Access to management, Money & Markets
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 ASCEND ADVANCED STRATEGY COHORT
Businesses of all industries are welcome to apply for the 2025 (Virtual) Winter Cohort.
SCALE THROUGH REGIONAL AND NATIONAL MARKET ACCESS — The goal of Ascend is to increase wealth opportunities for people of color and other historically underserved entrepreneurs by creating an ecosystem of support that enhances business knowledge, access to capital, and procurement opportunities.
are these challenges keeping your business from scaling?
Do you feel left behind by changing market conditions?
Struggling to keep up with rising costs and supply chain disruption?
Looking for help keeping yourself accountable?
Exhausted and need fresh perspective?
Need connections to open doors?
Selling more but always short on cash?
Working too many hours on tasks you should delegate or outsource?
Winning product awards but not paying yourself enough?
Haven't recovered from the pandemic?
Feeling isolated in your decision making?
Ascend could be a great next step
Program Benefits
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Legal support & resources
Management & strategic planning
Loan access and/or readiness
Marketing strategy
Leadership & Human Resources
Financial analysis & coaching
Access to bookkeeping training
Product development & securing contracts
Personalized strategies for growth
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M3 Model: Management, Money & Markets
3-Month Accelerated Core Curriculum (sessions every other week)
Optional Modular Mastery Courses on specific advanced business topics - take only the courses that your business needs, or take them all - It's up to you
Guest experts & panelists
Develop a Strategic Roadmap to identify & execute your market access goals
All programming will take place live on Zoom.
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Expanded business support ecosystem
Relationship building with market access partners (B2B), government, procurement opportunities (B2G), and anchor institutions
Access to regional market access opportunities & support in connecting with buyers
Peer-to-peer opportunities available throughout the Core Series and Mastery Courses.
Program Details
Ascend is an all-industry, cohort-based program that accelerates the growth of companies through an education model focused on: Management, Money, & Markets.
The flexible model allows you to choose the business topics & timing based on your needs:
The curriculum consists of Core Series and if applicable, a selection of Mastery Courses on specific topics.
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MANAGEMENT — Growth plan, improved business & leadership knowledge, new networks, opportunities for increased revenue, and employee retention/growth.
MONEY — Access to financial products, and improve cash flow.
MARKETS — Market readiness, contract retention, growth, and new relationships.
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YOU NEED MORE THAN AN ADVISOR, YOU NEED AN ECOSYSTEM OF SUPPORT.
Ascend is managed by Livelihood NW. Ascend clients receive a breadth of access to business education, experts, loans, legal advice, and procurement opportunities through the support of collaborating organizations including:
Business Impact NW
Built Oregon
Prosper Portland
Lewis & Clark Small Business Legal Clinic
PSU School of Business
Business Oregon
Oregon Women’s Business Center
Local lenders, chambers, business support providers, anchor institutions, & MANY more
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Past Ascend clients have reported the following outcomes:
Feeling empowered, motivated, unstuck, more confident & connected
New purchase orders with local grocers & private companies
New contracts with wholesale distributors, including international
Secured business support grants
Increased brand awareness
Increased retail sales
New marketing Strategies
Approval for bank loan to expand production
Successful launch of new products
Opened a new location
Completed strategic plan
Updated legal documents
New connections with entrepreneurs
Secured a private investor
+More
ELIGIBILITY & COST
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Priority is given to businesses owned by BIPOC, women, LGBTQ, Veteran or other underrepresented populations
All industries are welcome to apply
Are seeking or will seek B2B, B2G, or Anchor Institution opportunities
Min $100k+ revenue (Ideal is TARGETING $250k+)
1+ employees (Ideal is 5+ employees)
Home or business is located in Oregon or SW Washington
*If your revenue is below $250k, or have fewer than 5 employees, you are still encouraged to apply! We have flexibility here and consider each application individually.
For further inquiries regarding client eligibility, please email us.
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This program has an engagement fee of $200-$1000 based on Household Income.
Scholarships are available.
We will make sure that the fee will not be a barrier to enrollment in this program.
Have More questions?
Meet with Colleen Slinkard, the Ascend Program Manager to get your questions answered before applying, or nominating a business.
Ascend clients
Check out some past and current Ascend businesses
ARE YOU A CURRENT Ascend CLIENT or Alumni?
Login to your Client Home Page:
APPLY NOW
CURRENTLY Accepting applications for our 2025 cohort
There is no fee to apply | Program Delivery via Zoom
Applications are due October 31st, 2024
Applying early is encouraged as applications are open until cohorts are filled. All industries are welcome to apply.
The next Cohort Starts Early 2025
Can’t wait? Meet with a Business Advisor through Open Business Advising — No application needed!
NOT SURE IF THIS PROGRAM IS THE RIGHT FIT?
Don’t worry — we will assess your eligibility for ALL our programs with one application. You can meet with our Program Manager Colleen Slinkard to chat more.