PROGRAM
The Ascend Cities program is an initiative established in 2016 by the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business with funding and support from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. Its mandate is to accelerate the growth of microbusinesses led by underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The program blends data-driven strategies with a holistic approach to address the unique challenges of underserved communities. This model is crafted to adapt its curriculum to meet local needs, leveraging community partnerships to build leadership, access, and growth opportunities to ensure maximum impact on economic development and job creation. Through its tailored resources and network, Ascend Cities empowers business owners to scale their operations, access capital, expand market opportunities, and drive sustainable growth.
Methodology
Ascend’s methodology is built on the "M3 Model," which focuses on three critical areas of support for underrepresented entrepreneurs:
Management:
Offering high-quality management education and leadership development to strengthen business operations.
Money:
Facilitating access to funding through partnerships with lenders, investors, and financial institutions.
Markets:
Broadening market opportunities by connecting participants with corporations, government agencies, and organizations looking for diverse suppliers.
Structure and Activities
Cohort-Based Learning:
Entrepreneurs join city-specific cohorts to participate in structured programs covering strategic planning, financial management, leadership development, innovation, and more.
Market and Capital Access:
Participants receive guidance in obtaining capital and are introduced to procurement opportunities with corporations, universities, government agencies, and hospitals. Consulting support is also provided by business students and professional mentors.
Peer and CEO Networks:
The program fosters collaborative networks where peer support and CEO-to-CEO connections help participants share experiences and solutions.
Advisory and Mentorship:
Local advisory boards of leading organizations and prime contractors ensure curriculum alignment and actively mentor participants, connecting them with essential resources and sponsorships.
Eligibility and Criteria
This program is ideal for founders, CEOs, or executives of established businesses. Candidates should have at least one year of operational history and annual revenues of at least $300,000, though businesses nearing or surpassing $1 million in revenue stand to gain the most.
Locations
Click on the links below to visit the individual Cities' websites.