Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Inc., an organization that helps underserved small-business owners expand through capital, coaching and connections, held its annual awards celebration on Oct. 16 to celebrate small-business owners who have excelled in entrepreneurial leadership as well as its exemplary supporters.
 
“During this year, we have witnessed the highest demand for ACE’s critical services of loan capital, coaching and connections,” said Matthew Bozzelli, ACE’s Governing Board Chair. “Our mission is to provide opportunity for people and businesses who may be underserved by traditional financial institutions in their efforts to start-up or expand.  We believe that everyone who has the determination to develop their dreams of business ownership should have equitable opportunity to do so.”  
 
“These awards reflect a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, community and service by our clients and business associates, and we are delighted to celebrate their many successes from this past year,” said Grace Fricks, president and CEO of ACE.
 
The awards and award winners announced and honored at the luncheon event included:
 
J. Alton Wingate Economic Partnership Award (aka the “Wingate Workhorse Award”) to Northern Trust. Glenn Weiss, Atlanta president, accepted (this award honors an organization that has furthered ACE’s mission in a substantial way through contributions or investments)
 
Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Derrick & Dion Mosley, RBG Electrical LLC   
Commercial Entrepreneur of the Year Award to John & Juanisa Kimbrough, Ms. Niecy’s Home Away from Home Learning Center Inc.
           
Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur Award to Deb Rowe, Shenanigans and Bourbon Street Grille
           
Women’s Business Center Client of the Year Award to Rebecca Smith, Salon Honey II

Women’s Business Center Partner of the Year Award to The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center – Gwinnett, accepted by Benny StaRomana
 
The luncheon was made possible through the generous support of ACE’s sponsors: Atlantic Capital Bank, Capital Partners, Invest Atlanta, Northern Trust, PNC, Renasant Bank, South State Bank, Southern Company, and SunTrust. ACE makes its impact because of key partnerships like these.