About Us

ACRES (Archwood Community Resource Empowerment Strategy) was originally founded in 2016 as Archwood Exchange to close the systemic gap in support for Black entrepreneurs in Arizona, with a focus on the Phoenix area. In response to the lack of accessible resources and mentorship, co-founders Henry Dickerson, Ali Nervis, Havana Dickerson, and Stacy Best-Nervis—each accomplished entrepreneurs in their own right—came together with a shared commitment to economic empowerment and business ownership within the Black community. Their lived experience shaped ACRES into a solution-driven organization that offers practical guidance and real-world strategies to emerging business owners.

Our mission is to elevate historically underserved communities by equipping community-minded entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support necessary to achieve sustainable ownership and long-term economic stability. Since our inception, we have supported over 400 businesses and evolved in step with their growing needs. Through initiatives like our longstanding marketplace—launched in 2016 to help businesses gain visibility and funding—we’ve helped generate more than $2 million in income for local entrepreneurs and their families.

In 2024, we expanded our impact by opening a retail incubator in downtown Phoenix, providing dedicated space and support for product-based businesses to scale. That same year, we launched Coffee & Connect, a monthly networking series designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. As we grow, our vision remains rooted in accessibility, equity, and inclusiveness—positioning Arizona as a model for community-driven economic empowerment.