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.

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About CEA

The Community Enterprise Accelerator (CEA), co-founded and funded by Level Up Ventures (a Hearst subsidiary) in partnership with Elevate Digital, is evolving into a for-purpose 501(c)(3) organization. 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.

The CEA Fellowship Program

Our 6-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

Meet our 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.

Ibrahima Badji

Good Vibes

Founder of an innovative college access program that has helped over 2,000 students, with 90% graduating debt-free through individualized support and financial aid guidance.

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Anthony Epps

Eppsolutely Clean

Founded in 2020, this maintenance and detailing service has grown from residential cleaning to partnerships with organizations like Bronx Legal and the Department of Environmental Protection.

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Howard Lindsay

Pat's Exotic Beverages

CEO and co-founder creating premium Caribbean-inspired beverages, drawing on over 25 years of business expertise and his Jamaican-American heritage.

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Yasiris Ortiz

Spin & Learn

Professional table tennis champion who has inspired over 10,000 NYC students through her program that uses table tennis to enhance youth development and social skills.

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Kevin Shabazz

Greene Developers

Bronx native and visionary real estate developer transforming vacant land into affordable housing and community spaces, with a focus on sustainability and equity.

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Our Alumni: Cohort 1

Meet the graduates from our inaugural cohort who continue to make a positive impact in The Bronx. These trailblazing entrepreneurs laid the foundation for our program and remain a vital part of our community.

Tricia Claxton and Alannah Ramirez - Loc'd & Lit

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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Ready to Transform Your Business and The Bronx?

Applications for Cohort 3 are open now! We're looking for Bronx entrepreneurs who have been running their business for at least a year and have made over $100k in total sales. If you want to grow your business, improve your strategy, and connect with people who can help you succeed, apply today!

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