Access to management, Money & Markets

Pictured: Sibeiho (Ascend Portland Client)

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

 

    • 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

 
 

    • 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.

 
 

    • 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.

 

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

    • 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.

    • 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?

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APPLY NOW

CURRENTLY Accepting applications for our 2025 cohort

There is no fee to apply | Program Delivery via Zoom

Applications are due December 1st, 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.