The Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship (MIEC) is hosting the 2025 Ascend Atlanta three-day residential opening session, September 17-19, 2025, in the Shirley Massey Leadership Conference Center at Morehouse College, located at 830 Westview Dr. SW in Atlanta. More than 30 small business owners specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT) and manufacturing, will participate in the seven-month accelerator program.
For fiscal year 2025, the U.S. General Services Administration reports that the small business goal for prime contracting is 25% and 23% for subcontracting. Other research shows that facilities and construction, professional services and information technology are among the leading industry categories for federal government contracting. Including the medical sector, these categories "account for over 54% of all federal contract awards."
Dr. Tiffany Bussey, Executive Director of the Morehouse Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, said: "We’re extremely excited at the MIEC to be leading this national effort in preparing small businesses to not only compete to secure federal contracts but helping them scale and create jobs in business areas that are essential for the inclusive growth of a strong U.S. economy.”
Small business owners participating in the 2025 Ascend National Atlanta accelerator program are established federal contractors that generate more than $1 million in annual revenue and have been in business for at least five years. During the residential opening sessions, the business owners will receive individualized business coaching and engage in educational sessions that will provide insight about customized growth strategies, technology solutions and internal processes.
Learn more about MIEC at www.mcenter.com. For details about the Ascend National Program, visit https://mcecenter.com/ascend-national-2025/.