Ascender scholarship program

The data is clear.

Underrepresented founders (defined as BIPOC, Latine, LGBTQIA, Women) get less capital, less access, and fewer open doors. Not because the ideas are smaller, but because the opportunities have been.

Ascender is changing that math, one founder at a time.

We're offering the education and support system too many talented entrepreneurs have historically been shut out of. With the help of the Roy Hunt Foundation, Ascender will cover 6 months of membership in our coworking space to include all our entrepreneurial programming, coaching and resources - for underserved and underrepresented founders.

Whether you’re ready to apply or just want to talk it through, we are here. Click here to schedule a call with our Programs Director if you have any questions. 

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  • These criteria are guidelines but are not set in stone.  Our ideal scholarship recipient wants connection and programming to grow their business - no matter what stage you’re in.

    • Majority-owned (51%+) by individual(s) from low-income backgrounds or systemically underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship

    • Active business a clear growth trajectory (revenue-positive is helpful)

    • Demonstrated financial need (cannot afford $250-400/month market-rate membership)

    • Strong preference for entrepreneurs who live or operate in the Hill District or the East End Pittsburgh

    • Consideration for entrepreneurs in adjacent underinvested neighborhoods who benefit from the East Liberty location

    • Presence at the Ascender office 2 days/week in space (this is how we build peer relationships that drive outcomes)

    • Willingness to engage in peer problem-solving and knowledge-sharing

    • Participation in monthly check-ins and outcome tracking with our Entrepreneur Success Manager, Donald Robinson

    • Attend one workshop/member event per month

    • Attend two office hours with our rotating experts per month.

  • We receive many submissions. Submitting an application does not guarantee a scholarship. Scholarships will be prioritized for underserved founders. If selected to receive an Ascender scholarship, recipients will be responsible for a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.

    Scholarships provide a 6-month membership to Ascender, with an opportunity to renew.

The Gap is real & Well
Documented.

In 2025, Black-founded startups received just 0.32% of all U.S. venture funding. Federal Reserve data shows Black and Hispanic-owned businesses are denied traditional financing at more than double the rate of white-owned businesses, even after controlling for creditworthiness. These disparities compound early, limiting access not just to capital, but to the mentorship, networks, and business education that often decide whether a company survives its first few years.  Despite the fact that women start almost half of all businesses in the US, female teams still get less than 3% of venture investment.  This population is also affected by ageism: The SBA reports that women over 55 are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the US. 

Ascender welcomes all of these founders to our community, every day.   

Submit application
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Faq’s

  • We have funding for a minimum of 12 scholarships for 6 months - but it’s possible to shorten or extend based on how much progress the applicant is making.

  • The Ascender community thrives when we serve many different founders with different ideas and businesses, from different backgrounds.  If you want to build a sustainable business in Pittsburgh and if you enjoy a supportive community, then Ascender is for you.

  • Well, that’s kind of up to you.  Some members are here every day! Some come after hours.  Many pop in a few times a week to take advantage of our many office hours meetings with experts or to get coaching from some of our staff.  What is most important however, is that you do show up, in person, with some amount of regularity to get to know the community and the Ascender team.

  • In global entrepreneurship, there are groups of people who have been systematically underrepresented and underserved. These include people of color including Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other founders of color as well as women and the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • Scholarships are rolling - so the assumption is that when you receive the scholarship, you will begin coming to Ascender right away.

  • We know entrepreneurs often have families, side gigs and other full time jobs.  It’s why we don’t make anything mandatory - but offer lots of opportunities at different times on different days so founders can get the most out of the community - on their own schedules. 

  • "Ascender is an incredible place filled with passion, purpose, and people who genuinely care. I found not just a workspace, but an amazing team that uplifts and empowers the community."

    -- Maria Elisa Cevallos, South Breeze Photography

  • "Ascender is a gem of a resource for the SWPA community. It is full of authentic, diverse, and passionate people sincerely hoping/looking to make this planet a bit better."

    — John Kalafut, Asher Informatics PBC

  • "So far we have loved everything we've experienced; from the space to the staff everything has been lovely and I truly enjoy the few days a month that we come in and utilize the space."

    — Sarah Kurtz, New Voices for Reproductive Justice

  • "Ascender gave me a sense of belonging and warm connections, which is much more than just a space to work. I found myself bonding with people over shared goals and personal progress, and it made every day feel purposeful."

    — Mayank Sharma, FinScan