Hello Alice is a financial technology serving over 1.5 million small business owners in all fifty states. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Hello Alice co-founder and President Elizabeth Gore to learn more about the company.
Elizabeth Gore’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Gore said:
“I’m a business leader but also a humanitarian, and I’ve always been dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized business owners. Before co-founding Hello Alice, I served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Dell Technologies, where I helped launch programs to advocate for small and medium-sized businesses across 33 countries. I also worked at the United Nations Foundation as the Vice President of Global Partnerships, where I founded initiatives like Nothing But Nets and Girl Up, which have had a lasting impact on millions of lives worldwide. As a proud former Peace Corps Volunteer, I’ve remained committed to service and continue to use my platform to advocate for equitable access and opportunities for all business owners.”
Formation Of Hello Alice
How did the idea for Hello Alice come together? Gore shared:
“The idea for Hello Alice came about when Carolyn Rodz and I were attending a conference together. Disconnected from technology for the duration of the event, we found ourselves sitting in a tent atop a mountain, discussing our shared passion for addressing equity in the small business community. Though we had similar backgrounds—both from Houston, Texas A&M graduates, and with ties to Bolivia—our paths had never crossed until then.”
“This setting sparked a realization: if we were just now connecting, what about all the other people who couldn’t be in this tent with us? How could we create a platform that makes building these valuable networks accessible to every small business owner, no matter where they are? That night, as we looked around and saw a homogenous group, primarily consisting of white men, we started brainstorming ways to change the dynamic. We recognized that many underrepresented entrepreneurs lacked access to the resources, mentorship, and connections needed to thrive.”
“It became clear that we needed to use technology to efficiently connect small business owners—especially those who have been historically excluded from these opportunities—with the resources and networks they need to succeed. These were the seeds that led to the creation of Hello Alice.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory at Hello Alice so far? Gore reflected:
“I love our in-person events with small business owners. We learn so much from each other and I am always inspired by each owner. There have also been moments when I was starstruck when leaders talk about the power of Hello Alice like Melinda Gates, Michael Dell or Serena Williams.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Gore explained:
“Hello Alice offers a range of core products and features designed to support small business owners at every stage of their journey. One of the standout features is the Business Health Score, an assessment tool that evaluates the financial health and operational strength of a business. This score helps owners gain a clear understanding of their business’s overall fitness and provides personalized insights and recommendations to address potential gaps and maximize growth opportunities.”
“Hello Alice also provides business owners with access to capital and credit through grants, a loan center, and a credit card. The platform also offers an extensive library of resources, including educational content, mentorship opportunities, and step-by-step guidance for critical aspects of business management. To streamline these offerings, Hello Alice serves as an all-in-one hub where business owners can find vetted tools, exclusive offers, and curated solutions that are tailored to their unique needs, all designed to save time and reduce complexity as they scale their companies.”
“These comprehensive features are aligned with Hello Alice’s mission to create equitable access to resources and support for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, helping them overcome barriers and achieve sustainable success.”
Small Business Community
In light of recent policy changes under the current administration, what are the primary concerns and sentiments within the small business community?
“Small business owners are feeling a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism as they navigate the ripple effects of recent policy changes. Concerns are high around new executive orders impacting trade, immigration, and diversity initiatives. In the short term, rising tariffs could lead to increased costs for goods, forcing businesses to either absorb these expenses or pass them on to customers. However, in the long term, tariffs could drive more inshore supply chains and encourage more direct contracting for U.S.-based businesses.”
“Additionally, the rollback of affirmative action in federal contracting and cuts to DEI programs are limiting opportunities for diverse businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities.”
“At the same time, small business owners are watching closely to see how these changes play out at both the federal and local levels. While some are hopeful that deregulation might ease certain operational hurdles, others are bracing for the long-term implications of reduced access to grants and federal support. However if taxes go down, price of goods sold go down and the stock market goes up – small business owners will win under this administration. The community remains resilient, but there’s a clear need for policies that prioritize equitable growth and address the unique challenges small businesses face.”
Policy Changes
Given the volatility of the new government administration, what are you hearing from the small business community? Gore emphasized:
“Recent policy shifts are creating a more complex landscape for small businesses seeking capital and essential resources. The proposed reduction in SBA direct lending raises concerns about access to funding, particularly for businesses in communities that rely on government-backed loans to thrive. While initiatives to streamline loan programs through private lenders could benefit some entrepreneurs, there’s uncertainty about whether these changes will truly expand access or create additional barriers for those without established financial networks.”
“Compounding this issue are cuts to federal diversity programs, which have historically provided critical grants, supplier diversity contracts and support to minority- and women-owned businesses. As traditional funding avenues become more limited, small business owners are left navigating a competitive environment where securing capital may depend more on private partnerships than public support. Staying informed and proactive will be key for entrepreneurs looking to adapt and secure the resources they need to grow.”
Advice For Small Business Owners
What advice would you give to small business owners (reading/listening/watching)? Gore concluded:
“My advice to small business owners is to stay informed and adaptable in light of the current policy landscape. With recent shifts in federal priorities, it’s more important than ever to understand how changes in trade policies, SBA lending programs, and regulatory measures could impact your access to capital, tax obligations, and workforce strategies. Don’t wait for policies to directly affect your business, proactively review your financial plans and operations to ensure you’re prepared for both opportunities and challenges.”
“Equally important is the power of community. Continue building strong networks with other business owners, industry groups, and local organizations. Sharing insights and resources can help you stay ahead of evolving regulations and identify new growth opportunities. Small business owners are the backbone of the economy, and those who remain engaged, flexible, and connected will be best positioned to move forward.”
