BUILD THE NEXT
GENERATION
OF SUPPLIERS.
Ascend LA is a supplier pipeline and procurement readiness platform — connecting high-growth diverse businesses to real contracts while equipping them to execute at scale.
Why Supplier Diversity
Programs Fall Short
- Corporations struggle to find qualified, contract-ready diverse suppliers — not just certified ones
- Most small business programs produce participants, not procurement-ready vendors
- Supplier pipelines are fragmented, underdeveloped, and carry high execution risk
Ascend LA delivers a curated, de-risked supplier pipeline aligned with real procurement demand — built to move businesses from learning to competing to winning revenue.
Businesses generating $1M+ in revenue — already operating, already viable, ready to scale.
Full-Stack Development:
The 4C Model
This integrated model ensures suppliers are not just ready — but performing. Every element is designed to close the gap between potential and contract revenue.
Executive-level technical assistance, bid strategy development, and operational readiness to build real, bankable capability.
Direct connections to lenders, CDFIs, and capital partners — ensuring businesses can execute on contracts, not just bid on them.
Active matchmaking with corporate procurement teams, government contracting offices, and prime/subcontracting pipelines.
A sustained alumni network, peer accountability structures, and ecosystem partnerships that extend growth well beyond the program.
Core Differentiators
Businesses don't just learn — they compete and win revenue. We actively connect suppliers to corporate and government procurement opportunities.
We serve already-viable businesses ready to scale — guaranteeing corporate partners engage with suppliers who can actually deliver.
Direct visibility into billions in near-term procurement tied to the Olympics, regional infrastructure buildout, and the clean energy transition.
AI-driven proposal development, operations efficiency, and systems integration — preparing suppliers for the next generation of procurement requirements.
Two Pathways to Procurement Readiness
- Construction & Trades
- Professional Services
- Finance & Legal
- Information Technology
- Defense & Aerospace
- AI / Machine Learning
- Clean Energy & Climate Tech
- Advanced Manufacturing
What Corporate Partners Gain
Every partnership with Ascend LA delivers measurable business value — from reduced procurement risk to early access to a growing pipeline of high-performing diverse suppliers.
Access a curated pipeline of contract-ready, diverse suppliers who have been assessed and prepared to deliver.
Suppliers enter your process with documented capabilities, financial readiness, and operational infrastructure in place.
Get early access to high-performing vendors before they're on everyone's radar — build relationships before demand peaks.
Influence supplier development priorities, sector alignment, and curriculum to match your actual procurement needs.
Meet supplier diversity commitments with real outcomes — not optics — backed by verified performance data.
Position your brand at the intersection of one of the world's largest economic events and inclusive economic growth.
Five Ways to Engage
Named cohort sponsorship with direct supplier pipeline access and co-branding opportunities.
Curated vendor introductions aligned to your specific procurement needs and timelines.
Procurement showcases, pitch events, and demo days where you meet qualified suppliers directly.
Joint innovation or procurement programs co-designed to meet your sector-specific goals.
Shape program direction, sector alignment, and supplier development curriculum as an ecosystem leader.
READY TO BUILD
THE PIPELINE?
Partner with Ascend LA to connect your organization to the next generation of high-performing, diverse suppliers — ready to compete and deliver.
Get In Touch
Jabbar Wesley · LISC LA
Senior Program Officer, Head of Economic Development
jwesley@lisc.org
AscendLA.org
For general inquiries: AscendLA@lisc.org
AscendLA.org