Success stories

Lisa Davies, Happy Home Cleaning Service, Inc.

Lisa was a single mother who managed to get off of government assistance with a typical low-paying job; yet, she did not want to remain among the working poor. She started a cleaning business with a $5,000 ACE loan for vacuum cleaners, supplies, and working capital. Lisa has participated in virtually every educational opportunity ACE has offered, particularly the financial literacy education. She said, “I had way too many credit cards. I had charged stupid stuff. At one point I would give almost all my money to my boss who would pay my bills for me. I could not manage money.” Lisa put these lessons into practice and grew her business to the point where she needed more capital and got a second loan of $14,000.

Today, Lisa employs 9 women and has 4 vans. She was named ACE Entrepreneur of the Year for 2004. This award is given to the ACE business owner who has best achieved business stability and growth. The Entrepreneur of the Year has met the challenge of working on their business instead of in their business using tools such as financial statements, money mentors and business networking. In 2005, Lisa was the Micro-entrepreneur of the Year for the entire state of Georgia by ACE’s industry organization, the Georgia Micro-Enterprise Network because Lisa “exemplified the transforming power of micro-enterprise development.”

Sergio and Laura Moreria, Pueblo’s Mexican Restaurant

Two years ago, ACE made its first loan to a Hispanic couple. The $25,000 meant they could own their restaurant themselves, rather than with other family members. They are now expanding to another location in an adjoining county and have taken out a second loan with ACE.  No longer a micro-business, they employ 15 people instead of 4. They have had no employee turnover in 4 years. In the restaurant industry, this is practically unheard of.

What’s their secret? Pay fair wages and treat employees with respect and dignity. Help them learn to speak English and file legal documents. Teach them about the American financial system. Sergio and Laura are respected in the eyes of the non-Hispanic community as leaders and serve as an informal employment network, providing both employers and potential employees with leads. Many Hispanics have found jobs through the efforts of Sergio and Laura.

Nada Bunnell, Gentle Presence Photography

Nada sees the world in pictures, color, and composition. More than anything else, she wanted to help others see that way too and thought of her camera as a memory-maker. But for twenty years, photography was only a passionate hobby -- until she was laid off at 60 years old. “I knew I had little chance of finding employment. But with the help of Appalachian Community Enterprises, I have made the change from sitting behind a desk in someone else’s business to standing behind a camera in my own.  I have been able to follow my dream,” she says.

By providing her with a loan and assisting her with every facet of starting and running a business, she says she now has the “confidence to carry out and excel at each type of new project that comes along.” Ace’s continuing support and interest drive me to become the very best photographer and business owner that I can be,” she says.