ONE APPLICATION — 2 PROGRAMS
Submitting an application to be considered for one of our 2024 programs is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
LEARN MORE
Read through this page to learn more about our programs and see if you're eligible.
APPLY
Submit your best application. When you apply, you'll let us know all of the programs you're interested in.
BUILD YOUR BEST
If we think we can help, you'll be invited to participate in one of our programs.
We welcome pre and post-revenue companies from all backgrounds including software, hardware, retail, technology, and social enterprises. Our founder-centered education, financial savviness, and supportive community of entrepreneurs will help you launch and grow a sustainable business.
STARTUP
INCUBATOR
A yearlong incubator program that provides more than $20,000 in business services and equips
entrepreneurs with the tools to launch, build, and grow a sustainable business. Best for entrepreneurs who: Can participate in a large time commitment, a minimum of 7 hours per month. (Founders will be required to attend business coaching, trainings, mentoring sessions, and community events in addition to their business goals execution).This program is open to entrepreneurs from any location within the Allegheny county region and nearby counties.
To be considered for Incubation, full participation in Pre-Incubation Bootcamp is mandatory. Bootcamp will happen on April 17, 26-28, and May 4, 2024, we recommend that you save the dates now.
There is a participation fee of $250 for the Incubation program class of 2025. By paying the program fee, each participant is demonstrating their willingness to invest in themselves and complete the program. Assistance is available as needed.
- Open to tech startups and small/Mainstreet business owners across many industries
- Must be 18+ years old
- Generated between $0 – $200k (gross revenue, grants, investment, etc.)
- Desire to build something that can turn into a full-time job and scale
- Coworking Space
- 1:1 Business Coaching
- Tailored Programming
- Expert Mentors
- Technical Support
- Marketing Exposure
- Alumni Network
- AI Business Assistant & Business Health monitoring platform, Sustainible IO
- $5,000 Mini-Grant
OPPORTUNITY HUB -
PILOT PROGRAM
This is a 6-month program providing over $5,000 in a mix of self-service and structural business educational support. Best for entrepreneurs who: Don’t have a lot of time for a heavy curriculum commitment. This may mean you are in the exploration stage or have enough experience and are looking for more low-touch and targeted support.
This program is open to entrepreneurs from any location within the Allegheny county region and nearby counties. We have a special interest in supporting those who reside or operate their business in the Larimer and Homewood neighborhoods. Regardless of your location we encourage you to apply.
There is a participation fee of $100 for this program. By paying the program fee, each participant is demonstrating their willingness to invest in themselves and complete the program. Assistance is available as needed.
- This program is open to entrepreneurs from any location; We have a special interest in supporting those who reside or operate their business in the Larimer and Homewood neighborhoods.
- Open to tech startups and small/Mainstreet business owners across many industries.
- Must be 18+ years old
- Generated between $0 – $200k (gross revenue, grants, investment, etc.)
- Desire to build something that can turn into a full-time job and scale
- Coworking Space
- Flexible, tailored programming and business coaching
- AI Business Assistant & Business Health monitoring platform, Sustainible IO
- Expert Mentors
- Technical Support
- Marketing Exposure
- Peer support Groups
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Coworking Space
Full membership to Ascender’s 24/7 workspace in our diverse, collaborative coworking space.
Tailored Programming
Unlimited access to all Ascender programs as well as Incubator-specific educational programming.
Expert Mentors
Access to Ascender's robust community of mentors to guide you in your entrepreneurial journey.
BOOTCAMP: OUR PIPELINE INTO INCUBATION
Click here to learn more about our Class of 2025 Incubator Program.
Ascender is building the next generation of entrepreneurs and providing them with the network and dedicated support to launch sustainable businesses. This is an a 6-month inaugural pilot program (June – December, 2024). This program is open to entrepreneurs from any location; We have a special interest in supporting those who reside or operate their business in the Larimer and Homewood neighborhoods. Regardless of your location we encourage you to apply.
Who we are looking for?
- Tech: A technology company is an organization that wouldn’t (indeed, couldn’t) exist if it weren’t for technology. Tech companies deliver entirely new products to the market.
- Tech-enabled: A tech-enabled business uses existing tools, platforms, libraries, and frameworks to make a company or a solution it provides more efficient or effective.
- Non-tech (Mainstreet): A business that does not rely on technology as its primary product or service, for example, business in industries such as retail, hospitality, and consulting.
Why Ascender
- Founder-Centered Education: Tailored programs that address entrepreneurs’ current needs and challenges, meeting them where they are, all while focusing on actionable insights and real-world application.
- Financial Savviness: A deep dive into financial acumen like financial analysis and projections ensuring you understand your numbers and leverage them for strategic decision-making and growth.
- Supportive Community: Access to a diverse and vibrant ecosystem of other businesses and peers, fostering collaboration, support, and mutual growth.
How it works?
- One single application
- 2 programs (Incubation/or Opportunity Hub)
- One community
Step #1 – LEARN: Read about our two program offerings
- Read through each section of this page to fully understand program requirements, eligibility, expectations, and benefits.
Step #2 – APPLY: Submitting an application is the first step to be considered for the Opportunity Hub Pilot Program or Incubation.
- Check your calendar and mark down the important dates and application deadline.
- Submit your application for free.
Step #3 – PROGRAM ADMISSION: Start building your best business.
- If we think we can help after reviewing your application, you’ll be invited to participate in one of our programs.
- Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 13, 2024.
Ready to get started? Check out our tips for a successful application.
Learn from the pros. Watch a recap of our application workshop to gain tips for submitting your best application.
Meet with our team. Learn more about the application and ask your last minute questions. Book a time with Annia | Book a time with Ummey.
Do your research. Make sure that you provide as much information as possible on your idea, product, or service, and don’t forget every company has competitors!
Be honest and bold. Don’t hold back when sharing why you are the right fit for Ascender. Tell us how your values align with Ascender’s and how we’ll both benefit from each other.
Submit your best. Writing a strong application takes practice. Check out our post on how to step up your incubator application game.
Apply before the deadline. Don’t wait until the last minute and submit your application before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some tips for deciding which program is right for you.
Yearlong Incubator Program: Ideal for entrepreneurs ready for a significant time investment of at least 7 hours per month. It best suits those who can commit to a comprehensive curriculum, seek extensive yearly support, and deliver on business goals.
6-Month Program: Designed for entrepreneurs with limited time for an in-depth curriculum, offering a blend of self-service options and structured education/support. This program is perfect if you are in the exploration stage of your business or for those seeking low-touch, targeted support without a heavy time commitment.
Consider choosing the Yearlong Incubator Program if you’re seeking in-depth guidance and substantial resources and can dedicate the necessary time to finish the work. Opt for the 6-Month Program if you prefer a more flexible approach that accommodates a tighter schedule, focusing on specific areas of support and learning.
Yes, Ascender works with startups and small businesses across a broad range of industries, including software, hardware, retail, healthcare, education, and social ventures.
We also don’t limit the definition of entrepreneurship to startups seeking venture capital. While we certainly work with these businesses, we also support and foster the growth of entrepreneurial enterprises that may never need to raise funding, including small family-owned business models, local impact models, local retail businesses, and others.
No, you don’t. For now, it’s okay if you are a solo entrepreneur. However, we like to see teams as opposed to individuals. Our experience shows that a team is less likely to get “stuck” and more likely to discover creative solutions to problems than a one-person company.
We strongly prefer teams with the technical aptitude to build the core business assets. For example, if your company is web-based, someone on your team must have the technical knowledge to build the necessary front and back-end platforms.
Our team doesn’t claim to have expertise in every industry. However, at an early stage, startups of all shapes and sizes will face similar challenges, and our team is very experienced in navigating those challenges.
Once we’ve worked with you to develop a working business model and a plan of attack, we leverage strategic partnerships with industry leaders in the region to accelerate your growth.
Rather than inundate each entrepreneur with “too many voices” at the beginning of the process, our team will work with our network of mentors, advisors, and industry experts to better guide your progress. Once your company clears certain determined benchmarks, we’ll connect you directly to the appropriate mentors and advisors.
There are a few types of businesses that we do not typically accept into our Incubator program because the curriculum doesn’t meet their unique needs. These businesses include restaurants, aerospace companies, traditional artists (check out the Next Leap Program), construction companies (check out the Riverside Center for Innovation), real estate agencies, individual consultants or coaches, and non-commercializable medical or healthcare products.
Book time with our team if you have questions about your eligibility.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to the Ascender Team and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
