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.

 

Market Graphic
Management Graphic

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.

Money Graphic

Meet Our Executive Team

Michi Bruns Clay

Michi Bruns Clay

Regional Vice President & Executive Director

LiftFund

Tandelyn Weaver

Tandelyn Weaver

Executive

LiftFund

Richard Gianni

Richard Gianni

Senior Executive Vice President

LiftFund

Lalla V. Morris, Esq

Lalla V. Morris, Esq

Assistant Director

City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity

Dr. Maya Durnovo

Dr. Maya Durnovo

Chief Entrepreneurial Officer

Houston Community College

Dr. Paula Pineda

Dr. Paula Pineda

Economic Development Director

Houston and Community Development Department

Rodolfo Cavazos Jr

Rodolfo Cavazos Jr

President and Founder

The BridgePath

Steve Lawrence

Steve Lawrence

Executive Director

Small Business Development Center

Procurement Board

Cecily Williams

Cecily Williams

Public Projects

BCB Construction

Quitman & Gabriela Smith

Quitman & Gabriela Smith

Commercial Projects

Big State Construction

Branden Morris

Branden Morris

Community Engagement

Basal Construction

Cheryl Thompson

Cheryl Thompson

Recruiting

Made in the Shade, Blinds and More