Ascendus Awarded $100,000 Grant from Empire State Development to Support New York State Small Business Growth
NEW YORK, NY / AGILITYPR.NEWS / May 06, 2026 / Ascendus announced today that it has won a $100,000 grant from Empire State Development (ESD)
to provide and deploy capital to New York State small business owners. This investment will enable Ascendus clients to retain revenue and create jobs throughout the state.
Ascendus has been a long-time partner with ESD since 2001. For 25 years, the two organizations have worked together to provide New York State entrepreneurs with the capital and coaching necessary to build and sustain their businesses.
We look forward to continuing to partner with ESD to bring economic empowerment to New York’s small businesses.
Empire State Development Executive Vice President of Small Business & Technology Development Elizabeth Lusskin said, “Expanding access to affordable capital and financial services is vital for the growth of New York’s small businesses. By supporting CDFIs like Ascendus, we are ensuring that investment capital and technical assistance reach the microbusinesses and burgeoning entrepreneurs who drive New York State’s economy forward.”
About Us
About Ascendus
Ascendus is a mission-driven, nationwide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with over 30 years of experience empowering small business owners. We provide access to capital and financial coaching to help entrepreneurs achieve financial health and ascend toward lasting success. Dedicated to building thriving businesses and vibrant communities, we have delivered over $435 million in financial support to more than 62,000 entrepreneurs across the country. Learn more at ascendus.org.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
Contacts
Gustavo Banchero
Director Of Communications
communications@ascendus.org260 Madison Avenue, New York
Phone: +16465064790 Mobile: +16465064790
https://www.ascendus.org/