Ten minority-owned Springfield entrepreneurs are recipients of grants to help them grow their businesses. The Downtown Springfield Association, the Missouri State University efactory, the Multicultural Business Association and the US Bank Foundation awarded $5,000 each to the businesses. The money is part of the ASCEND program, which stands for Advancing Springfield’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking & Diversity. The program began in 2022 to support diverse small business development, according to the DSA.