ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs

*From Tenants to Property Owners: The Catered Kitchen’s Journey to Ownership* When the owner of the property that Zac and Katie Smith of The Catered Kitchen had been leasing decided to sell, they knew the best move for their business and her family was to buy it. But like so many entrepreneurs, the Smith's faced a challenge. Both self-employed with fluctuating income, they didn’t fit the traditional lending mold. On paper, the numbers didn’t tell the full story of their hard work, resilience, and business success. That’s where ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs stepped in. With support from our team, the Smith's were able to purchase the property their business had called home, securing a permanent base for The Catered Kitchen to continue growing. Even better, they now have tenants of their own, adding a new revenue stream and an avenue for building wealth. Katie says the process wasn’t always easy, but having her ACE Loan Officer Jasmine Aimes by her side made all the difference: “Our situation changed a few times, and we definitely tested Jasmine’s problem-solving skills on more than one occasion. She was incredibly patient and truly invested in seeing it through. I have no doubt she went to bat for us and we’re so grateful for her diligence and support!” Congratulations to Zac Katie Smith of The Catered Kitchen on this huge milestone — and thank you to Jasmine Aimes and the ACE Lending team for continuing to make entrepreneurship and ownership possible for Georgia’s small business owners. #CDFI #GeorgiaSmallBusiness #CommunityLending #SmallBusinessGrowth #EconomicEmpowerment

Congratulations to our very own Martina Edwards on her recongition as one of the Top 100 Black Women of Influence by the Atlanta Business League ! Your leadership, impact, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Bolivar Coffee We’re proud to highlight one of our inspiring Hispanic-owned businesses — Bolivar Coffee, founded by Nicolas Jaramillo Angel, who brought his Colombian roots and entrepreneurial dream to Georgia. From sourcing coffee directly from Colombia to preparing every meal from scratch (no microwaves here!) and offering unmatched hospitality, Bolivar Coffee has become a true community gem in Smyrna, GA. With support from ACE, Bolivar Coffee: ✅ Grew monthly revenue to $60,000 ✅ Doubled its team size ✅ Expanded its impact within the local community Nicolas’s vision for sustained growth and continued community engagement reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Hispanic Heritage Month — resilience, innovation, and pride in culture. At ACE, we’re honored to walk alongside entrepreneurs like Nicolas who are not only building thriving businesses but also enriching Georgia’s communities through their passion and purpose. #HispanicHeritageMonth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CDFI #GeorgiaBusiness #CommunityImpact #AccessToCapital #HispanicOwnedBusiness #BolivarCoffee #ACE

At ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, we want our clients and community to know: you don’t have to navigate this alone. If you need guidance during this time, please reach out—we’re in this together, please call us at 678-335-5600.

Welcome, October! 🍂 Check out the ACE Women's Business Center's October trainings and join us to grow your business. Link to register: https://lnkd.in/erhr22MB

Join us for October's Coffee & Power Hour – Live Q&A with a Business Expert! Cally D'Angelo, IOM will share practical tips on “Ideas To Impact: Self-Innovation For Entrepreneurs” and answer your questions in real time. Have a question? Submit it in advance or ask live during the event. And of course, bring your favorite mug of coffee or tea and join the conversation!

ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs was recently highlighted by The Rockefeller Foundation for our partnership with them to create opportunities for small businesses and working families across Georgia. Our ongoing partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation has been instrumental (special thanks to Danielle S. Goonan). Together, we’re demonstrating what’s possible when mission-driven organizations and visionary funders align around lasting impact. At ACE, we believe that sustainable economic growth happens when entrepreneurs, especially those historically overlooked, have access to Capital + Coaching + Connections. If you're a funder that is committed to strengthening communities, we’d love to explore how we can build something meaningful together. You can read the entire article here: https://lnkd.in/ejWRw6Ex

Meet Chawn Murrah – ACE Client & Member of Our 2025 Dream Collective Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Chawn Murrah discovered his passion for the arts at an early age. Inspired by visionaries like Picasso and Van Gogh, he excelled in art and drafting throughout high school in the Atlanta Public School System. In 2017, Chawn launched his own business as an artist, specializing in original artwork and custom-manufactured frames. He has built a thriving enterprise, traveling across the United States and licensing his art images to reach new audiences. To support his growing business, Chawn turned to ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, where he received a loan to support his growing business needs. He also engaged in ACE’s Business Advisory Services (BAS), receiving one-on-one coaching that has been instrumental in strengthening his business operations and expanding his impact. We’re proud to spotlight Chawn as a member of the 2025 Dream Collective, a partnership between ACE, Atlanta Dream WNBA, and Starbucks, celebrating entrepreneurs who are bringing creativity and culture to life in our communities. Chawn’s story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets opportunity, and we’re honored to be part of his journey. #GeorgiaSmallBusiness #CDFI #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness

From September 15 to October 15, we honor the history, culture, and entrepreneurial leadership of Georgia’s Hispanic and Latin communities. At ACE, we are proud to stand alongside the business owners who fuel our local economies and care for our families through food service, education, and healthcare and so many other vital businesses. Our multilingual team and Women’s Business Center meet founders where they are with one-on-one advising, training, and curated resources that build lasting stability. If you are a Hispanic-owned small business looking for affordable financing or tailored support, connect with us to get started. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatineEntrepreneurs #SmallBusiness #Georgia #CDFI #AccessToCapital #WomenInBusiness #CommunityImpact #FoodService #Education #Healthcare

We believe in the dreams of our clients as much as they do. At Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), we know the journey of a small business owner is full of hard work, big ideas, and moments of uncertainty. Our lending program is built to be affordable, flexible, and human. 💼 We offer: Small business loans from $15,000 to $1 million Startup and growth capital for new or expanding businesses Flexible terms and competitive rates to fit your needs, not the other way around Every loan we make is more than a transaction, it’s a partnership. From food truck owners to construction companies, boutique retailers to tech startups, ACE has proudly invested over $250 million in Georgia’s entrepreneurs. If you’re ready to grow your business and want a lender who’s in your corner, let’s talk. #georgiasmallbusiness #growgeorgia #CDFI