Propelling Businesses to Prosperity
Ascend Houston Powered by JPMorgan Chase
At the Heart of Ascend Houston is Collaboration
Ascend Houston brings together small business service providers, a community college, and a community development financial institution to close the opportunity gap because we know that mission-driven collaboration can solve small businesses’ most pressing issues. Ascend Houston is managed by LiftFund, a Community Development Financial Institution, (CDFI). The program is a collaborative effort between the lead agency, LiftFund, the City of Houston, Houston Community College (HCC), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Minority Business Development Center (MBDA), The BridgePath and Local Banks.
Ascend Houston assists in improving management skills through the creation of a procurement pipeline, gaining access to money, and growing market connections in a tailored approach to maximize the unique opportunities of Houston-based businesses. The overarching goal of the program is to create multiple pathways to new opportunities, assist with securing additional revenue, and provide enhanced direction to business management.
“Businesses owned by people of color underperform compared to businesses as a whole because of systemic barriers to management education, money through loans and investments, and markets through contracts and supply chain partnerships with corporations and public sector agencies.”
— Dr. Michael Verchot, Ascend National lead
Three-M Model
Market Access
Expand access to contracting opportunities with public entities (local/federal government) and private organizations using multiple databases, existing relationships, and information provided by local community partners.


Management
Provide management support services to ensure accelerated business growth, job creation, and job retention. Services include assistance with preparing and applying for government-specific certifications (ex. DBE, SBE, MBE, WBE, Section 3), assistance with marketing services (i.e. capability statements/capability briefings, etc.), business management & leadership, preparing for procurement/bid opportunities, and other support services in a one-on-one and/or group setting. Additional services include:
- Business Training & Education
- Targeted Incubation/Acceleration Resources
Money
Ascend Houston and LiftFund will provide one-on-one assistance, classes, and web-based training on topics related to money. Information presented will focus on financial literacy, managing personal and business finances, access to lines of credit and/or business loans.

Meet Our Executive Team

Michi Bruns Clay
Regional Vice President & Executive Director
LiftFund

Tandelyn Weaver
Executive
LiftFund

Richard Gianni
Senior Executive Vice President
LiftFund

Lalla V. Morris, Esq
Assistant Director
City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity

Dr. Maya Durnovo
Chief Entrepreneurial Officer
Houston Community College

Dr. Paula Pineda
Economic Development Director
Houston and Community Development Department

Rodolfo Cavazos Jr
President and Founder
The BridgePath

Steve Lawrence
Executive Director
Small Business Development Center
Procurement Board

Cecily Williams
Public Projects
BCB Construction

Quitman & Gabriela Smith
Commercial Projects
Big State Construction

Branden Morris
Community Engagement
Basal Construction

Cheryl Thompson
Recruiting
Made in the Shade, Blinds and More