across Metro Atlanta and rural North Georgia. This announcement was made today by Grace Fricks, president and CEO of ACE.
 
Since 2000, ACE has loaned more than $53 million to over 840 entrepreneurs, which has created or saved more than 7,100 jobs in Georgia.
 
Income and asset inequity in Atlanta and across the state is among the worst in the nation. ACE’s team of professionals knows that communities cannot thrive with such income disparities and is committed to making a difference by helping small-business owners get access to the funding and other tools they need to thrive.
 
“We’re focused, more than ever, on how we can continue to build meaningful relationships with entrepreneurs and expand our hallmark combination of capital, coaching and connections,” said Fricks. “Our new five-year plan is to provide another $115 million to Georgia’s small-business community. We are excited about the journey that lies ahead and couldn’t have reached this milestone without our many supporters.”
 
Last year, 90 percent of ACE’s loans were made to underserved populations, providing vital economic opportunities to business owners and communities who need it most. While much of ACE’s work is focused on Atlanta, this nonprofit hasn’t forgotten its rural roots, with one-third of its loans supporting rural businesses during the past 18 years.