Building Scalable Businesses

Ascend Twin Cities is a professional development program that offers management education and access to contract opportunities with participating Ascend Anchor companies. This program is designed to help BIPOC Entrepreneurs prepare to scale their businesses through a curriculum focused on contract-readiness delivered by the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at the Carlson School of Management. Cohort members also have access to MEDA's technical assistance and lending services for contract financing.

  • Access

    Access to capital through SBA and conventional lending, equity investment, and Grants for BIPOC Entrepreneurs.

  • Partner

    Partnerships with global corporations and BIPOC entrepreneurs nationally to facilitate contract opportunities.

  • Growth

    Best-in-class curriculum, offered by the University of Minnesota for BIPOC Entrepreneurs on contract readiness with anchor organizations.

Our 2023 ANCHORS

 

Partner with Leading Corporations

Fueled by an unprecedented commitment from five global companies, our initiative launched with the support of Target, Best Buy, General Mills, Cargill, and Travelers.

Your Vision, Ready to Grow

Turn potential into reality. Our BIPOC Entrepreneurs represent a powerful combination of expertise, innovation, and commitment to scale. Expanding with the initiative and competing effectively.

Systems Change Through Supplier Diversity

Ascend Twin Cities is a partnership initiative between JPMorgan Chase & Co., MEDA (Metropolitan Economic Development Association), and Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship (Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota). With the support of our Anchors we provide access to capital, market opportunities and business education to BIPOC Entrepreneurs.

Our Strategy

  • Advise

    Ascend Twin Cities provides business owners with the consulting services they need, and works with anchors to deepen their supplier diversity programs

  • Accelerate

    We identify opportunities for businesses to scale, help them expand by facilitating the right partnerships, and offer them access to the capital they need to grow exponentially.

  • Achieve

    By establishing firm commitments and outlining benchmarks, Ascend Twin Cities helps businesses achieve sustainable results in industries with high GDP growth.

Our Partners