Getting Ready to Grow: How Small Capital Drives Economic Mobility
About this Event
We're reimagining how small capital drives growth for small business owners.
An invitation-only conversation.
Last year, our case study with the Urban Institute showed how a small-dollar credit-building line and coaching reached small business owners the traditional system passes over. This September, we go deeper – an early look at what shapes whether that access turns into lasting growth.
About the Get Ready Program
The Get Ready Program was born from listening. In Jacksonville, small business owners shared how their credit history locked them out of affordable financing. In response, Ascendus designed a Special Purpose Credit Program that pairs access to capital with coaching support.
- Borrowers start with a $500 line of credit for the first three months.
- With consistent repayment and a completed credit action plan, they can graduate to $5,000.
- Along the way, they receive personalized coaching on credit building, debt management, budgeting, and long-term financial planning.
By combining capital with guidance, Get Ready helps entrepreneurs strengthen credit, stabilize cash flow, and prepare for future capital opportunities.
About the Event
Last year, our case study with the Urban Institute showed how a small-dollar credit-building line and coaching reached small business owners the traditional system passes over. This September, during UN Week in New York, we go deeper – an early look at what shapes whether that access turns into lasting growth.
Hosted by Ascendus, MetLife Foundation, and the Urban Institute, this invitation-only conversation brings funder, operator, and researcher to one stage. Whether you're a funder, partner, or small business advocate, you'll leave with a clear view of what's working, and for whom.
What you'll learn:
- How 174 borrowers accessed capital despite low credit scores
- Why 41% graduated from a $500 to a $5,000 line of credit
- How 76% remained in good standing through personalized coaching
- What makes this model scalable and replicable across the CDFI field
Read the 2025 research: https://www.ascendus.org/press/get-ready-to-ascend/
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
