Who We Are | Ascend Houston

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.