national head start
program developer gets assistance for
new harlem headquarters
Monday, March 15, 2010 -Hope
Knight, Executive Director of the Business
Resource & Investment Service Center (BRISC), announced today that Acelero Learning Inc., a for-profit company
that administers Head Start programs and for-profit ancillary services around
the country, has received a $250,000 loan from her organization.
Founded in 2002, Acelero Learning, Inc. is
building a national network of Head Start programs funded by the federal
government to provide preschool to low-income children and families.Acelero has developed a high quality, cost-effective
model for programs that assembles into one comprehensive package the best
research-based curriculum, finance system, student information system,
compliance tools, and management training necessary to operate an effective
Head Start program. In 2005, Acelero began pursuing
direct administration of Head Start programs through wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Subsequently, the company received contracts from several states, including New
Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
Acelero Learning recently moved its
headquarters to 125th Street between 6th and 5th
Avenuesfrom Third Avenue, as it had outgrown the
space there.The BRISC loan will
be used to assist Acelero with the cost of building out its new headquarters
and for working capital.
“BRISC is pleased and proud to give
financial assistance to an organization that provides such an outstanding
service for children,” said Ms. Knight.“With our nation, State and City heavily focusing on the issue of education,
we believe that an investment in Acelero, is an investment in the future of our
youngsters.”
Aaron Lieberman, Acelero Learning, Inc.’s co-founder
and CEO, said “We are so pleased to receive this support from BRISC and the
Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone.We are
committed to investing in Harlem as our corporate head quarters, and now we
feel like Harlem has invested in us!”
ABOUT BRISC
BRISC
offers start-up and/or expansion loans to qualified businesses in Upper
Manhattan.Loans are from $50,000 to $250,000 in size, with a
competitive fixed rate, a maximum seven year maturity and there isn’t a job
creation requirement.Additionally,
BRISC technical assistance programs are available to ensure the sustainability,
profitability and growth of small businesses in the Upper Manhattan Empowerment
Zone. Technical assistance includes consulting services, workshops, seminars
and access to a large “how-to” library.
