Ascend Twin Cities - Management Education Program
Created by JPMorgan Chase and leading universities, Ascend supports high-potential businesses preparing to scale for long-term success. Ascend provides access to capital, market opportunities and business education through local programs operating together as a national network. Launched in 2020, Ascend Twin Cities is a partnership between Meda and the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at Minnesota Carlson.
Ascend Twin Cities Cohort
Ascend Twin Cities is an in-person management education program for Twin Cities-based business owners seeking to gain more support and knowledge to grow their company. Minnesota Carlson faculty lead sessions to assist in setting goals and developing a strategy for growing these companies. Participants will meet with leading Minnesota corporations for advice on their contracting processes, and have an opportunity to present their capabilities at a concluding showcase each May.
Ascend Twin Cities has supported 77 MN-based companies since joining the national network of 15 cities in 2020.
Program Details
An annual cohort of 12-15 companies selected by Meda will attend bi-weekly educational sessions between January and May of 2026. The program starts in January and meets for 2 hours every other Wednesday from 6-8 PM at Minnesota Carlson. Session topics include goal setting, business strategy, marketing, sales, operations and planning for the financial and organizational resources required to grow the business.
Company Qualifications:
- Two consecutive years of profitable growth
- Business located in state of Minnesota
- In good standing with applicable taxing entities
- Scalable business model
- Motivated management team
Preferred Qualifications:
- Annual revenue of $0.5 - $3 million
- Provide services to businesses (not consumer products)
What You'll Learn
The Holmes Center delivers educational sessions structured around the 3M-Model, a research-driven approach that can help your business overcome access gaps:
- Management: The Holmes Center will introduce business owners to a broad range of management topics and help apply concepts to develop growth strategies.
- Markets: Meda helps you understand corporate customer requirements, potential fit, help you build relationships, and secure contracts.
- Money: Meda helps you develop capabilities statements, identify funding requirements and potential sources.
Ascend Twin Cities Partners
The Holmes Center
The Holmes Center is the hub of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Minnesota that inspires, educates, and connects the next generation of Minnesota's entrepreneurs.
Meda
Meda provides business consulting, access to capital, and connections with market opportunities for entrepreneurs.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase is a global leader in financial services, offering solutions to the world's most important corporations, governments, and institutions in more than 100 countries.