Every successful business starts with a dream. A vision to build something lasting, to create opportunities, to leave a mark. At Ascendus, we have had the privilege of walking alongside thousands of women entrepreneurs as they take that dream and turn it into reality.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate not just the numbers—but the journeys, the persistence, and the breakthroughs that define the women we serve.
We have provided nearly 5,000 loans to women-owned businesses, committing over $101 million to women who dared to take the next step. Women who needed capital not just to keep their businesses running, but to expand, innovate, and thrive.
Among them, 62% of our loans have supported business owners with limited financial resources, ensuring that access to capital is not a privilege but a pathway. The average loan size of $20,705 has helped fuel growth in industries from childcare to retail, from food services to professional services.
We have seen entrepreneurs who started with a simple idea grow into thriving businesses that support families and create jobs. We have worked with business owners who faced financial barriers and helped them secure funding, build financial confidence, and position themselves for long-term success.
A chef who once crafted meals in her home kitchen now serves mouthwatering birria tacos from her thriving food truck. A childcare provider who once turned families away due to space constraints now welcomes more children, ensuring a brighter future for working parents. A restaurant owner who nearly lost everything has reignited her vision, with her doors open and her tables full once again. These are more than businesses—they are stories of resilience, ambition, and unwavering determination.
We celebrate these stories because they remind us that when women entrepreneurs rise, communities grow stronger, families gain stability, and opportunities multiply. Their success is not just their own—it ripples out, creating jobs, driving local economies, and inspiring the next generation of business owners.
At Ascendus, we are honored to be part of these journeys. We are committed to providing capital, coaching, and support to every woman who is ready to take the next step.
This Women’s History Month, we don’t just recognize the past—we look ahead to the future women entrepreneurs are building every day. Their vision, their resilience, their commitment to growth—it all starts with a single step.
