A 4-month accelerator equipping LA-based small businesses to scale through contracts, capital, and coaching.
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A 4-month accelerator equipping LA-based small businesses to scale through contracts, capital, and coaching. *
Ascend LA
Procurement + AI Readiness Accelerator | Cohort 2 Start Date: Thursday June 4, 2026 | Rolling Application is open until June 1, 2026 | Save the Dates: Cohort 2 Information Session #1 /virtual/ Date: Wednesday May 13 at 10am | Information Session #2 / Date: Wednesday May 20 at 10am
$70M+
Contracts Awarded
400+
Alumni Served
300+
Jobs Supported
80+
New Businesses Each Year
Upcoming Information Session #1
Session 1 — May 13
📅 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | ⏰ 10:00–10:30 AM PT | 💻 Virtual
Join Ascend LA for an info session on our Procurement + AI Readiness Accelerator. Learn about eligibility, program structure, how to apply, and how we help LA small businesses compete for major public and corporate contracts through 2028.
Program Framework
3-M Framework
Developed by: University of Washington Foster School of Business
- Management – Strategic leadership and operations
- Markets – Competitive positioning and client targeting
- Money – Financial literacy and capital access
4-C Framework
Powered by: LISC LA’s procurement and community expertise
- Coaching – 1:1 business and bid strategy support
- Capital – Access to lending partners and CDFIs
- Contracts – Bid readiness and RFP navigation
- Community – A growing network of 400+ diverse alumni
CMG Alliance
Procurement & Business Development Experts
Get in the Game LA
Entrepreneur pipeline and procurement equity advocate
Los Angeles Business Council
Policy and public-private partnerships driving equitable growth
JPMorgan Chase
Lead funder powering Ascend LA’s accelerator engine
T-Mobile
Supporter of tech equity and digital inclusion
Capital One
Champion of small business finance and inclusion
Gates Foundation
Supporting supplier diversity via Get in the Game LA
LA Chamber Foundation
Backing regional economic growth and procurement pathways
Upcoming Information Session #2
Session 2 — May 20
📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | ⏰ 10:00–10:30 AM PT | 💻 Virtual
Prepare your business to compete for real contract opportunities across LA’s largest public and private sector projects. Get clarity on eligibility, how AI is reshaping business operations, and how to position for upcoming opportunities.