Ascendus Named Top Microlender in South Florida for Third Year in a Row

MIAMI, FL – May 29, 2025 – We have been named the top microlender in the SBA’s South Florida District for the third consecutive year. In Fiscal Year 2024, we delivered 46 microloans, totaling over $1.6 million, to small business owners across the region – strengthening access to capital, fostering financial health, and driving inclusive economic growth.

The SBA South Florida District Office facilitated a historic $2.5 billion in federally backed small business loans in FY24 through its 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs. This made it the top-performing SBA District in the country by both loan volume and dollar amount. We are very proud to have played a key role in this milestone.

Our Role in the Journey of Financial Ascension

We believe in building bridges to opportunity. Being recognized as the top microlender is not just a milestone – it is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to helping small businesses ascend. Each of the 46 microloans we provided this year represents a dream fueled, a community uplifted, and a step forward toward economic mobility.

This recognition also highlights our unique approach: combining fair, flexible capital with personalized financial coaching to ensure entrepreneurs – especially those historically excluded from traditional lending – can thrive. We meet business owners where they are, walk with them through their journey, and celebrate every milestone they reach.

A Celebration of Collaboration

We are honored to be recognized alongside other standout SBA lending partners:
TD Bank – Top 7(a) Lender (628 loans, $87M+)
Florida Business Development Corporation – Top 504 CDC (233 loans, $224M+)
Wells Fargo Bank – Top Lender to New Businesses (196 loans, $12M+)
SouthState Bank – Top Rural Small Business Lender (3 loans, $850K)

This collective impact reinforces what we know to be true: no one succeeds alone. Together, we are building an ecosystem where small businesses not only survive – they ascend.

Leading with Purpose and Proven Impact

With over 30 years of experience, Ascendus has disbursed more than $420 million to over 56,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. Our work centers on inclusive access to capital, financial education, and long-term client success – especially for women, immigrants, entrepreneurs of color, and low-to-moderate income communities.

A Word from Our Team

“This recognition is about consistency, trust, and walking alongside our clients,” said Fabiana Estrada, Regional Vice President of Lending at Ascendus. “Each entrepreneur we work with brings vision and determination. We are honored to support their journey with resources that are fair, accessible, and rooted in partnership.”