ATLANTA – State Representative Arlene Beckles (D-Norcross) was recently selected to deliver opening remarks at the Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) Women’s Business Center’s inaugural Financial Small Business Clinic: Path to Capital. This program is a six-week pilot program designed to equip small business owners with the financial knowledge and tools necessary to secure funding and achieve sustainable growth.
“I am honored to have been selected to deliver opening remarks for this critical pilot program,” said Rep. Beckles. “Programs like this make it possible for small business owners to expand on their business skills and increase their understanding of financial tools available to them. When small business owners are financially empowered, our communities and state thrive. This clinic is a vital resource to our entrepreneurs and, in return, our state’s economy. I look forward to meeting current and future local business leaders.”
The program, running from August 5 to October 14, 2025, will serve 17 participants in a hybrid format that combines in-person and virtual learning sessions. Rep. Beckles will commence the program by highlighting the importance of small business financial literacy in driving economic growth throughout the Atlanta metro area. Under the direction of Sandra Font, senior director of ACE Women’s Business Center, and facilitated by business consultant Dr. Eric Stanley Bonaparte, this clinic seeks to represent a milestone in ACE’s mission to empower entrepreneurs through financial education.
The Path to Capital clinic offers 12 hours of group training plus individualized coaching, covering topics including financial management fundamentals and cash flow optimization; financial statements analysis and business metrics interpretation; credit evaluation and loan underwriting processes; business planning for funding acquisition; direct access to lending representatives; and funding sources and practical tools including Excel templates and SAGE accounting system demonstrations.
Representative Arlene Beckles represents the citizens of District 96, which includes a portion of Gwinnett County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves on the Special Rules, State Properties and Technology and Infrastructure Innovation committees.
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