Rep. Dr. Arlene Beckles Welcomes Third Cohort of the ACE Small Business Financial Clinic to House District 96

ATLANTA - State Representative Arlene Beckles (D-Norcross) today announced her support for the third cohort of the Small Business Financial Clinic: Path to Capital Series, presented by the ACE Women's Business Center in partnership with Sage. The free, six-week program kicks off August 11, 2026, and seeks to equip a select group of Georgia small business owners with the financial literacy, planning tools and lender relationships needed to access capital and grow.

"Small businesses are the heartbeat of our district, and access to capital remains one of the greatest barriers our entrepreneurs face," said Rep. Beckles. "Supporting this program for a third time is personal. I have seen firsthand how the right training, coaching and direct lender connections can turn a determined business owner into a thriving one. I am proud to once again bring this opportunity home to House District 96."

Rep. Beckles notes that this marks the third consecutive time she has championed the initiative in District 96, reflecting her ongoing commitment to workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business support across Norcross, Duluth, Berkeley Lake and unincorporated Gwinnett County.

The program blends bi-weekly group trainings with one-on-one coaching, hands-on business planning and real-world tools and templates. Participants also gain direct access to lenders. Delivered in a hybrid format, the clinic is led by Eric Bonaparte, Ph.D., MBA, of The Napoleon Group, LLC, a business owner and consultant with more than 35 years of experience helping entrepreneurs launch ventures, secure funding and achieve growth.

Rep. Beckles highlights that the program is open to businesses of all industries located in Georgia that have been in operation for at least two years and generate $100,000 or more in revenue.

Rep. Beckles encourages those interested to apply here.

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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