KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 11, 2025

New Projects Made Possible Through Support from the Coca-Cola Company in North America

The Aspiring Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) program – a joint initiative of Kennesaw State University’s Michael J. Coles College of Business and MUST Ministries that guides local entrepreneurs in turning business ideas into viable ventures – is proud to announce new projects aimed at expanding the program's reach and enhancing ongoing support for its participants. 

The ACE Program is part of the national network of programs under the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), housed within the McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business at the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs. ACE’s goal is to support early-stage entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to build strong, sustainable businesses.

ACE’s new projects have been made possible by its partnership with the UPBI, which has joined forces with the Coca-Cola Company to empower entrepreneurs nationwide.

Coca-Cola, inspired by the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™, is supporting community groups across the country to drive economic growth and inclusion, help the next generation of leaders unlock their potential, and make positive and long-lasting contributions to local communities. Through its support from UPBI, the ACE Program will broaden access and amplify its impact for aspiring small-business owners in Cobb County.

“ACE exemplifies the power of collaboration between higher education, nonprofit partners, and corporate citizenship,” said Robin Cheramie, dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business. “With support from Notre Dame’s UPBI program, we can continue equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools and mentorship they need to build lasting impact.”

Support from this collaboration will fuel initiatives like the Second-Chance Cohort Pathway—which offers re-entry to entrepreneurs who were unable to complete their cohort due to personal or financial hardships. The collaboration will also support the Graduate Success Initiative, which delivers targeted post-program resources such as business coaching, professional development, and essential software tools to help entrepreneurs sustain and grow their ventures. 

“UPBI’s support gives us the power to open doors for entrepreneurs who simply need another chance and the ongoing resources to sustain their success,” said ACE program director T. Nichole Phillips. “This investment strengthens the partnership between the Coles College of Business and MUST Ministries as we continue building bridges from vision to viability for small-business owners across our community.”

“ACE is built on a partnership—between MUST Ministries and Kennesaw State University—and strengthened through support from UPBI and Coca-Cola,” said Nate Marsh, Director of Workforce Development at MUST Ministries. “Together, we’re helping more people in our community turn their entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable realities.”