Reflections from OFN’s Small Business Finance Forum 2025

Austin, TX | June 2025

At Ascendus, we believe that innovation is a responsibility. That belief was affirmed and elevated during our participation in the 2025 OFN Small Business Finance Forum (SBFF), where our leadership team joined the national conversation on the future of capital, community, and product design in the CDFI space.

A Seat at the Table: Centering Innovation as a Core Value

Representing Ascendus were Victoria Richardson (CDO) and Ana Hammock (COO), who engaged in meaningful dialogue with funders, peers, and thought leaders across the industry. From breakout rooms to plenary stages, one theme echoed throughout the event: CDFIs must evolve to meet this moment.

During the Thursday Lunch Plenary, Ana spoke alongside Bernard Worthy (CEO of LoanWell) and Brad McConnell (CEO of Allies for Community Business) in a panel titled Reimagining What We Offer. She spotlighted how Ascendus develops products that are rooted in the lived realities of our clients, such as our Childcare Provider Initiative, Get Ready Line of Credit, and our innovative insurance product, designed to meet small business owners where they are and support where they’re going.

Building Capital Pathways with Purpose

OFN SBFF was more than a conference—it was a space for collaboration. We reconnected with long-standing partners and met new voices in the field, exchanging ideas, sharing impact, and envisioning what’s next for community finance together.

We stood out not just for what we offer, but for how we think. Our model integrates tailored lending products with post-loan technical assistance and coaching, and our impact framework goes beyond business outcomes to track household transformation and long-term financial health.

What’s Next: The Road Ahead

Attending OFN’s SBFF wasn’t just an opportunity to share. It was a chance to co-create what’s next. In a moment defined by macroeconomic complexity, increasing demand for innovation, and persistent disparities in access to capital, we showed up not only to contribute but to lead.

We brought forward a story of resilience, relevance, and readiness. From the national spotlight on Ana’s leadership to the partner conversations grounded in trust and innovation, it was clear: we are helping define the path forward for CDFIs.

We’re honored to bring these insights back to our work, to deepen relationships with our funders and partners, and to continue building scalable, inclusive solutions for small businesses across the country.

This Way Up!