Building Communities One Business at a Time
                                    
The ACE Program empowers early-stage entrepreneurs who have faced barriers to opportunity or access—particularly those from historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds—to gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to grow strong, sustainable businesses.
Through a collaboration between the ÁñÁ«»ÆÊÓÆµ Michael J. Coles College of Business and MUST Ministries, ACE uses entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic mobility, helping individuals transform ideas into thriving ventures that strengthen families and communities.
As a partner of the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI) at the University of Notre Dame, ACE is connected to a national network of universities and nonprofits dedicated to advancing inclusive business growth and opportunity.
Every ACE participant shares one thing: a dream. Some are just starting out, others are ready to scale; ALL are driven to create lasting impact. The ACE Program nurtures that drive, offering the knowledge, mentorship, and community every entrepreneur needs to turn vision into reality.
ACE Programmatic Approach
The ACE Program is committed to supporting community entrepreneurs through a series of three phases:
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                                 1) Business Bootcamp A six-week bootcamp that introduces essential business tools. 
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                                 2) One-on-One Consulting KSU student consultants offer practical insights, fresh perspectives, and hands-on assistance that turn business goals into action. 
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                                 3) Mentoring Experienced local business professionals and subject matter experts provide hands-on guidance and actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and grow their ventures 
The ACE Program is a $5,000-value experience offered to scholarship-eligible participants for just $50.
Apply Now
Application Period: October 27, 2025 - November 15, 2025
For more details, .
Contact Us
Dr. T Nichole Phillips
Program Director
