AscenderPGH

Ascender is the community where Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurs thrive, collaborate, belong, and build. Are you an entrepreneur in Pittsburgh? You belong here.

?? Join Ascender in Making an Impact! ?? This giving season, we’re on a mission to raise $10,000 to support tech-enabled and non-tech businesses alike—because together, they create a thriving, collaborative community. ???? As Nadyli Nu?ez, our CEO, shares in the video, we design our programming with entrepreneurs at the center—always listening to their feedback and tailoring resources to their needs. ??? Every dollar you donate helps empower these businesses and fuels their success. Head to our website to see how you can contribute and know exactly where your support goes. Let’s hit that goal together! ?? https://lnkd.in/eC_2QRut #Donate #SupportSmallBiz #AscenderCommunity

Full house, full bellies, and even fuller hearts at our Members Potluck on Nov. 14! ?? From vegan chili to fried chicken from Wings & A Prayer (and everything in between), we shared food, laughs, and great vibes. A huge thank-you to everyone who came, contributed, and made this gathering unforgettable. ??? Not a member yet? If you want to be part of a community that works hard and eats well, now’s the time to join us! https://lnkd.in/dp97aCd #PotluckVibes #AscenderFam #CommunityInAction

Ascender is hiring an Administrative Coordinator—but applications close December 1, 2024! If you’re ready to help entrepreneurs thrive and be part of a dynamic team, don’t wait—apply now! Know someone perfect for the role? Share this opportunity with them! Details: https://lnkd.in/eJyBeWxW

Does your startup have a thorny problem or an uncertain decision point? I'm here to help! Come visit me at AscenderPGH tomorrow, Wednesday November 20 from 2:30 to 5, or book office hours online if that's not convenient (link in comments). It doesn't even cost five cents! Until we can get some of the organizations that are getting paid through your tax dollars to start offering this type of help, I'm happy to use whatever wisdom/scar tissue I've accumulated over my career to help get you unstuck and on a growth path.

Today is #NationalEntrepreneursDay, and we’re celebrating the incredible founders in our Ascender Incubator Class of 2025 who are driving change and building the future. Here’s a quick look at the visionaries shaping their industries: ??? Roshawn Brown (The Weak-End Foot) is simplifying non-recreational pickup games. ?????? Aaron Chiang (Real Soju LLC) is crafting authentic Korean alcoholic beverages. ???? Denise N. (Copilot Data Solutions) is bringing AI to convenience stores for smarter business growth. ???? Sam Duran (@TharsisAI) is enhancing business intelligence workflows with AI. ???? Max Holmes (Conduit) is boosting employee retention with workforce optimization tools. ???? Kings Jiang (@nunu.collective.brand) is creating inclusive athletic apparel for gender minorities. ??? Paul McMahon (@kevo_brew) is revolutionizing cold brew coffee with a K-cup brewer. ???? Nate Patterson (Compos Mentis) is transforming litigation efficiency for small legal firms. ?? ?? Ivonne Pe?a-Cabra (One Blue Planet) is inspiring environmental action to protect the planet. ???? Varsha S. (Allervision Tech) is helping people with food allergies navigate dietary restrictions with ease. ???? Karlee Turkaly, MPM (Redd-Up Pgh LLC) is decluttering lives with her organization services. Join us in celebrating these founders who embody the entrepreneurial spirit. When founders win, we all win.

At Ascender, we’re all about elevating innovation and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive. Whether it’s helping a tech founder launch their vision or supporting a local business’s next big step, we meet every founder where they are—with expertise, community, and heart. ?? With your support, we can provide expert coaching, collaborative spaces, and even mini-grants to keep dreams alive and growing. ?? Help us build a brighter future for entrepreneurs—donate today: https://lnkd.in/eC_2QRut #ElevateInnovation #SupportEntrepreneurs #Ascender

?? Join the Ascender Team! ?? Ascender seeks an Administrative Coordinator to drive operational excellence—streamline processes, boost efficiency, and make a lasting impact for entrepreneurs. If you’re ready to bring your skills to a dynamic team, apply by December 1, 2024. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/eJyBeWxW

?? Midpoint Presentations Recap! ?? On November 12, our Ascender Class of 2025 Incubator took the stage to share their innovative progress, bold strategies, and future-forward ideas. It was an evening filled with inspiration, collaboration, and a glimpse into the future of Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurial scene! ?? A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us to support these incredible founders. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to grow! ?? #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #StartupSuccess #Ascender

Big congratulations to our Executive Director, Nadyli Nu?ez, and board member Jessica Minkus for being named among Pittsburgh’s Smart 50! The Smart 50 Awards honor the region’s top executives who are driving innovation, impact, and sustainability while leading the smartest companies in Greater Pittsburgh. These two are making waves, and we’re so proud to see their leadership celebrated at this year’s event. Special thanks to Huntington National Bank, Schooley Mitchell, Transformation Labs, GYF ERP Solutions – Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP, University of Pittsburgh for hosting such an inspiring celebration. #Smart50 #Leadership #Innovation #Impact #PittsburghLeaders