Success Story: Pitching for the Win with Ascender Systems

Pitching for the Win with Ascender Systems

Small Business Featured:  Ascender Systems

Location: Southern California | San Diego County | San Diego

Business Type: Emergency Services, Innovation Sector

Small Business Center: The Brink SBDC

Assistance Received: Technical Assistance and Access to Capital

This special video success story follows up with the father and son founders behind Ascender Systems who won the grand prize in last month’s Accelerate California Entrepreneurship (ACE) Pitch Competition. Watch how Jorge, a 25-year veteran of the Navy, and his son Ethan, who is still in high school, have applied the information and support of small business service providers to win $100,000 in non-dilutive capital and grow their business.

In the video, Jorge gives advice to veterans on how to take the skills and experiences earned through military service and use them to your advantage as an entrepreneur. Ethan discusses his experience of starting and growing a business while managing the demands of being a full-time student. They also share advice on seeking out and taking advantage of the many resources available for veterans interested in entrepreneurship.

The Small Business Development Centers, the Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and the Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hubs provide one-on-one business advising, including preparing for grant opportunities, finding loans, and applying for certifications that can improve your ability to win contracts. They also offer classes that help prepare you to seek funding by improving your business plan and strengthening your pitch.

If you are in, or near the San Diego Area, and you want to start or see your innovative business grow, visit The Brink SBDC.

Make sure to visit Ascender Systems online to learn more about their business.

Jorge and Ethan also received support from:

San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

SoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

SCORE San Diego

APEX Accelerator – SoCal

Updated: 12/17/2024