Elevate x Ascend

Elevate x Ascend: Business Accelerator Program

Elevate x Ascend is LEAP’s 16-week accelerator program designed to support established BIPOC-owned businesses with a focus on revenue growth, profitability, and prominence.

Formerly offered as two separate programs, Elevate (for Black business owners) and Ascend (for Hispanic/Latino(a) business owners), these programs are now delivered together under one unified accelerator model. This approach allows participants to benefit from shared learning, expanded networks, and tailored technical assistance, while still honoring the distinct experiences of different communities.

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Program Overview

Elevate x Ascend combines structured learning, hands-on application, and personalized coaching to help business owners strengthen how money moves through their business, from attracting customers to pricing for profit and preparing for capital.

Participants will:

Develop a clear growth plan and baseline metrics
Identify and refine core revenue streams
Improve customer journeys and sales funnels
Strengthen branding, marketing, and storytelling
Build financial clarity around pricing, cash flow, and profitability
Prepare lender-ready materials and connect with funding partners

Participants also receive one-on-one coaching, peer accountability, and opportunities for increased visibility through showcases, media exposure, and community events.

Program Goals

Elevate x Ascend is designed to help business owners move from day-to-day operations to strategic, sustainable growth. By the end of the program, participants will:

Gain clarity on revenue models and income drivers
Improve sales conversion and customer retention
Increase profitability through informed financial decisions
Strengthen brand positioning and market presence
Build readiness for grants, loans, and other capital opportunities

This program is practical, not theoretical. It’s focused on real tools, real testing, and real outcomes.

Why This Program Matters

Systemic barriers continue to limit access to capital, networks, and high-quality business support for entrepreneurs of color. Since 2000, the U.S. economy has lost an estimated $16 trillion due to discrimination, and closing the racial wealth gap could increase U.S. GDP by $1.5 trillion.

Elevate x Ascend exists to address these disparities in a tangible way, by providing culturally responsive support, trusted advising, and pathways to sustainable growth. This program goes beyond awareness. It focuses on real tools, real strategy, and real outcomes.

Program Benefits

No cost to participate
Access to a cohort of fellow BIPOC business owners
Guidance to build a clear growth plan with measurable milestones
One-on-one technical assistance tailored to your business goals
Group sessions and peer learning opportunities
Exposure and promotional opportunities through LEAP platforms
Opportunities to be featured at key community and cultural events
Connection to LEAP’s broader network of partners, resources, and decision-makers

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for established, growth-oriented BIPOC-owned businesses.

Eligibility requirements:

Business owner identifies as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) – including Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Latino/a/x, and other entrepreneurs of color
For-profit business
Have completed the TREK Small Business Support Hub
Business has been operating for at least one year
Business has active or recent customers and consistent revenue
Business is founded or registered in Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham County (MI)
Business is not a franchise or national chain

While LEAP supports entrepreneurs at every stage, Elevate x Ascend is for owners ready to refine, strengthen, and scale.

Why LEAP?

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs through programs like One & All, Business Made Simple, and other equity-centered initiatives.

Elevate x Ascend builds on this foundation by providing intentional, high-touch support for BIPOC entrepreneurs, ensuring that business growth is not just possible, but sustainable.