BOC Network and Columbia University Celebrate 21 Ascend NYC Graduates at MTA-Hosted Graduation and Networking Event

Ascend NYC businesses have secured $1.16 million in financing and $16.5 million in contracts, highlighting the program's role in connecting entrepreneurs to capital, markets, and major anchor institutions

NEW YORK, N.Y. — September 10, 2026 — Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network, in partnership with Columbia University Facilities and Operations and BOC Capital Corp., celebrated 21 Ascend NYC graduates at a graduation and networking event hosted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at its Lower Manhattan headquarters.

The event brought together graduates, alumni, anchor institutions, industry leaders, and resource partners to recognize business achievements and strengthen connections to contracting and growth opportunities. To date, Ascend NYC businesses have secured $1.16 million in financing and $16.5 million in contracts, reflecting the program's efforts to help established businesses access the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to grow.

Ascend NYC combines management education, access to capital, peer learning, and institutional partnerships to help established businesses strengthen operations and prepare for larger opportunities. Through its Business Peer Exchange and Anchor Council, participants build relationships with industry leaders while gaining insight into procurement requirements, institutional expectations, and the systems needed to compete for and successfully perform on contracts.

"At JPMorganChase, we believe that sustainable economic growth starts with ensuring small businesses have the tools, relationships, and capital they need to scale,” says Kanayo Oweazim, Program Officer, Global Philanthropy for JPMorganChase. “Ascend NYC embodies that mission — equipping established entrepreneurs with the management capacity, access to financing, and connections to anchor institutions that allow them to compete for and win larger contracts. We're proud to support programs like Ascend NYC that help build stronger, more resilient businesses and, in turn, stronger communities."

For BOC Network, the graduation represents more than the completion of a program. It reflects the continued development of a network designed to support businesses well beyond the classroom.

“We are incredibly proud of these 21 graduates and of the community of businesses and institutional partners that has grown around Ascend NYC,” said Nancy Carin, Executive Director of BOC Network. “Ascend brings together the three things established businesses need to grow—strong management, access to capital, and access to markets. Just as importantly, it creates relationships. Our goal is for businesses to leave Ascend not simply having completed a program, but better positioned to compete for opportunities, perform successfully, and continue growing.”

That emphasis on long-term growth is shared by Ascend's anchor institution partners, whose participation helps bridge the gap between business readiness and access to institutional markets.

“At Columbia University, we believe market access goes beyond opening doors. It involves creating pathways to meaningful contracts, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth. True access ensures businesses have the visibility and capacity to compete, succeed, and scale,” said Scharlene de la Cruz, Assistant Director, Construction Business Initiatives, at Columbia University Facilities and Operations and Co-Chair of Ascend NYC's Anchor Exchange. “It has been a privilege to participate in this initiative and witness the talent, resilience, and determination of this cohort. Each firm has contributed unique expertise, fresh perspectives, and a strong commitment to excellence, enriching the program and the broader business community.”

For alumni like Bernardo Flores, CEO and Founder of Quality Wet Paint, the value of Ascend extends beyond the program itself, with relationships and lessons that continue to shape their businesses.

“When Ascend NYC welcomed our company, we were a business with big ambitions and a lot of questions. Today we have a network of mentors, partners, and anchor institutions who believed in us before we had all the answers,” said Bernardo. “Ascend gave us the tools, but more than that, it gave us people who stayed with us. That is what keeps a growing business going, and it’s why I’m proud to stay connected to this community long after graduation.”  

 “Ascend NYC gave our business the tools, the relationships, and the people who believed in us. That support is why I’m proud to stay connected to this network after graduation.”  

The importance of connecting business readiness with institutional opportunities was further explored during Ascend in Action: Building Capacity, Creating Opportunity, a panel discussion featuring Ascend businesses and anchor institution representatives. Panelists examined the systems, relationships, and procurement knowledge businesses need to remain competitive, as well as the role institutions can play in creating clearer pathways to contracting opportunities.

For anchor institutions such as New York City Public Schools, supporting small businesses means helping them navigate the requirements and expectations that often stand between opportunity and successful contract performance.

“At NYC Public Schools, the Office of Business Development recognizes that creating access to opportunity is only the beginning. Anchor institutions have a responsibility to help small businesses build the capacity, relationships, and procurement knowledge needed to compete, grow, and ultimately secure contracting opportunities,” said Dr. Tammy Pate, Deputy Chief Officer, Senior Executive Director of Business Development at New York City Public Schools. “Partnerships like Ascend NYC strengthen that pathway by connecting business readiness with real institutional opportunity and helping to build a stronger, more inclusive small business ecosystem.”

Expanding on the connection between business success and broader community outcomes, John Rooney, Area Director, Economic Inclusion at Gilbane Building Company, delivered a presentation titled Intentional Building: Aligning Construction Success with Community Impact. His remarks explored how thoughtful project planning and execution can support successful construction outcomes while creating meaningful benefits for surrounding communities.

“Intentional building means treating community impact as a project deliverable, with the same planning and follow-through we bring to schedule and budget. Programs like Ascend NYC make that easier by preparing firms to compete on equal footing. When the industry commits to the practice and businesses like these are prepared, it’s a win for business, community and industry,” said Rooney.

Following the graduation program, attendees participated in a networking session connecting Ascend businesses and alumni with anchor institutions and resource partners. The session provided an opportunity to continue conversations, develop new relationships, and explore potential contracting and business-growth opportunities.

The event also welcomed returning Ascend alumni, underscoring the program's commitment to maintaining an active network of business owners and institutional partners across graduating cohorts.

As the newest graduates enter their next stage of growth, BOC Network, Columbia University Facilities and Operations, and BOC Capital Corp. remain committed to supporting Ascend NYC businesses and alumni through continued access to business development resources, capital, institutional relationships, and contracting opportunities.

About Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network, Inc.

Founded in 1996, Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network is a nonprofit small business development organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity and strengthening local communities. Through customized business assistance, educational programs, and strategic partnerships, BOC Network helps entrepreneurs and small businesses build capacity, access resources, and pursue opportunities for sustainable growth and job creation.

About Columbia University Facilities and Operations

Columbia University Facilities and Operations supports the University's educational and research mission by maintaining and enhancing its campus environment, facilities, and infrastructure. Its responsibilities include capital planning and construction, building operations and maintenance, campus services, residential and retail dining, public safety, and sustainability initiatives. Through its Construction Business Initiatives program and institutional partnerships, Facilities and Operations works to expand business engagement and contracting opportunities.

About BOC Capital Corp.

Founded in 2001, BOC Capital Corp. is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing flexible, customized financing and business development assistance to small businesses. Its financing supports business start-up, expansion, and contract-related needs, helping entrepreneurs access capital and pursue growth opportunities, including government and private sector contracts.

For more information, visit www.ascendnewyorkcity.org.

Media Contact:

Tasha Balkaran

Communications Manager

BOC Network

tbalkaran@bocnet.org | (917) 822-4116