“Because of the loan, we could update our business and still support our home. Thank you Ascendus, for being magnificent.”
– Read More about Reina
Plan for Success: Insights from COO Ana Hammock
As a small business owner, it’s important to look beyond the daily grind and focus on long-term growth. This month, we’re sharing essential business strategy tips from our Chief Operating Officer, Ana Hammock, who plays a vital role in Ascendus’ success. Ana’s insights aren’t just key to our operations—they’re practical tips you can apply to your own business, no matter its size. Whether you’re setting goals or building a strong team, her advice will help you think big and grow strategically.
Essential Business Strategy Tips from Ana Hammock, COO of Ascendus
We had a chance to sit down with Ana to discuss her approach to business strategy and how her insights can help you succeed as a small business owner.
Q1: As the COO of Ascendus, how do you describe your job?
Ana: As COO, my role is all about making sure the organization runs smoothly. I take the vision our CEO has for Ascendus and ensure it’s actionable, overseeing day-to-day operations to bring that vision to life.
Q2: What are some best-practice COO responsibilities that you would like to share with small business owners?
Ana: Communication is key. It’s important to clearly articulate goals so that everyone knows their role. Setting specific goals and tracking progress helps keep things on track. Delegation is also critical—trust your team and give them the responsibility to take on tasks that you can’t handle alone.
Q3: What key business strategies do you implement at Ascendus?
Ana: One of my favorite things is developing new products and services that meet customer needs. I also focus on leveraging automation to enhance customer service, freeing up time to focus on personalized support. Additionally, cybersecurity is crucial for protecting our data, and business owners should prioritize it too.
Q4: How do you maintain transparency in day-to-day operations?
Ana: Transparency builds trust. I give my team opportunities to be involved in decision-making, creating a sense of ownership and openness. It’s important for business owners to follow through on their promises to maintain trust and transparency with both employees and clients.
Q5: What tips can you share for making business decisions?
Ana: Always gather all the information you need before making decisions. Talk to different stakeholders, get their perspectives, and ensure you’re solving the right problem. Putting your customers and employees first should be the priority when making decisions.
Q6: How do you balance short-term needs with long-term growth?
Ana: It’s essential to make time for strategy. Set aside time to build a plan, even if it’s hard. Balancing day-to-day tasks with long-term goals requires focus, but it’s necessary to ensure you’re building for the future.
Success comes from thinking big and making strategic decisions. With Ana’s advice, you can build a strong foundation for growth and set your business up for long-term success. At Ascendus, we’re here to help you every step of the way!
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
September is Hispanic Heritage Month! This month is a wonderful opportunity to honor Hispanic and Latinx individuals’ rich contributions, vibrant cultures, and inspiring stories.
Support Hispanic-owned Businesses
INTRODUCING THE BORROWER’S BILL OF RIGHTS
At Ascendus, we believe every small business owner deserves fair and transparent lending practices. That’s why we are proud to announce that we are again re-certified with the Borrowers’ Bill of Rights, a set of principles aimed at protecting borrowers in the financing process. This Bill of Rights ensures that borrowers have the right to transparent terms, responsible underwriting, and fair treatment.
By advocating and upholding these standards, Ascendus commits to providing ethical financial solutions that empower small business owners to make informed decisions without fear of hidden fees or predatory terms. You can learn more about these rights and our commitment by visiting our website or the Borrowers’ Bill of Rights website.
LOOKING AHEAD
Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter:
Stories of Ascension: making a community brighter & green!
Zaruma Gold Coffee Zarucoffee is mother-owned and founded in the beautiful city of Zaruma, Ecuador. Here is where our two brands of Specialty Coffee were born, El Zarumeñito and Zaruma Gold Coffee, both run by Diana Aguilar.
Life is a Runway Edwing started making clothing when he was a teenager in Colombia. When he moved to New York, he soon became a staple in his community through his fashion brand, Life is a Runway.
Pega Grill has become a staple Greek restaurant in Downtown Miami; delivering delicious, high-quality food for more than a decade. The whole team, cooks, line cooks, servers, and bussers are committed to excellence in service and are aware of the special needs of their customers.
Click to watch, and learn more about the incredible small businesses that are focusing on providing an impact, making a difference in their communities, and the journey up.
LOAN PRODUCTS AND EVENTS:
Need a loan, line of credit, or just some personal finance coaching to help your business grow? Check out these products and resources designed for your needs.
Business Line of Credit
Access a line of credit up to $25,000 in fast-track financing at a 13.99% interest rate.
ICCC Program
A free, 40-hour “mini-MBA” program designed to provide small business owners with capacity-building education, one-on-one coaching, and access to capital.
Webneed
Create Free AI powered websites for your small business. Access website building consultants, learn how to build and manage a website from scratch, and how to set up merchant services.
Business Term Loan
For small business owners who need money to grow their business, Ascendus offers loans from $500 – $50,000. Qualified businesses will be located nationwide, except in Vermont.
New Jersey Capital Access Fund
Borrow up to $150,000 at a fixed, competitive interest rate for the life of your loan. Available only to small businesses located in the state of New Jersey.
CT Small Business Boost Fund
Supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, this fund links Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits to financial support.
Childcare Business Development
Qualified Businesses can be found nationwide, excluding Vermont. If you have been in business for more than three years, you can access up to $25,000 in fast-track financing at the same interest rate within 48 hours. No paperwork is needed to apply.
New York Forward Loan Fund 2.0
Up to $150,000 with a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan. Eligible to New York small businesses only.
“Get Ready” Business Line of Credit
No FICO minimum! This line of credit product is designed fto support Black and African American, as well as Hispanics/Latino/Latinx small business owners ready to improve their credit and invest in their businesses — $5,000 offered at 13.99%.
Ascendus Credit Coaching
Free tailored credit coaching for all current clients who are interested in our “Get Ready” Loan product. Training sessions will include credit building, debt management tailored to long- and short-term goals, prioritizing debt repayment, budget assessment, and assessment for current credit-building programs.
MASTERCARD: Digital Doors
A strong digital presence is more critical than ever for your business. Get your business online, protected and equipped with the right digital and financial tools to enable your future growth.
Caraballo Accounting Scholarship
We are providing scholarships for business owners in Massachusetts. These educational programs are designed to enhance their skills and competencies in business administration, finance, and human resources, for business owners and their employees.
She’s Connected by AT&T
AT&T wants to highlight YOU as the next breakout talent of the She’s Connected by AT&T platform! Share your small business story below for the chance to win $50,000, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and more.
LOOKING BACK
Read our newsletter on preparing for hurricane season and inclement weather with necessary and implementable insurance solutions.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Have a specific topic you’d like to learn about in a future newsletter? Let us know! Click here and share ideas!