Frequently Asked Questions

1. What businesses are suitable for Ascend LA?

   Ascend LA’s 2023 cohort will include businesses in the construction and professional service industries. If you are not sure that your business would be a good fit for Ascend LA we still encourage business owners to apply and describe their goals for contracting with anchor institutions like LA County, local school districts, and universities.

2. Does your business need to be located in Los Angeles County?

   Yes, your business’s office or a principal physical address should be in Los Angeles County.

3. Is there a cost to participate in Ascend LA?

   This program is free of charge ($0) due to the generous donations of our donors.

4. Where will classes be conducted?

   This 2023 cohort will be conducted mostly online via Zoom, but some networking events in-person. Business owners must have access to a computer with a camera and internet to participate.

5. What is the timeline for the Ascend LA 2022 Cohort?

   Final Application Deadline: February 17th

   Notification of Program Acceptance: February 22nd

6. What are the Ascend LA 2022 Cohort program dates?

   The sessions will take place from March - August. Participants will have these months to take advantage of the 1-on-1 business development services provided by the Business Navigators.

7. How many sessions are in the Ascend LA program?

   12 weeks​ of online Saturday sessions​ from 9 AM to 12 PM. There will also be four 1.5hrs strategy sessions during the first weeks of the program.

8. What topics will be covered in the Ascend LA program?

   • Entrepreneurial Mindset & Management​: Developing proactive, innovative, and resilient behavior; overcoming barriers to growth; setting and achieving goals.

   • Marketing & Sales​: Customer analysis; value proposition; story-telling; pitching; selling and landing customers.

   • Management & Leadership: Developing growth strategy; planning and executing.

   • Accounting, Financial, and Financing: Basic accounting & bookkeeping; planning & budgeting; financial projection; and obtaining capital.

   • Establishing Yourself as a Contractor: Building personal and business Credit; insurance & bond; project management

   • Contract Acquisition: Reviewing RFP & responding to bid; certification; capability statement; negotiating and winning.

9. Do I have to attend all the sessions to receive the program certificate?

   Participants cannot miss more than 3 sessions or they will not be eligible to receive the program completion certificate or the 1-1-on-1 business development services provided by the Business Navigators.

10. Will this program certificate be equivalent to an LMU degree or certificate program?

    At this time, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Ascend LA. The completion of the program does not contribute to a higher education degree at LMU.

11. How many openings are in the Ascend LA cohort?

    We will accept up to 40 businesses in the 2023 cohort.