Ascend Retail
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Take your retail-based business to the next level!
Are you a product-based business ready to explore retail opportunities? Are you a successful small business in pop-up markets or e-commerce looking to elevate your success to the next level? If so, this program is tailored for you! It offers retail-focused workshops, training, and access to market opportunities.
We are excited to launch our Ascend Retail program for fall 2024. The Ascend Retail Cohort serves entrepreneurs interested in retail through a holistic, multi-week program. Our hybrid approach includes interactive workshops, one-on-one consultations with business advisory support, and access to business mentorship. We aim to support the growth and long-term success of under-resourced small business owners in the Greater Washington, D.C. region and surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia.
This year's Ascend Retail Cohort is designed to help retail bound businesses navigate a complex marketplace and build resilient businesses in an ever-changing environment. This program will offer a customized, timely suite of services to ensure that underserved businesses build and maintain resilience and increase competitiveness.
The focus areas of Ascend Retail include:
- Developing business foundations – Business canvas creation and evaluation
- Brand Strategy and Digital Positioning
- Training sessions led by industry experts
- Developing revenue streams
- Financial Management
- Gathering consumer insights and conducting research through pop-ups and community activations
2024 Information Session
Next Cohort 2024
Members Can Expect
- Online group training sessions on Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:30-2:00 pm ET
- Pitch coaching with mentors and community members
- Office hours with industry experts
- Independent assignments for business growth
- One-to-one mentorship from dedicated leaders who believe in your mission
- Brand representation and sales opportunities at Wacif community events:
Members Are Expected To
- Commit up to 7 - 10 hours per week during the cohort period for workshops, out-of-class deliverables, and mentor meetings.
- Show up on time to all workshops, mentor meetings, and cohort events
- Attend all sessions and complete all required deliverables. Up to two absences are excusable. Participants are responsible for communicating absences, viewing workshop recordings, and completing deliverables.
- Continue engagement with advisors, strategic partners, and cohort participants post-training sessions over a multi-month period.
- Attend networking and retailing activities outside of classroom sessions.
Apply Now
Applications are now closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
We strongly encourage entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria to apply for the Ascend program: (1) Your business has operated for at least three years. (2) The business generates at least $25,000 in annual sales. (3) The business has participated in multiple tradeshows/pop-ups in 2023-2024 and/or has an online presence (e.g., ecommerce platform, website, social media) highlighting products and services. (4) is registered and in good standing.
This program welcomes independent clothing brands (urban/streetwear), small-scale manufacturers, and artists selling original pieces and creative products. If you have a unique, creative business, this could be a great fit for you!
We are excited to welcome up to 15 brands.
Absolutely! The program is best suited for entrepreneurs whose businesses have a revenue-generating record, with a minimum annual revenue of $25,000.
To get the most out of the program, participants should be present and engaged and all scheduled sessions. Up to two absences are excusable with proper communication and completion of missed deliverables. If you feel you might not be able to commit to this now, we recommend you postpone your participation until later.
The Ascend Retail training sessions will primarily be virtual, with a few in-person events to foster community and hands-on learning.
Preference is given to ventures from or working in Ward 7 and Ward 8 in Washington, D.C., but all qualifying businesses with their principal office located in Washington, D.C., Prince George's County (MD), Montgomery County (MD), Howard County (MD), Arlington County (VA), or Alexandria (VA). are welcome to apply.
You will be informed by September 27 if you are accepted into the program.
Applications will be reviewed holistically, considering the business, financial sustainability, growth potential, expressed challenges, and ability to increase revenue and profitability. Preference will be given to businesses in Ward 7 and 8.
While this program does not provide direct funding, it will help you earn more revenue and become a stronger candidate for venture funding. As an alumnus, you'll be eligible to apply for the annual SEED SPOT Demo Day competition, where you can win grants.
During onboarding, you will share your goals, working style, and mentor preferences. This information will be used to match you with a seasoned professional, entrepreneur, or industry expert who is excited to work with you on actionable goals.
No, you retain full ownership of your business. This program is fully funded by generous donors and offered free to accepted brands.
Yes! The program is designed to be flexible. However, you should expect to commit up to 7-10 hours per week for workshops, assignments, and mentor meetings, including daytime sessions on Mondays and Wednesday from 12:30-2:00 pm ET (virtual).
After completing the program, you’ll join the Wacif and SEED SPOT alumni networks with special perks like ongoing mentorship access, discounts on select business services, funding introductions, and more! You'll also have opportunities for brand representation and sales at community events.
JOIN OUR INFO SESSION ON AUGUST 29
