ACE | Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs is proud to announce a new three-year, $300,000 general operating support grant from The Cousins Foundation, marking the foundation’s first investment in ACE and launching a new philanthropic partnership focused on strengthening economic opportunity for Georgia’s small businesses.

"Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools for building generational wealth and creating resilient communities," said Martina Edwards, President and CEO of ACE. "Our work is about far more than increasing business ownership. Every entrepreneur we support creates ripple effects that strengthen local economies by preserving jobs, revitalizing commercial corridors, and helping families earn the income they need to afford housing, food, healthcare, and childcare."

The investment comes at a pivotal time as entrepreneurs continue to face elevated borrowing costs, tightening credit markets, and growing demand for affordable capital and coaching support to help them grow their businesses.

ACE works to close these gaps by providing affordable loans, one-on-one business coaching, and long-term support that helps entrepreneurs not only launch and grow businesses, but also create lasting economic opportunity in the communities they serve. "Atlanta continues to face one of the widest wealth gaps in the nation—closing that gap requires long-term investment in organizations that expand access to capital and support entrepreneurship. We're proud to partner with ACE to help more small business owners build stronger futures for their families and contribute to more resilient communities.” said Lillian Giornelli, President and CEO of the Cousins Foundations.

The strategic three-year grant will help sustain and strengthen ACE's work with its growing portfolio of more than 700 small businesses while supporting the organization's broader strategy to deploy $100 million in affordable lending capital to more than 400 new businesses over the grant period.

As federal funding for community development financial institutions continues to evolve, philanthropic partnerships like this one play an increasingly important role in sustaining access to responsible capital for small businesses that fuel local economies. General operating support allows ACE to respond to changing market conditions, strengthen its lending infrastructure, and attract additional public and private capital that expands opportunity for entrepreneurs across Georgia.

ACE extends its sincere appreciation to The Cousins Foundation for its partnership and shared commitment to expanding opportunity for Georgia entrepreneurs.