PROJECTS

Levels educates, connects, and creates pathways to sustainable and equitable businesses and organizations. The seeds of our work were first planted in community - the core of all business. We’ve been able to share personal experiences with clients to give them honest, factual, reality driven needs-assessments and proposed solutions.

One Northside Street Team Ambassadors

Community residents with demonstrated trust in target neighborhoods were trained with the Levels CEE (Community Engagement + Empowerment) curriculum to lead outreach for applicants of the One Northside Mini-Grant program.

Ignite Northside 1.0

Ignite Northside 2.0

Levels provided next stage development for businesses and their leaders. Project management focused on building strategic partnerships, securing funding and effective organizational development. Support was given to a total of 40 small business owners and nonprofit organizations. Levels engaged with 12 neighborhoods and physical spaces were activated. 10 collaborations were facilitated. 50 percent of businesses were represented by leaders from underrepresented groups (minority, women). 30 jobs created or maintained. 10 percent annual growth of business/projects utilizing collaborative strategies. 50 percent of program leaders mentoring other entrepreneurs. 90 percent of businesses/projects reported improved entrepreneurial skills, knowledge, resources and access to $60,000 in volunteer and pro-bono consulting hours (New Sun Rising, 2017).

Levels assisted in the development and implementation of New Sun Rising's - Ignite Northside program as part of the innovation strategy of Pittsburgh's Northside. As project manager, Levels, supported a total of 92 entrepreneurs to start their business or nonprofit social enterprise inclusive of technical assistance. Groups identified as underserved in entrepreneurship comprised the majority of Ignite Northside participants: 78% female and 74% African-American, Hispanic, or Asian (New Sun Rising, 2016).