ASCEND NATIONAL COHORT

We recognize the immense value of your time and the weight of choosing to dedicate your team to a half-year program. That’s why the Ascend National Cohort is designed not just to inform but to transform. It’s not about far-off financial benchmarks or generic solutions; it’s about creating immediate, actionable strategies that meet you where you are and help you take the next big leap.
The program brings together a wealth of expertise to create a practical, results-driven learning experience. You will benefit from the academic and research resources of the University of Washington Foster School of Business and  Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneur Center´s facilitators, while also drawing from the knowledge of three world-renowned consulting firms and the strategic insight of a global financial services leader.
This unique blend of academic and industry knowledge is applied to your project through close collaboration with the Ascend National Cohort support teams, ensuring that the lessons learned translate into actionable strategies that elevate businesses to their next phase of success.

Hubs for ´26 -´27 Cohorts

Ascend National Cohort has two hubs, these are academic institutions that manage the program and support the participants throughout their Ascend participation. See which Hub fits your business and apply!

Foster School of Business at University of Washington

  • Located in Seattle, WA
  • Program starts  with a four-day In Person Opening Sessions on September 22, 2026
  •  Graduation ends with a three-day In Person Closing Sessions on March 9, 2027
  • Virtual-Remote Sessions October – April
  • Ascend Team will consist of an Ascend Coach and Ascend MBA Fellow for each business-participant to work on the Opportunity Statement
  • Cohort consists of:
    • Businesses that operate primarily in a B2B or B2G markets
    • Are in a growth phase, often with revenues roughly in the $2M + range
    • Have leaders who are open to reflection, learning, and collaboration
    • All industries are welcomed to apply

Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneur Center (MIEC) at Morehouse College 

  • Located in Atlanta, GA
  • Program starts with a three-day In Person Opening Sessions on September 9, 2026
  • Graduation ends with a three-day In Person Closing Sessions on March 2027
  • Virtual-Remote Sessions September – April
  • Ascend Team will consist of a Coach and Consulting Fellows for each business-participant to triage the Opportunity Statement
  • Cohort consists of:
    • Businesses that operate primarily in B2G markets (local, state and federal)
    • Are in a growth phase, often with revenues roughly in the $2M + range
    • Have leaders who are open to reflection, learning, and collaboration
    • Industries: IT, manufacturing, construction, and professional services

Application Deadline: August 3, 2026

APPROACH

The program consists of a blended approach combining in-person and online experiences with various types of engagements to leverage the strengths of both face-to-face instruction and online learning to create a more flexible and engaging experience.

In-person

High-impact, interactive multi-day sessions on academic campuses take place at the beginning and end of the six-month program. Led by Foster’s world-renowned faculty, global business consultants, and Morehouse facilitators the sessions include relevant case study reviews, panel discussions, and group collaborations.

Virtual Webinars

In advance of each biweekly online session, you are provided with the topic outline along with any materials to review beforehand to help you prepare for your discussion. In some cases, you may be required to complete and return specific information in advance. Sessions include a group check-in, lecture, small group breakout discussions, and Q&A.

Coach and Fellows

During the in-person session, you’ll connect with your Hub and explore your business in depth, clarify your priorities, and review your Opportunity and Challenge Statements. Together, you’ll establish a meeting cadence and align on a final version of the statement. Once finalized, your  team will begin working on the selected project, turning insights into action.

Global Consultation

  • JPMorganChase is a leading financial services firm based in the United States, with operations worldwide. Ascend National Cohort companies work with JPMC to improve financial management as they prepare to move to the middle market and beyond.
  • RSM empowers middle market companies worldwide to take charge of change. Ascend National Cohort companies work with RSM to upgrade their financial management and accounting systems to prepare them for success as they move beyond the $20 million and through the $1 billion revenue level.

Cohort Community

A strong and cohesive community of peers is at the heart of Ascend’s success. Building a thoughtful and empowering cohort is critical to:
  • Strengthen connections
  • Highlight shared achievements
  • Celebrate the collective effort
  • Inspire camaraderie
When participants see their goals embraced and their successes recognized, the program becomes a shared investment in their growth and the success of the group.