NEW YORK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 03, 2025 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ascendus Launches “The Get Ready Research Brief” – Research by Urban Institute, Supported by MetLife Foundation – A New Model for Building Credit Access and Financial Health

Ascendus, a nonprofit financial institution focused on expanding economic opportunity, has released The Get Ready Research Brief, an in-depth look at how coaching-centered, small-dollar lending can unlock access to capital and build stronger financial futures for underserved entrepreneurs. 

The research was conducted by the Urban Institute and made possible with the support of MetLife Foundation.

The brief presents early insights from the Get Ready Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help historically excluded small business owners prepare for and transition into larger, market-rate credit products. Through a $500 starter line of credit paired with individualized coaching, participants navigate a structured pathway toward a $5,000 graduation loan. 

 “Get Ready isn’t just a product—it’s a gateway,” said Paul Quintero, CEO of Ascendus. “It’s about meeting people where they are, investing in their growth, and shifting the way our industry thinks about readiness and risk.” 

Key findings from the research include:

• The Get Ready Program reached predominantly low- to moderate-income and first-time borrowers with limited or no credit access.
• Nearly 4 in 10 participants successfully graduated to a larger line of credit within six months. 
• Coaching was a critical factor in borrower engagement, repayment consistency, and product navigation. 

The research brief is the first installment in a two-part series conducted by the Urban Institute. While Part One focuses on program design and early implementation outcomes, Part Two–forthcoming early next year–will provide a deeper analysis of how the program affects participants’ credit profiles and long-term financial mobility. 

“The Get Ready Loan demonstrates that even very small lines of credit, when paired with coaching, can set entrepreneurs on a path to larger loans. This model shows promise for replication across the CDFI field.” – Brett Theodos, Senior Fellow at The Urban Institute 

“Credit is often treated as a barrier,” said Victoria Richardson, Chief Development Officer at Ascendus. “This report repositions it as a building block, and asks: What if readiness isn’t something people lack, but something they can grow into–with the right tools, structure, and trust?”