FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Five-year expansion will reach 480 entrepreneurs and increase the program’s graduation line from $5,000 to $25,000.
NEW YORK, September 29, 2026. Ascendus is expanding Get Ready, its credit-building program for small business owners who are screened out by conventional financing, with a new $1 million investment from MetLife Foundation.
Over the next five years, the expanded program will support 480 small business owners and unlock an estimated $4.2 million in graduated capital. Beginning in 2027, participants who successfully complete the program will be able to access lines of credit up to $25,000, a fivefold increase from the current $5,000 graduation line.
The expansion and investment from MetLife Foundation were announced on September 16 during [Getting Ready to Grow: How Small Capital Drives Economic Mobility]([URL de la landing de recap]) at MetLife’s headquarters in New York City.
“For years, lenders have relied on credit scores to determine who receives capital and who does not,” said Paul Quintero, Chief Executive Officer of Ascendus. “Get Ready was designed to test whether entrepreneurs with limited or damaged credit could succeed if given access to small amounts of capital, individualized coaching, and a clear pathway forward. The results have been encouraging, and this investment allows us to bring that opportunity to many more business owners.”
From pilot to scale
Get Ready launched in 2023 to address a fundamental challenge facing small business owners: many entrepreneurs need credit to build credit, but conventional lending systems often exclude those with lower scores or limited credit histories.
Rather than relying on minimum credit score requirements, the program provides participants with a small revolving line of credit alongside one-on-one coaching, debt management support, and personalized action plans. Participants who demonstrate progress can graduate to larger amounts of capital over time.
The program has enrolled 174 business owners across 20 states. Research conducted by the Urban Institute found that participants entered the program with an average credit score of 571, below the threshold typically used by many lenders, yet most borrowers remained in good standing and many successfully advanced to larger lines of credit.
The next phase of the program builds on those early results. In addition to serving 480 entrepreneurs, Ascendus will increase the opening credit line from $500 to $1,000 and raise the graduation line from $5,000 to $25,000, providing participants with access to capital levels more aligned with traditional microloan products.
A long-term partnership
MetLife Foundation has supported Ascendus since 2003, helping the organization expand access to capital and financial coaching for entrepreneurs. Funding from the Foundation supported the launch of the Get Ready pilot and the research that continues to evaluate its effectiveness.
“At MetLife Foundation, we believe economic mobility requires more than good intentions. It requires investment, experimentation, and a willingness to learn,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “Get Ready is helping demonstrate new ways to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs, and we are excited to support its next phase of growth.”
About the program
Get Ready combines a small revolving line of credit with individualized credit and debt coaching. Personal credit score is not an eligibility requirement. Each borrower co-creates an action plan with a program manager, covering credit building, debt management, repayment priorities, and budgeting. At a three-month review, steady use and progress can raise the limit and open the door to larger Ascendus loans. The program launched in 2023 with support from MetLife Foundation, has enrolled 174 business owners, and has lent in 20 states.
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 personalized financial coaching to help entrepreneurs achieve financial health and ascend toward lasting success. With deep local impact and national reach, Ascendus has delivered over $433 million in financial support to more than 57,000 entrepreneurs, 78% of whom identify as women, immigrants or entrepreneurs of color. From corner bakeries in the Bronx to beauty salons in Miami, we help build thriving businesses and vibrant neighborhoods, shaping a future of financial ascension for all. ascendus.org
About MetLife Foundation
At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas, economic empowerment, financial health and resilient communities, while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976. Since its inception, it has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. metlife.org
About the Urban Institute
The Urban Institute is a nonprofit research organization that provides data and evidence to help advance upward mobility and equity. We are a trusted source for changemakers who seek to strengthen decision-making, create inclusive economic growth, and improve the well-being of families and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered facts that inspire solutions. urban.org
Media contact
Gustavo Banchero, Director of Communications, Ascendus
[email protected]
