We are proud to introduce the 16 entrepreneurs who have advanced as finalists for Cohort 3 of the Community Enterprise Accelerator (CEA). From this group, five will ultimately be selected as fellows. These entrepreneurs represent the diversity, creativity, and resilience of the Bronx and beyond, each with a vision for growing their businesses and strengthening their communities.
The finalists were first introduced this past Monday at Bronx Brilliance, hosted at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. The event brought together entrepreneurs, educators, and partners in an inspiring evening of connection and celebration.
Over the coming weeks, each finalist will take part in in-person, on-camera interviews. Their stories, goals, and approaches will be carefully reviewed by the selection committee, who will then deliberate in early November to choose the five fellows who will make up Cohort 3. The fellowship provides $15,000 in grant capital, mentorship, and strategic support to help businesses grow and deepen their impact.
The selection process concludes in December at the next Bronx Brilliance event, where we’ll welcome and introduce Cohort 3.
Cohort 3 Finalists
- Terese Brown — Terese Sydonna, LLC
A contemporary womenswear brand offering bold, sustainable fashion that transitions seamlessly from work to social settings. - Shaunese Crawford — Boogie Down Cinema Inc.
A Bronx-based multimedia production company delivering content strategy, photo/video services, and youth training programs. - Ashonda Culcleasure — Fix It With Piggy
A repair services and education business helping families and communities with practical home solutions and training. - Melissa Groneveldt — Yummy Tummy4Life
A health-conscious bakery producing gluten-free, sugar-free cookies that balance indulgence with better ingredients. - Kelvin Joseph — Kool Kel Marketing
A marketing firm specializing in B2B strategies, sports and influencer marketing, and event-based campaigns. - Darlene Lebron — The Blogger House Curvy Closet
A plus-size consignment and fashion platform offering affordable styles and a community space for women sizes 10–32. - Luz Mack — Luz Maria Mack
An author and publisher creating bilingual children’s books and media that celebrate Latino and Afro-Caribbean culture. - Michelle Minaya — Baby Blossoms Corp
A childcare and training business providing reliable, community-based support for working families. - Gregory Shotti Morgan Jr — LR2
A photography and video production studio offering affordable rentals and creative workshops for Bronx artists. - Trevor Njoku — Kurve Lab
A wellness and creative lifestyle brand working at the intersection of IV therapy, apparel, and mentorship. - Samuel Pacheco — Ai-Rides NYC PEV Sales and Service Center
A company expanding sustainable urban transit through sales and service of electric personal vehicles. - Amber Peters — On Track With Mizz P.
An educational coaching service that helps students and professionals achieve their personal and academic goals. - DeVon Prioleau — PDG
A development group focused on real estate and community revitalization, turning vacant lots into affordable housing. - Anthony Ramirez II — From The Bronx
A cultural brand producing apparel, art, and experiences that celebrate Bronx pride. - Desmond West — pinStripe IT
An IT services company helping small businesses stay secure, tech-ready, and competitive. - Dior St. Hillaire — GreenFeen OrganiX
An environmental justice business using hip-hop culture to advance composting, recycling, and sustainable practices.
The Community Enterprise Accelerator (CEA), created by Elevate Digital in partnership with Level Up Ventures, supports under-recognized entrepreneurs in the Bronx with the resources, connections, and capital needed to grow their businesses and strengthen their communities. Through a nine-month fellowship, $15,000 in grant funding, and tailored mentorship, the CEA helps entrepreneurs take their ventures to the next level while building a stronger, more inclusive local economy.