North Georgia also has micro-credit program much like Nobel-prize winner

Today the Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus and his Grameen Bank won the Nobel Peace Prize for their pioneering use of tiny, seemingly insignificant loans - microcredit - to lift millions out of poverty.

Did you know there is a similar program in north Georgia? Appalachian Community Enterprises, or ACE, is an independent nonprofit organization that provides business loans to low and middle income people who may not be able to get traditional financing.

"ACE provides hope and opportunity for people to create financial freedom," says Grace Fricks, founder. "We do this by providing small business loans, financial education, coaching and connections so North Georgian can fulfill their dreams, create economic security for their families and contribute to their community."

Residents of these 34 counties are eligible to apply: Banks, Barrow, Bartow,

Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Floyd, Franklin, Gilmer, Gordon, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Hart, Heard, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, and Whitfield.

Services are available in Spanish and English. More information can be found at aceloans.org or by calling 706- 348-6609 or toll free at 800- 477-6609.