Welcome ELEVATE Cohort VI!

April 2, 2026

Home News and Updates Welcome ELEVATE Cohort VI!

Last week, ELEVATE, The Coalition’s executive leadership program for local small business owners, kicked off its sixth cohort with a virtual welcome and orientation. ELEVATE—short for Executive Leadership Education Venture Advancing Talented Entrepreneurs—provides top-tier training to DC-based business owners. The program helps them develop new skills to manage their products and services more effectively, ultimately driving revenue growth and job creation.

ELEVATE Cohort VI is specifically designed to ignite, empower, and support the next generation of local entrepreneurial leaders. Cohort VI will focus on building the foundational strengths of emergent small businesses and their owners, working to transition them from survival mode to a place of growth and profitability.

Please join us in welcoming this next cohort into the Spring 2026 program!

Meet ELEVATE's Cohort VI

  Saron Alemseged S&M Professional Cleaning Services, LLC S & M Professional Cleaning Services LLC is a CBE-certified, woman- and minority-owned business that provides eco-conscious, high-quality cleaning services for government, healthcare, and commercial facilities. With a strong commitment to reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail, the company delivers consistent, client-focused solutions that prioritize safety and care.
Kim Alfonso Results One, LLC Results One is a consulting and training firm that specializes in digital accessibility, workforce development, and human capital solutions. Through services such as disability awareness training, ASL, and skill-building workshops, the firm helps organizations create inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Isoke Baptiste Wellness Gardens, PLLC Wellness Gardens is a holistic mental and medical wellness practice that integrates psychiatry, psychotherapy, and functional medicine to support healing. Through services such as trauma-informed therapy, medication management, holistic psychiatry, and wellness retreats, the practice helps individuals address root causes, reconnect with themselves, and navigate life’s challenges with care and intention.
Anthony Beharry Capitol Insight Enterprises, Inc. Capitol Insight Enterprises is a Washington, DC–based real estate strategy firm that works with agents, investors, and developers to navigate market opportunities through strategic planning, targeted marketing, and effective deal structuring
Dawn Christian BeLeadership BeLeadership supports leaders and organizations in building inclusive, purpose-driven environments centered on belonging. By emphasizing authentic leadership and vulnerability, it empowers teams to foster meaningful connections and create cultures where individuals can thrive.
Shermica Farquhar Spring Forward Solutions Spring Forward Solutions is a consulting firm that provides tailored services in executive coaching, talent management, and human capital strategy to help organizations enhance performance and develop their workforce. Through customized solutions and practical implementation, the firm supports clients in strengthening leadership, improving operations, and driving sustainable growth.
Adrienne Gaither Art Dept, LLC Art Dept. is a multidisciplinary studio specializing in exhibition design, public art, visual identity, and spatial storytelling. Grounded in research and intentionality, the studio partners with institutions and organizations to create work that reflects context and strengthens connection.
Jeffery Herrell Anacostia Medical Supply Anacostia Medical Supply delivers quality medical equipment and responsive service to healthcare partners across the community. By sourcing from reputable manufacturers and leveraging a broad supplier network, the company provides reliable solutions for managing both acute and chronic conditions.
KoHenna Lawrence Gingerbeet Gingerbeet is a Washington, DC-based plant-based food and beverage company specializing in New Orleans–inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine. Gingerbeet offers locally sourced, organic dishes that bring bold, vibrant flavors to urban audiences. Chef Lawrence blends plant-based innovation with traditional Southern influences to deliver a unique culinary experience that reimagines classic dishes in a modern, health-conscious way.
Dominique Loving Loving Business Solutions, LLC Loving Business Solutions (LBS) is a consulting firm that partners with small businesses to strengthen operations, ensure compliance, and support growth through strategic planning, recruiting, and marketing services.
District Consulting Fadzai Nhamburo District Consulting is a Washington, DC boutique marketing firm specializing in outreach and marketing support including marketing strategy, brand strategy, campaign management and promotional product distribution. We are competent and capable of working across private, government, and non-profit industries, although we specialize in eCommerce, Retail and Service brands as well as community driven initiatives.​
Nikki O’Dell Talentology Talentology is a full-service talent and production company that connects actors, models, musicians, and specialty performers with high-quality opportunities while providing strategic production and human resource support. O’Dell’s firm offers comprehensive solutions for clients seeking both creative talent and operational efficiency.
DaJuan Pitts Clean Moves Clean Moves is a specialized cleaning company focused on move-in and move-out turnover services, helping clients prepare properties for transition and maximize the return of security deposits. With a results-driven approach, Clean Moves delivers thorough, high-quality cleaning solutions designed specifically for rental turnovers and property transitions
Ernest Williams Wiltrust Group The Wiltrust Group is a strategic development advisory firm that helps clients evaluate and execute real estate opportunities through feasibility analysis, development strategy, and owner’s representation. Beyond real estate, the firm supports organizations in aligning strategy, structuring partnerships, and building the internal capacity needed to scale.
Ashante’ Yussuf Prive’Demeure Prive’ Demeure, Inc. (PDI) is a Washington, DC-based real estate development and management firm that delivers high-quality residential, commercial, and industrial properties through development, design, construction, and renovation services. PDI is committed to expanding access to quality housing while revitalizing communities and driving economic growth.

 

About ELEVATE

Launched in 2021, ELEVATE is the only 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 small businesses to compete in the private, institutional, and government procurement sectors. Small business owners completing ELEVATE will leave the program with a newfound clarity and dynamism that will catapult their business to the next level.

ELEVATE and all of The Coalition’s Small Ecosystem Building work is made possible thanks to a generous contribution from the Truist Foundation.

Become a Member

Become a member of The Coalition today, and join the fight for a District where all residents can live in thriving communities that are racially, economically and socially just!

Join Now

Stay in touch with The Coalition news & events by subscribing to our free e-newsletter.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.