Ascend Fund

Geographic Scope: Baltimore and surrounding region (Baltimore Metro, Montgomery County mentioned)

Purpose: Transform Baltimore's neighborhood economies through community-rooted entrepreneurs and creative capital. Building on Ignite Fund's success to close the wealth gap by investing in people, enterprises, and ideas too often overlooked by traditional capital.

Growing Local Neighborhood Economies

• Place-based strategies supporting entrepreneurs rooted in community
• Commitment to job creation and revitalization

Wealth Building for Founders & Families

• Capital structures prioritizing entrepreneur ownership retention
• Equity building for founders
• Local dollar circulation

Creative Capital for Mission-Minded Entrepreneurs

• Flexible, patient, aligned capital
• Capital Instruments: Venture debt, loans, revenue share, grants, hybrid instruments
• Designed to meet real-world needs

Structured Co-Investor Network

• Layered capital from individuals, foundations, corporations, CDFIs, and government partners
• Coalition of co-investors and public/private partners

Increased Focus on Job-Creating Industries

• Manufacturing
• Health & wellness
• Early childhood education
• Neighborhood retail
• Digital/tech-enabled services

Core Impact Areas Tracked:

1. Job Creation: Full-time, part-time, and contract roles
2. Entrepreneur Equity: Founders across lines of race, gender, and geography
3. Enterprise Growth: Revenue growth and business expansion
4. Neighborhood Economic Vitality: Household income, local ownership, access to goods/services/jobs

Portfolio Example:

• Home Helpers® (founded 2019): Baltimore-based home care franchise with 47 employees (28 from Baltimore City), 95% women employed, 79% Baltimore City residents, 97% persons of color employed. Consistent YoY revenue growth since launch.

Ways to Engage:

• Donate to Ignite Capital
• Invest in Ascend Fund

Contact:

• Physical Location: 5 N Calhoun St, Suite 202, Baltimore, MD 21223
• Mailing Address: 1400 Greenmount Ave, Suite B01, Baltimore, MD 21202
• Website: ignitecapital.org