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Program History

Women of color entrepreneurs—particularly Black women, the fastest-growing segment of U.S. business owners—face barriers to accessing capital, networks, and funding. These inequities are compounded by gender bias and regional disparities in the allocation of funding. The B Corp movement began with a vision of an inclusive economy, but hasn’t always included a representative number of businesses run by women entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. Recognizing that the B Impact Assessment and certification process did not always reflect the lived realities of underrepresented business owners, B Lab U.S. & Canada designed Level as a way to test new models of engagement, provide direct support, and amplify historically marginalized women leaders.

LEVEL Program

Now in its fifth year, the program continues to evolve to better serve the entrepreneurs it supports.

Building on the three pillars of B Lab U.S.
& Canada’s Theory of Change:

Racial Equity
Climate Justice
Stakeholder driven economy
“We originally created Level to deepen our relationships with businesses that want to become B Corps yet face systemic challenges to economic empowerment. My hope is that the future of B Corp centers and rests on the prosperity of these entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.”
–
Andy Fyfe
Former Director of Equitable Growth at B Lab U.S. & Canada
Level Up Leaders

Program Timeline

2025

Level 5.0
Currently underway!

Started in April, the members of fifth Level cohort members are currently completing the program.

 

Recent program updates include:

  • An updated interview process for applicants.
  • Fireside chats with experienced business leaders.
  • Marketing master classes and sessions on business development.
  • Partnerships with BIPOC networks to deliver specialized programming.
  • A revamped business mentor matching process.
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Participating entrepeneurs

2024

Level 4.0
Expansion & Systems Building

Programming expanded based on previous feedback to include:

  • BIPOC network events and tailored mentorship based
on business needs.
  • High-production storytelling projects, including the first in-person version of the Listen and Level Up series, an award-winning multimedia storytelling project.
  • Sponsored participation at the Festival of the Diaspora, creating new networking and business development opportunities.


 

Application & Selection Process improved to:

  • Clarify program intent and structure.
  • Incorporated screening tools and prerequisites (including completing the “Becoming a B Corp” course and watching a legal change video).


Increased visibility and networking opportunities, including sponsoring Champions Retreat attendance, and opportunities to speak at B Corp 
Leadership Development events


Annual questionnaire on Level improvement launched, shaping programming for 2025.

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Participating entrepeneurs

2023

Level 3.0
Growth & New Leadership 

Alesha Hartley formally took over the program, marking a turning point in Level’s evolution towards program sustainability and longevity.

  • New programming added in direct response to participant feedback, including:
    • Entrepreneurs’ Guide to Fundraising (5-part series on raising capital).
    • Continued mentorship pairing with B Corp leaders and the BIPOC network, in addition to members of the White Men for Racial Justice action group.
  • Programming expanded to include B The Change features and downloadable resources to share stories more broadly.
  • Built in structured feedback loops, including surveys and additional cohort check-ins, ensuring programming reflected participant needs.
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Participating entrepeneurs

2022

Level 2.0
Expansion & Community Engagement

Participants attended Champions Retreat 2022 in Philadelphia, connecting with the broader B Corp community.

  • Models of engagement and support tested and refined:
    • Continued mentorship pairings with B Corp leaders and the BIPOC network.
    • Storytelling efforts expanded with video projects and articles highlighting participant journeys.
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Participating entrepeneurs

2021

Level 1.0
Pilot Program Launch

Pilot program designed by Andy Fyfe and others from the B Lab U.S. & Canada team, with support from farmer Clarenda “Cee” Stanley of Green Heffa Farms.

  • Consulting firms Decade and Impact Growth Partners recruited to guide participants.
  • Established mentorship opportunities with B Corp businesses and members of the BIPOC network.
  • Initial storytelling projects conducted, including videos and B The Change blog articles.
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Participating entrepeneurs

DIVE DEEPER

LEVEL 5.0

Download the full 2025 report

Level Impact Report Cover