From Data to Direction – Anchoring the Conversation in Reality 

Ascendus recently participated in a pivotal two-day gathering of CDFIs, state agencies, small business advocates, and policymakers – all brought together by a shared mission: to examine today’s lending landscape and reimagine the future of small business credit. 

Amid national trends and macro-level data, Ascendus contributed something often missing: the voice of business owners who are frequently overlooked in policy conversations. 

Our work reflects the realities of entrepreneurs navigating real-world challenges – and finding bold, resilient ways forward. 

The Power of Contrast – National Trends vs. Our Realities 

A defining moment came during the presentation of the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey. While the survey offered a top-down view of small business lending trends, Ascendus brought forward a bottom-up perspective—one rooted in the lived experiences of the communities we serve. This contrast revealed a deeper truth about the unique challenges faced by underserved entrepreneurs and the necessity of disaggregated data to shape responsive strategies. 

The Federal Reserve’s findings showed that most businesses surveyed had credit scores above 720, signaling low risk. In contrast, the majority of Ascendus clients fall within the 620–720 range, considered medium risk—highlighting the determination and strength of those often left out by traditional lenders. While national data reflected a demographic that was 77% white and approximately 35% women-owned, our clients primarily reflect culturally diverse communities and include 42% women-led businesses—underscoring our commitment to expanding opportunity and representation. 

Where the survey indicated most businesses were either under 2 or over 10 years old, Ascendus primarily supports businesses aged between 3 and 10 years—critical years for scaling and stability. While the Federal Reserve’s data covered a broad geographic scope, our impact is concentrated: 86% of our clients are located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. Finally, while industries in the survey were mixed, our clients operate largely in business and consumer services—sectors vital to local economies but often under-resourced. 

This powerful comparison reinforces a key insight: real change starts at the ground level. At Ascendus, we use localized strategy and disaggregated data not just to understand, but to act—to uplift resilient entrepreneurs and drive financial ascension across underserved communities 

Grounded Strategy – Listening, Adapting, Building 

CEO Paul Quintero delivered a key insight: adaptation is not an exception for our clients –  it is the norm. 

In a landscape shaped by inflation, rising interest rates, and tightening credit, our response is rooted in what clients actually face: 

• Over 55% of small businesses are turning to credit cards for financing 

• Repayment burdens are rising across the board 

• Lending from traditional banks is becoming more restrictive 

Ascendus responds with tools designed for long-term financial mobility: 

• Line of Credit – Flexible capital with reduced cost 

• Get Ready – Credit-building as infrastructure 

These are not abstract solutions – they are real responses to real challenges. 

Policy Begins with Listening 

The second day of the symposium spotlighted a core truth: effective programs are born from lived experience, not theory. 

Ascendus helped ensure funding conversations were anchored in the tangible needs of entrepreneurs – especially those managing rate hikes and uncertain financial futures. 

We reminded attendees that access to capital is not the destination – it is a starting point on a longer path toward financial movement. 

Measuring What Matters – Trust, Mobility, Progress 

Ascendus shared a dual approach to measuring progress: 

• Subjective indicators: confidence, resilience, and stability (via Financial Health Network tools) 

• Objective indicators: repayment rates, business longevity, and credit score gains (via Ascendus Borrower Index) 

By combining what clients feel with what they achieve, we are building a model that supports both immediate relief and long-term success. 

Looking Ahead – A Human-Centered Model 

Applications to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have tripled since 2018 — a clear sign of how vital they’ve become. Meanwhile, satisfaction with online lenders is falling. 

This shift reveals a deeper insight: borrowers are no longer just looking for speed. They’re looking for something more enduring — consistency, personalized guidance, and care. 

That’s where Ascendus comes in. Our three-layer approach — supporting business, household, and community — reflects a guiding principle: when support is connected across every part of life, the ripple effect is transformative. 

A loan isn’t just a transaction. It’s progress for a family, energy for a neighborhood, and a step toward lasting growth. 

Closing Reflections: From Insight to Action 

The 2025 Small Business Credit Symposium revealed both complexity and opportunity. 

For Ascendus, it reaffirmed what we already know: the most resilient solutions begin with those we serve. A strategy rooted in real voices, local data, and lasting relationships is not just relevant – it is necessary. 

 As we end Small Business Month, we remain committed to a mission that goes beyond access – toward movement, connection, and a future built from the ground up.