• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

  • (724) 216-9160
  • Ask about a loan today
MENU
Hide Search
  • Home
  • Loans
    • Small Business LoansThe Progress Fund provides financing from $20,000 to over $1,000,000 to people who are starting, expanding or buying small businesses.
    • Get Loan ReadyLet us help connect you to the right resources to grow your business.
    • Ask About a LoanExplore your loan options.
    • Resources for EntrepreneursOur small business experts can help you plan your business start-up or a new type of venture.
    • FAQFind answers for commonly asked questions about us, how to apply for a loan, our loans, and technical assistance.
    • Application FormsContact us first before submitting the forms.
  • Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
    • Explore Borrower Map
  • Stories
  • About
    • About UsThe Progress Fund provides financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region.
    • StaffThe Progress Fund staff combine lending experience with dedication to help small business owners.
    • ImpactsThe Progress Fund makes a difference.
    • Praise by OthersWe have provided financing to help people grow their businesses. Learn what people are saying about us.
    • Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors combines experience and dedicated community service.
    • History and AwardsThe success of our work has brought notoriety and awards for community development impact.
    • Our SupportersWe rely on financial support of state and federal agencies, private foundations, and commercial banks.
    • Community DevelopmentWe have been creating opportunities along the Nation’s Trails since 2007 as well as redeveloping key properties in key communities.
    • The West Newton StoryCommunity development loans and real estate developments projects have supported the start-up and expansion of small businesses that are changing the future of the community.
    • EmploymentView our current job openings.
  • Contact
  • 724-216-9160
  • Display Search
Home Borrowers Attractions & Entertainment ASCEND – Point Breeze

ASCEND Point Breeze

Location:

7443 Thomas Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA

County:

Allegheny

Description:

Business expansion loan

Total Project Cost:

$2,375,000

Visit Online:

ascendpgh.com

We’ve had such a good, strong relationship with The Progress Fund and Enterprise Bank.  Our first call was to our partners, the people who have helped us to achieve our vision and our goals.  We’ve had numerous conversations with the team at The Progress Fund, ensuring that everybody was on the same page.

Alex Bernstein, co-founder, ASCEND Pittsburgh

People

ASCEND Climbing’s founders never forgot their roots.  Alex Bernstein, Aaron Gilmore and Paul Guarino met at The Climbing Wall, a pioneering bouldering gym opened in 1992 in Pittsburgh’s East End.  Even as they opened ASCEND in the South Side, and then bought a gym in Youngstown, the three thought often of the East End.  As ASCEND rebounded from the pandemic, Alex reached out to The Climbing Wall’s owners, and learned that they were open to sunsetting the business.  Within a few city blocks of The Climbing Wall is the new Rockwell Park development.  A plan emerged, Alex says, “to literally adopt and take over the memberships for the folks that are currently members of The Climbing Wall” — but ultimately do much more.

Progress

The Progress Fund and Enterprise Bank funded ASCEND’s first and second locations.  This time the lenders agreed to split $1.7 Million in financing and tapped a Small Business Administration program.

Impact

ASCEND’s new location brings 40′ high rope climbing walls to Pittsburgh and expands opportunities for everything from advanced bouldering to paraclimbing.  The trio is dedicated to serving all of the East End, and their Equity and Outreach Department has developed programs to encourage diversity in their membership.  Climbing creates “a beneficial community anybody can be a part of,” says Paul.  “It’s a healthy community, focused on fitness, wellbeing and connectedness.”

View Story as PDF
More Attractions & Entertainment Stories

Attractions & Entertainment

Previous borrower Brick Street, LLC
Next Borrower Firewhistle Brewing, LLC

Signup for our eNewsletter

See the latest news on our borrowers, stay up to date on events and more.

Privacy Policy

Footer

  • Home
  • Small Business Loans
    • Ask about a loan
    • Application Forms
    • Resources for Entrepreneurs
  • FAQ
  • Our Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
  • The Progress Fund Stories
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Impacts
    • Praise by Others
    • Board of Directors
    • History and Awards
    • Our Supporters
    • Community Development
    • The West Newton Story
    • Employment
  • Contact Us
The Progress Fund

Main Office

724-216-9160
425 W Pittsburgh St
Greensburg, PA 15601-2211

Connect With Us!

  • Follow us on Facebook
Copyright © 2023 The Progress Fund. All Rights Reserved.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Website by DDS
Scroll Top of Page