What is Ascend Seattle?

Ascend is a six-month, cohort-based program tailored to construction and real estate development firms. Participants gain practical management education, financial guidance, and access to contracting opportunities with major institutions. The program emphasizes clean energy, commercial construction, workforce and affordable housing development, and real estate development.

Participants meet 8:00 am - 12:00 pm every other Friday from February 14 to June 20, 2025, at the UW Seattle Campus. Sessions are designed to empower executive leaders from minority- and women-owned businesses with the tools and connections they need to achieve long-term growth.

Why is it important?

Research shows that businesses owned by people of color face significant barriers. The median White-owned firm earns 1.5 times the revenue of the median Latinx-owned firm and five times that of the median Black-owned firm. These disparities result from systemic challenges, including limited access to resources. Ascend tackles these gaps through the University of Washington’s proven Three-M Model, which focuses on three key areas:

1. Management – Business mentoring, coaching, and education provided by the nationally ranked UW Foster School of Business.
2. Markets – Expanded contracting opportunities.
3. Money – Access to loans and investments.

The program’s 2022 inaugural cohort of 48 businesses reported growth rates between 5% and 50%, demonstrating the model’s success.

Ascend’s Accomplishments + Goals for the Future

Ascend fosters growth through mentorship, education, and networking. Graduates develop three-year growth plans, learn innovative approaches to accessing capital, and gain insider knowledge on partnerships with general contractors, developers, and government agencies. The results speak for themselves: Kristy Whitney, Owner of J5 Electric, grew her business from $75,000 in her first year to over $500,000 last year, with a target of $1 million this year.

Ascend aims to grow businesses owned by women and people of color into middle-market firms—those earning between $10 million and $1 billion annually. By the end of 2025, Ascend’s nationwide network hopes to achieve the following:

• Grow 400 businesses above $1 million in revenue.
• Help 75 businesses surpass $5 million.
• Support 25 businesses in exceeding $10 million.

When it comes to running a crew and making sure that everybody's on board with what needs to be done, it's helpful having programs like this that lets us see what this really looks like. I so appreciate learning new skills to better our work and growing the business.

—Marcus Cola, CEO/Co-Owner, Apex Electrical Group LLC

Get Involved

As a Participant

Ascend is designed for founders, CEOs, or executives of established businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, or those in underserved communities. Eligible businesses must have at least one year of operation and generate annual revenue of at least $800,000. For 2025, Ascend is seeking participants from industries such as:

• Commercial Construction
• Real Estate Development
• Clean Energy Construction

As a Sponsor

GLY is a proud sponsor of Ascend Seattle. We’ve provided scholarships to past graduates, helping reduce the financial burden of participation. Additionally, as GLY’s Business Equity Specialist, I serve on the Ascend Market Access Council. This peer network supports supplier diversity leaders in creating programs that uplift communities where we operate.

GLY also engages directly with Ascend cohorts, offering presentations and hands-on learning opportunities. Our team—including estimators, project managers, and shareholders—shares insights into working with general contractors, project types, and strategies for managing timelines and costs effectively.

Ascend relies on sponsors to provide scholarships and industry-specific content. Sponsorship opportunities include logo recognition, speaking engagements, and promotion through UW’s communications, which generate over 85,000 impressions.

Let's Go!

Ascend provides unparalleled opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. If you meet the qualifications—or know someone who does—don’t wait! Apply by February 7, 2025, to be part of this transformative program.

• Participate in Ascend: Apply Now for the 2025 Cohort
• More Information: Download the 2025 Ascend Seattle Flyer
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact Becky Thornton, Ascend Program Manager, UW CBDC& Business Development Center, thornra@uw.edu

If you have questions, feel free to contact me: Michelle Connor, GLY Business Equity Specialist, michelle.connor@gly.com

Together, let’s build stronger businesses and stronger communities.