Our Story
Since 1957, ACC Capital has stood at the intersection of capital and community. What began as a vision by Winthrop Rockefeller and Arkansas Civic leaders, searching to stimulate economic opportunity, has grown into a mission-driven financial institution that helps businesses thrive, while aiding individuals in reaching their potential.
1957
- A steering committee of 21 prominent business leaders, chaired by Winthrop Rockefeller, meets to lay the groundwork for the formation of what would become ACC, the First Arkansas Development Finance Corporation (FAFDC)
- Articles of Incorporation for FADFC approved and charter issued by State Bank Commissioner
1958
First loan made to Scott County Industrial Development Corporation for $130,000 for the construction of a feed mill and hatchery for the Scott County Milling Company
1959
FAFDC's first office opens at 218 Pyramid Life Building; William W. "Bick" Satterfield is hired as FAFDC's first employee.
1961
Hill F. Carlson appointed CEO
1968
- George H. Eagen appointed CEO
- $5 million of capital deployed
1985
FAFDC name changed to Arkansas Capital Corporation
1989
ACC becomes Arkansas' first SBA Certified Development Company under the Small Business Investment Act to provide 504 loans
1990
- C. Sam Walls, Jr. appointed CEO
- ACC approved to participate in the SBA 7A Guaranteed Loan Program
1991
$30 million of capital deployed
1993
ACC becomes the first certified SBA Preferred Lender in Arkansas
1997
ACC approved as a lender under the USDA Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
1999
Established Diamond State Ventures, Arkansas' first venture capital fund
2001
- Inaugural Governor's Cup business plan competition with a $61,000 prize pool
- $150 million of capital deployed
2002
Heartland Renaissance Fund becomes a Certified Development Entity through the CDFI Fund
2003
$200 million of capital deployed
2004
Heartland Renaissance Fund receives Arkansas's first allocation of $15M of Federal New Markets Tax Credits to support community development financing throughout the state
2006
Inaugural Youth Entrepreneur Showcase (Y.E.S.) business plan competition launched for 5th through 8th grade students
2007
- $300 million of capital deployed
- Connect Arkansas was established to manage Arkansas's portion of the Federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program to increase the public's adoption and use of high-speed internet through digital literacy training and Computers 4 Kids programs.
2009
- Heartland Renaissance Fund awarded $55 million and $70 million of Federal New Markets Tax Credits in two allocations
- $400 million of capital deployed
2011
- ACC named National Small Business Investment Company of the Year by the SBA
- $500 million of capital deployed
- Diamond State Ventures named Small Business Investment Company of the Year
2012
- Pine State Regional Center established to facilitate access to capital for Arkansas projects through the EB-5 Regional Center
- Heartland Renaissance Fund receives $60 million in Federal New Markets Tax Credits
2013
Rush Deacon appointed CEO
2014
$700 million of capital deployed
2015
- Heartland Renaissance Fund wins Non-Metro Project of the year from the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits
- ACC receives certification as a Community Development Financial Institution from the CDFI Fund
2016
Heartland Renaissance Fund awarded $65 million of Federal New Markets Tax Credits
2017
$800 million of capital deployed
2019
- Heartland Renaissance Fund awarded $35 million of Federal New Markets Tax Credits
- $900 million of capital deployed
2020
- Heartland Renaissance Fund awarded $35 million of Federal New Markets Tax Credits
- ACC provides $55 million of Payroll Protection Program lending to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic
2021
- Heartland Renaissance Fund awarded $40 million of Federal New Markets Tax Credits
- ACC provides $22 million of Payroll Protection Program lending
2022
- $1 billion of capital deployed
- Sam Walls, III appointed CEO
2024
ACC rolls out Microloan program, offering lending options from $5,000 to $50,000
2025
- Arkansas Capital Corporation name changed to ACC Capital
- ACC hosts 20th Governor's Cup with >$140,000 prize pool
Our Approach
Flexible loans for startups, expansions, equipment, working capital, etc.
ACC Capital believes in Partnership First. We aren't simply just underwriting and closing deals; we roll up our sleeves and work to understand your vision, your constraints, your goals. Whether you're a small business owner, a community developer, a lender, or an investor - our approach is rooted in flexibility, transparency, and collaboration.
Our Mission: Economic Change - To strengthen communities and empower entrepreneurs by making capital accessible and credible.
Our Footprint
ACC's reach spans multiple states, programs, and sectors. From small businesses in rural towns to community projects in low-income communities, our work is wide - yet always local in impact.
