Community Enterprise Accelerator

We help talented Bronx entrepreneurs who often get overlooked. Our program offers funding, mentorship, and resources to help community-focused businesses grow and succeed. Together, we're building a stronger Bronx where businesses support each other.

Discover the Fellowship

About CEA

The Community Enterprise Accelerator (CEA), co-founded and funded by Level Up Ventures (a Hearst subsidiary) in partnership with Elevate Digital, is a registered New York nonprofit with federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status pending. We address systemic barriers limiting access to funding, mentorship, and infrastructure for The Bronx's vibrant entrepreneurial community, fostering ecosystem-wide cooperation.

Our Mission

The Community Enterprise Accelerator (CEA) exists to transform the Bronx entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering a regenerative and inclusive culture. Through innovative programs, collaborative systems, and meaningful relationships, we enable entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and community members to co-create a thriving, interconnected ecosystem.

Our Vision

We see a future where businesses of all sizes work together to support entrepreneurs at every stage. CEA brings people together, sparks new ideas, and helps create a fair and vibrant business community in The Bronx.

Our Impact

CEA provides the foundation that Bronx entrepreneurs need to grow. We help businesses increase their sales and create jobs by making sure support is rooted in the community, open to everyone, and built to last. We give our fellows the tools they need to succeed, creating a stronger Bronx economy that can weather challenges and continue to grow.

Based in the Bronx

CEA operates out of the Bronx Business Tech Incubator (BBTI) at CUNY on the Concourse, sharing space with Elevate Digital. Run by Lehman College, BBTI is a coworking space and small business incubator supporting Bronx entrepreneurs with workspace, advising, and training. It's the right home for CEA—surrounded by the community we serve.

The CEA Fellowship Program

Our 9-month Fellowship program supports talented entrepreneurs who deserve more recognition. Fellows receive $15,000 in funding, personalized business help, and connections to important people and resources. This support helps them grow their businesses and make a bigger difference in the community.

Business Support & Funding

  • $15,000 in grant capital (disbursed monthly)
  • Tailored business development training & workshops (e.g., AI, digital marketing, financial management)
  • One-on-one mentorship with industry experts & M&T Bank advisors
  • Customized strategic projects with NYPACE advisors
  • Weekly coaching check-ins with Program Director

Ecosystem Connections

  • Monthly ecosystem immersion events connecting fellows, advisors, and students
  • Networking with Bronx stakeholders, corporate partners (Hearst, M&T Bank), and community leaders
  • Access to a diverse advisory network and industry experts
  • Opportunities to build robust relationships within a supportive peer cohort

Program Structure

  • Monthly in-person events at key Bronx/NYC locations (e.g., Hearst Tower, BronxNet, Hunts Point Market)
  • Weekly Mastermind group sessions for peer-led problem-solving
  • Weekly facilitated workshops on critical business skills
  • Weekly one-on-one coaching check-ins
  • Development of clear one-year and three-year growth plans

Our Fellows - Cohort 3

Meet our current CEA Fellows: High-potential, community-focused leaders selected for their ability to drive measurable impact, including revenue growth and job creation, and their commitment to strengthening The Bronx.

Anthony Ramirez

Anthony Ramirez

From The Bronx

Lifelong Bronx native co-founded From The Bronx to dramatically improve the image of the Bronx and share its rich culture and history globally through original positive Bronx-themed merchandise.

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Melissa Groneveldt

Melissa Groneveldt

Yummy Tummy4Life / Monshe

Born and raised in the Bronx, inspired by her personal weight loss journey to produce gluten-free, sugar-free, keto-friendly cookies that combine indulgence with wellness.

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Gregory Morgan Jr.

Gregory "Shotti" Morgan Jr.

LR2 Photo Studio

Built LR2 Photo Studio to provide Black creatives access to professional space, resources, and mentorship with affordable studio rentals and free educational programs.

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Terese Brown

Terese Brown

Terese Sydonna

Immigrated from Jamaica to the Bronx at age seven, founded a contemporary womenswear brand focused on authenticity, confidence, and representation with bold, sustainable attire.

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Desmond West

Desmond West

pinStripe IT LLC

Founded pinStripe IT to offer managed IT services to small businesses and non-profits, providing unlimited, full-service support with a high-touch, boutique IT experience.

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Our Partners

CEA thrives on collaboration. We partner with a diverse network of corporations, educational institutions, and community organizations, all committed to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering a thriving, equitable Bronx ecosystem. Together, we build bridges and share collective intelligence. Key founding partners include Level Up Ventures (a Hearst subsidiary) and Elevate Digital, with program partners and volunteer support from M&T Bank, NYPACE, and others.

Our "Bronx Brilliance" Event Series

The Bronx Brilliance series, anchored by CEA, celebrates and elevates the Bronx entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each event focuses on a critical aspect of this ecosystem—from funding to next-generation talent—connecting stakeholders, inspiring action, and building collective wisdom through inspiring stories and strategic discussions.

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CEA Strategy Retreat

Strategic Planning in Action: A Day with CEA Cohort 2 at Hearst

Ready to Transform Your Business and The Bronx?

Applications for Cohort 4 will open in 2026. We're looking for Bronx entrepreneurs who have been running their business for at least a year and have made over $75k in total sales. If you want to grow your business, improve your strategy, and connect with people who can help you succeed, consider applying to the CEA fellowship. CEA is a registered New York nonprofit organization.

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