Business Ascend Cohort Pilot
The first 12-month cohort launching in April 2026 to deliver structured, assessment-driven support to participating businesses.
Pilot Cohort Overview
The Business Ascend Pilot Cohort is a 12-month, assessment-driven program serving an initial group of Black-owned businesses. The pilot is designed to strengthen business systems, improve readiness, and support long-term growth through structured analysis, coaching, and targeted technical assistance.
Pilot Timeline
(April 2026–May 2027)
April 2026
Onboarding & Assessment
Businesses complete structured assessments and clarify goals and priorities.
May 2026
Growth Planning
Each business receives a personalized growth plan and dashboard setup.
June 2026–May 2027
Implementation & Coaching
Monthly 1:1 coaching with technical assistance and specialized support aligned to needs.
Through May 2027
Sustainment & Continued Access
Check-ins and outcomes tracking continue through the end of the cohort, with continued access to cohort discussion spaces and resources beyond exit.
What Participants Receive
Monthly 1:1 coaching and check-ins with a primary consultant throughout the cohort year to guide implementation, problem-solve challenges, and track progress.
After the assessment phase, businesses receive targeted support from specialized consultants aligned to their needs—such as web design, branding, culinary consulting, supply chain/operations, and packaging redesign.
Cohort businesses may receive conditional support for priority expenses that strengthen operations and visibility—such as POS systems, signage, packaging, equipment, branding assets, and other essential needs identified during the cohort.
Participants receive access to a personalized cohort dashboard to track progress, access tools and resources, and stay connected through ongoing peer dialogue and Q&A. Support includes discussion channels, check-ins, and shared meeting links, with continued access beyond the cohort period.
How we Measure Success (A.S.C.E.N.D.)
Baseline assessment and goal alignment to identify priorities and set a clear action plan.
Measured by: baseline vs. final assessment, defined goals, completed planning steps.
Improved internal systems across operations, finance readiness, and workflow consistency.
Measured by: implemented tools/processes, documented system upgrades, coaching check-ins.
Stronger public-facing presence through updated branding and visibility assets.
Measured by: before/after comparisons, completed assets (signage, web, marketing), reporting.
Consistent implementation of monthly action steps supported by coaching and technical assistance.
Measured by: action step completion, progress tracking, consultant engagement.
Clear outcomes showing stronger readiness for sustainable growth beyond the cohort period.
Measured by: final reflection, readiness indicators, documented next-step plan and outcomes.