Ascendus Joins Veteran Loan Fund to Expand Capital and Coaching for Veteran and Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

National CDFI joins coalition of lenders as new Accelerator offers Veterans and Military Spouses up to $350,000 in loans, grants, and free business coaching.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:03am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal briefcase, a stack of crisp dollar bills, and a military challenge coin arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the financial resources and entrepreneurial spirit of Veteran and Military Spouse small business owners.The Veteran Loan Fund's new Accelerator program provides Veteran and Military Spouse entrepreneurs with the capital, coaching, and support they need to build and grow their small businesses.NYC Today

Ascendus, a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has announced its membership in the Veteran Loan Fund (VLF), a coalition of CDFIs dedicated to helping Veterans and Military Spouses start and grow small businesses across the United States. This partnership coincides with VLF's launch of the Veteran and Military Spouse Business Accelerator, a national initiative supported by Truist Foundation to expand access to affordable capital, business education, and entrepreneurship support for military-connected communities.

Why it matters

This partnership between Ascendus and the Veteran Loan Fund expands the pathways available to military-connected entrepreneurs nationwide, providing them with the capital, coaching, and support they need to build and grow their businesses. By joining the coalition, Ascendus brings its national lending capacity to the table, further increasing access to affordable loan capital, grants, and business education for Veteran and Military Spouse small business owners.

The details

Through the Veteran and Military Spouse Business Accelerator, eligible entrepreneurs can access up to $350,000 in affordable loan capital, grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, and a free 8-week program that combines business education, one-on-one coaching, financial training, and access to LivePlan, a business planning and financial performance platform. The national goal of the Accelerator is to provide $15 million in loans, $1.5 million in grants, and support 300 participants who will create 1,500 jobs in the next 12 months.

  • The Veteran and Military Spouse Business Accelerator launched in April 2026.
  • The Business Beyond Battlefield Conference at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas will take place in October 2026.

The players

Ascendus

A national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that has deployed $435 million in small business loans and served 63,000+ entrepreneurs since 1991.

Veteran Loan Fund (VLF)

A coalition of CDFIs dedicated to helping Veterans and Military Spouses start and grow small businesses across the United States.

Truist Foundation

A foundation committed to Truist Financial Corporation's purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities, supporting the Veteran and Military Spouse Business Accelerator through a grant.

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What they’re saying

“Veterans and Military Spouses bring extraordinary leadership and resilience to entrepreneurship. Through the Veteran Loan Fund, we can now walk alongside them with the capital, coaching, and support they need to build and grow their businesses.”

— Paul Quintero, CEO of Ascendus

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This partnership between Ascendus and the Veteran Loan Fund demonstrates the power of collaboration to expand access to resources and support for military-connected entrepreneurs, helping them overcome structural barriers and create pathways for economic progress.