CEA Fellowship Program

CEA Fellowship Program is sponsored by Community Enterprise Accelerator Inc. (CEA). The 9-month CEA Fellowship program supports talented Bronx entrepreneurs with funding, personalized business help, and connections to important people and resources.

Community Enterprise Accelerator | Investing in Bronx Entrepreneurs Cohort 4 applications are open — apply by August 31, 2026 Cohort 4 is open — apply by Aug 31 Your browser does not support the video tag. 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. Applications Open · Apply by August 31, 2026 Cohort 4 Applications Are Open Join the next class of Bronx entrepreneurs. Get a $15,000 grant, 9 months of coaching, and a network that has your back.

$15,000 grant 9-month fellowship No equity · no repayment Start Your Application → Community Enterprise Accelerator Inc. (CEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the small business ecosystem. By bridging the gap between entrepreneurs, capital, and technical assistance, we create the infrastructure needed for local businesses and their communities to thrive together.

To transform the Bronx business ecosystem through innovation and collaboration, empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainable, community-focused enterprises. A Bronx where businesses of all sizes work together to create opportunities, mentor the next generation, and strengthen our community's economic foundation.

By investing in local entrepreneurs and building connections between small businesses, we're creating the foundation for sustainable, community-rooted growth. Based at the Bronx Business Tech Incubator (BBTI) at CUNY on the Concourse, the CEA is funded by Level Up Ventures (a Hearst subsidiary) and Elevate Digital. 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 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 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 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.

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

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

Updates from CEA and our Bronx Brilliance event series—celebrating and elevating the Bronx entrepreneurial ecosystem through inspiring stories and strategic discussions. January 9, 2026 Bronx Brilliance: Welcoming the Next Generation of CEA Entrepreneurs On December 12, the Community Enterprise Accelerator gathered at DREAM Charter High School to celebrate the launch of CEA Cohort 3, marking an important milestone in CEA's evolution.

October 24, 2025 Inside the Selection Process: Choosing CEA Cohort 3 Inside our selection process: How current fellows, staff, and partners evaluate 16 finalists to choose the 5 entrepreneurs joining CEA Cohort 3. October 7, 2025 Bronx Brilliance: Celebrating CEA Cohort 2 The Community Enterprise Accelerator's Bronx Brilliance event at UMSV honored Cohort 2, key partners, and unveiled 16 Cohort 3 finalists.

Ready to Transform Your Business and The Bronx? 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, apply to the CEA fellowship today.

CEA is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 33-1588118). Get updates from the Community Enterprise Accelerator. Join our mailing list for events, stories, and opportunities.