Introduction
For many small businesses and startups, working with the Air Force or Space Force represents a major growth opportunity, but understanding how to engage can be a challenge.
The acquisition landscape is complex. Contracting pathways, customer identification, and business development strategies are often unfamiliar territory for companies without prior government experience.
That’s exactly the gap ASCEND was designed to address.
ASCEND (Accelerating Small Business Capability, Engagement, Navigation, and Development) is a training program that helps small businesses build the knowledge, strategy, and readiness needed to engage with AFRL and the broader Department of the Air Force (DAF) ecosystem.
Delivered by APEX and The Entrepreneurs’ Center, ASCEND supports companies as they move from interest to actionable engagement.
What is ASCEND?
ASCEND is a structured, cohort-based capability accelerator designed to prepare small businesses to compete more effectively for DAF and AFRL opportunities, especially prime contracts.
Participants gain practical skills in:
- Understanding the defense acquisition process (FAR and beyond)
- Navigating contracting pathways and vehicles
- Conducting customer discovery and identifying relevant program opportunities
- Building a business development strategy
Through a combination of cohort-based training and follow-on support, ASCEND equips companies with tools they can immediately apply to real opportunities. strategy aligned to Air Force and AFRL priorities
Why Federal Acquisition is Hard — And What ASCEND Does
Government acquisition is notoriously complex. Many small businesses struggle not because of weak technology, but because of a lack of familiarity with how the government buys, funds, and transitions capabilities.
Through structured engagement, education, and direct access to government, ASCEND addresses these barriers directly by focusing on readiness building, not just awareness.
The result: small businesses develop the skills and strategy needed to compete effectively as prime contractors.
A Partnership Built for Impact
ASCEND is delivered through a collaboration between:
- AFRL Small Business Office (AFRL/SB) – providing alignment with Air Force priorities and acquisition pathways
- APEX – supporting engagement, ecosystem connectivity, and small business advising
- The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) – leading curriculum development and cohort delivery
Together, this partnership combines federal alignment, ecosystem access, and hands-on business support to help small businesses compete more effectively.
What Participants Are Saying
More than 50 small businesses have participated in ASCEND and strengthened their readiness to engage with the Air Force and AFRL.
"This is fantastic!"
"A very good program!"
Apply Now — Cohorts Are Forming
Applications are open on a rolling basis with the next cohorts beginning in May-June 2026. Space is limited.
Apply by May 22, 2026 to be considered for the next cohorts.
Ready to accelerate your path to government innovation funding? Apply to ASCEND today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/jd9OwSR/ASCEND?source_id=e819dcfd-67b2-445d-9a87-6cafc98af7d0&source_type=em&c=