Creating jobs creates strong neighbors

Photo: Takes a Village Transportation

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) is one of metro Atlanta’s leading small business Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), a nonprofit loan fund that has invested over $70 million in metro area small businesses since 1999. ACE is the largest and most impactful small business CDFI in the region. With a mission to invest in disinvested communities, in 2019 alone, ACE invested 45% of its funds in Black-owned businesses, 37% in women-owned businesses and 16% in Hispanic-owned businesses. Since receiving its GoATL loan, ACE has created or retained 120 jobs in the region.

Amia Guild, an ACE loan recipient, owns Takes a Village Transportation, which provides safe, reliable service that bridges the gap between communities and families one safe ride at a time. Students and families rely on Takes a Village for transportation to and from school, to extracurricular activities, group outings and special events. Guild launched her business after a 25-year corporate career to follow her passion of mentoring young people and serving her community. She sees her passengers as extended family and keeps safety at the core of every ride.