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LOS ANGELES, CA – (October 14, 2025)  -- ASCEND LA, powered by JP Morgan Chase, announced today that the total dollar figures of contracts awarded to ASCEND LA participants is $66 million cumulatively.   In this calendar year thus far in 2025, the total dollar figures of contracts awarded to ASCEND LA participants is $6,745,065.

ASCEND LA, powered by JP Morgan Chase, brings together a network of non-profit lenders, education providers, and B2B market makers to provide diverse entrepreneurs with the resources and market access needed to accelerate business growth.  

ASCEND LA is a program of LISC LA.  With residents and partners, LISC  LA forges resilient communities of opportunity across Los Angeles – great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families.

The following are the names of government agencies that have awarded contracts to ASCEND participants:

●       Los Angeles Community College District

●       City of Los Angeles Housing Authority

●       California Department of Insurance

●       California Tahoe Conservancy

●       California Department of General Services

●       California Department of Water Resources

●       California Public Utilities Commission

●       California Department of Health Care Services 

“ASCEND is a critical component of what we do at LISC LA and what we are as an organization,” said Nicole Williams, Executive Director, LISC LA.  “We would not be able to provide the depth of support that we do now in the LA community without ASCEND’s connection and expertise.”

CMG Alliance is celebrating its continued partnership with ASCEND LA through LISC LA, having successfully onboarded its seventh cohort in 2025. CMG’s six-month program is designed to help small and diverse businesses thrive in the procurement sector through a two-phase approach. Phase One delivers academic training, equipping participants with knowledge and tools through a series of webinars and exercises. Phase Two provides a hands-on, 1:1 strategy tailored to each business, granting direct access to CMG’s team of procurement experts. This unique model has led to measurable results—most recently over $6 million in contract awards this year—demonstrating the transformative growth participants achieve. CMG deeply values its relationship with the ASCEND team as they work together to uplift and empower businesses to compete and succeed in government contracting.

3shades Design is a full-service branding, design, and marketing agency dedicated to helping organizations in diverse industries—from legal and finance to nonprofit and tech—amplify their message and build confidence in their brand. They offer web design and development, visual identity creation, SEO, and a mix of digital and traditional marketing services. 3shades combines creativity with strategy, taking clients through a collaborative process of brainstorming, planning, designing, and building to deliver solutions that are visually inspiring, effective, and tailored to each client’s goals.  As part of this award from California Department of General Services, 3shades will be providing marketing communications and social media marketing services to the agency for a period of three years.

 Quality Tech Solutions is a proud Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business that delivers comprehensive IT solutions to state and local government agencies. The company provides a full range of hardware, software, and accessories tailored to agency needs, with a strong focus on excellence, efficiency, and reliability. As a trusted partner to public sector organizations and small businesses, Quality Tech Solutions supports client growth with reliable products, exceptional service, and a commitment to collaboration in an ever-evolving technological landscape. The firm’s request for quote was accepted to purchase eDocs Software Maintenance services and was awarded by the California Department of Insurance.  Purchased laptops and security software were awarded by the California Tahoe Conservancy.    

Hollywood Handy Construction was established in 2012 as a General B Contractor specializing in commercial property construction, tenant improvements, and sports event support in Southern CA. As a certified WBE business with the City of Los Angeles, it prides itself in organized project management, competitive pricing, quality craftsmanship, and meeting or exceeding client deadlines. Its expertise in managing multifaceted projects, coupled with an innate ability to proactively collaborate with team members, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, has laid the foundation for a successful track record and continued growth within the construction industry.

 The Men and Women Housing Project provides 40 private, single-occupancy rooms in a modular, sustainable building designed for durability and efficiency. Trauma-informed interiors and shared community spaces balance privacy, security, and connection, while outdoor areas foster reflection. The project delivers safe, stable housing that restores dignity, promotes well-being, and supports residents in rebuilding their lives.  Hollywood Handy is a subcontractor under the prime, Brilliant Corners.

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is undertaking a $9 billion Bond Program to modernize its nine colleges. This program, focusing on "green" building practices, aims to train Los Angeles residents for skilled jobs. It utilizes Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and other construction delivery methods. Hollywood Handy has been pre-qualified as an approved vendor for this MATOC project.   The awarding agency is the Los Angeles Community College District.

 Tierra West Advisors, Inc. is a family-owned, multi-generational consultancy, based in the historic Boyle Heights neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles. Since 2006, its executives have served as trusted advisors to public & private sector decision-makers throughout California and beyond. By combining expertise in real estate development with dedication to community & stakeholder engagement, the company strives to create meaningful, sustainable, and equitable spaces that enrich the lives of all.  It connects decision-makers & communities with the funding sources, regulatory bodies, and grant-makers that make transformative public/private partnerships happen.  The team brings over 40+ years of experience helping public & private sector clients launch their dream projects that shape their communities. Our passion for community & economic development, financial analyses, strategic planning, and expertise in all aspects of the real estate industry form the foundation of our work.  The firm will provide financial advisory services to the agency for a period of up to five years.  The awarding agency is the City of Los Angeles Housing Authority.

 “Our work with ASCEND LA 2025 is unique because we provide businesses with hands-on, 1:1 support to grow through government contracting. We’re proud to partner with ASCEND as we transform businesses one at a time, equipping participants with the knowledge and resources to compete with confidence in the procurement space,” said Rene Cota, President & CEO, CMG Alliance.

For more information regarding ASCEND LA, visit www.ascendla.org.

 About LISC LA

With residents and partners, LISC forges resilient communities of opportunity across America – great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families.

Strategies We Pursue

·       Strengthen existing alliances while building new collaborations to increase our impact on the progress of people and places

·       Develop leadership and the capacity of partners to advance our work together

·       Equip talent in communities with the skills and credentials to compete successfully for quality income and wealth opportunities

·       Invest in businesses, housing and other community infrastructure to catalyze economic, health, safety and educational mobility for individuals and communities

·       Drive local, regional, and national policy and system changes that foster broadly shared prosperity and well-being 

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