ELEVATE – MBE Executive Education – The Coalition

The Coalition’s Executive Leadership Education Venture Advancing Talented Entrepreneurs (ELEVATE) Program provides best-in-class training to minority-owned small businesses (MBEs) located in DC. Through ELEVATE, MBEs work to acquire new skills that allow them to more effectively and efficiently manage their business, products, and services, as well as increase revenue and employment.

ELEVATE is the only minority executive education program in DC that is backed by a university partner. The 3-month ELEVATE curriculum, developed by the George Washington School of Business (GWSB) Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, is led by GWSB faculty members.

The ELEVATE curriculum is tailored to enhance and cultivate new skills enabling MBEs to compete in the private, institutional, and government procurement sectors. MBEs completing ELEVATE will leave the program with a newfound clarity and dynamism that will catapult their business to the next level.

Now accepting applications for ELEVATE Cohort V through February 11, 2025 at 11:59pm.

ELEVATE Cohort V’s is designed to empower and support minority-owned businesses committed to advancing the green economy, integrating sustainability practices, and driving environmental innovation. Special consideration will be given to MBEs actively engaged in sustainable supply chains, green manufacturing, renewable energy, eco-friendly products and services, and other innovative sectors contributing to environmental stewardship. ELEVATE Cohort V will convene every other Saturday starting March 8, 2025, and ending June 7, 2025.

Those interested in applying to ELEVATE Cohort V are strongly encouraged to attend the program’s virtual info session on January 23 at 10am.

Register for Info Session View Eligibility Apply Now!

Program Overview

Curriculum Pillars

Leadership

Growth

Professionalism

Sustainability

The ELEVATE curriculum is designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs:

Succinctly and critically analyze and evaluate various business opportunities
Develop an entrepreneurial mindset to help create a digital corporate strategy
Comprehend the complex roles of entrepreneurship, leadership, and management throughout the development of organizational strategies
Recognize new opportunities for introducing innovation in wide-ranging organizational settings
Develop a strategy for contracting and procurement with anchor institutions and corporations
Understand various financial valuations of your firm

Benefits to MBEs

Upon completion of the program, ELEVATE students will be able to:

Comprehend the complex roles of entrepreneurship, leadership, and management throughout the development of organizational strategies.
Recognize new opportunities for introducing innovation in wide-ranging organizational settings
Enhance their competitive advantage to compete in the private, institutional, and government procurement sectors
Refine or sharpen the business’ corporate strategy
Receive certification from George Washington University School of Business

Program Updates

December 18, 2024

Applications Now Open for ELEVATE Cohort V

The Coalition (formerly CNHED) is pleased to announce recruitment for the fifth cohort of its ELEVATE Minority Executive Education Program! The Coalition is accepting applications for ELEVATE Cohort V now through Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

ELEVATE Small Business

December 16, 2024

2024 Impact Report | Introducing The Coalition

As we reflect on the incredible work we’ve accomplished over the past year, we’re excited to share a big change with you — one that marks the beginning of a new chapter for our organization. After much thought and conversation, we’re pleased to announce that the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) is now simply The Coalition.

Advocacy Asset Building Capacity Building/Training Community Engagement CVA DC Community Anchor Partnership DC Landlord Partnership DCSmallBizHelp Case Studies ELEVATE Events Housing Impact/Case Study Public Policy Resources Small Business The Coalition Updates VISTA Strong Communities Program Workforce Development

May 28, 2024

Congratulations to ELEVATE Cohort IV Graduates!

Last week, ELEVATE, CNHED’s executive leadership program for local minority-owned businesses (MBEs), officially launched its fourth cohort with a kick-off event and student orientation.

ELEVATE Small Business

How to Apply

Are you eligible? If so, get ready to apply by following these simple steps below:

Step 1: Register for the Virtual Program Info Session on January 23 at 10am
Step 2: Record your 3 to 5-minute video essay
Step 3: Complete your online application
Step 4: Upload your photo and the YouTube URL to your pre-recorded 3 to 5-minute video essay
Step 5: Provide one business reference

Eligibility & Criteria

Eligibility

Located in the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area (DMV)
Must be a registered business and located in the District of Columbia
Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
Minimum 51% minority-ownership
Preference given to MBEs engaged in the green economy or environmental sustainability

Selection Criteria

Must meet at least TWO of the below criteria:

In business for at least five years
Minimum of five full- or part-time employees
Annual revenue of at least $300K

ELEVATE Cohort V is designed for businesses engaging in the green economy.

What does that mean?
ELEVATE Cohort V’s is designed to empower and support minority-owned businesses committed to advancing the green economy, integrating sustainability practices, and driving environmental innovation. Special consideration will be given to MBEs actively engaged in sustainable supply chains, green manufacturing, renewable energy, eco-friendly products and services, and other innovative sectors contributing to environmental stewardship.

Why Should MBEs Apply?

Upon completion of the curriculum, ELEVATE Cohort V students will be able to:

Understand the complex roles of entrepreneurship, leadership, and management throughout the development of organizational strategies
Refine or sharpen the business’ corporate strategy
Future proof the business for the green economy and sustainability
Build relationships with other high-performing MBEs
Learn from decorated GW University School of Business Faculty
Receive certification from GWSB

Those interested in applying to ELEVATE Cohort V are strongly encouraged to attend the program’s virtual info session on January 23 at 10am.

Apply Register for Info Session

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