SBA launches Ascent Rural

In January 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in a joint effort with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, launched Ascent, a free digital e-learning platform designed for women. SBA’s Utah District Office has now joined forces with the New Mexico District Office to increase support for women-owned businesses in rural areas by adding a live, virtual component to the Ascent training, called the SBA Ascent Rural Program.{mprestriction ids="1,3"}

Ascent teaches women entrepreneurs how to grow and expand their businesses. It is packed with content and resources from each agency and backed by academic research. The new six-week program will combine online, self-guided e-learning using the Ascent platform and six group virtual sessions. During the live sessions, participants can network with other women entrepreneurs from Utah and New Mexico as they learn each week from subject matter experts in leadership, marketing, finance, human resources, capital access and contracting.

“The Ascent digital learning platform is a user-friendly tool for women entrepreneurs to gain knowledge on how to elevate their business goals,” said Marla Trollan, SBA Utah district director.  Applications are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the cohort is full. Applicants must be a woman starting a business or one who has owned a business for less than five years. The business must be located in a rural area of Utah or New Mexico, and average revenue must be $50,000 or less over the past five years.

Interested women can learn more about the program by attending 30-minute live information session on Jan. 26. Information and registration are available at the SBA district website at https://www.sba.gov/district/utah.{/mprestriction}