Wells Fargo Foundation Provides $1 Million Grant to Expand Capital Access for Broward County Entrepreneurs

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Ascendus to deploy $900,000 in loans and pair every dollar with hands-on coaching, from Prospera and other partners, supporting an estimated 160 local jobs across 36 Broward small businesses FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the 2026 Broward & Beyond Business Conference, the Wells Fargo Foundation announced a $1 million philanthropic investment in Ascendus to launch BRIDGE Broward — Broward Resources for Inclusive Development & Growth for Entrepreneurs — a program designed to close the access-to-capital gap that has long held back small business owners in Broward County. The initiative will deploy $900,000 in loans to an estimated 36 entrepreneurs across the county, pair every borrower with personalized financial coaching, and create or retain an estimated 160 local jobs over the grant period. Loans will be delivered by Ascendus, the nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lender, and supported by three Broward-based community partners — Prospera, Hispanic Unity of Florida, and Urban League Central County Community Development Corporation — who will provide tailored technical assistance to participants. For many Broward small business owners traditional bank financing remains out of reach. BRIDGE Broward was built to change that. "Capital alone is not enough. Real ascension happens when capital meets coaching and collaboration. With this Wells Fargo Foundation grant and our Broward partners, we are not just lending money, we are building a system that helps entrepreneurs grow stronger businesses, healthier finances, and more resilient livelihoods. We are proud to bring this to Broward County, where the talent and ambition of small business owners deserve a partner that meets them where they are." - Paul Quintero, CEO, Ascendus "Small businesses are the heartbeat of Broward County, and we're committed to helping them grow and thrive. With this $1 million grant to help launch BRIDGE Broward, we're bringing together capital, local expertise, and strong community partnerships to expand access and create real opportunity for entrepreneurs who have too often been overlooked. We're proud to work alongside Ascendus and our local nonprofits to support the talent and ambition driving this community forward." - Hector J. Ponte, South Florida Region Executive, Wells Fargo Th...

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