ELEVATE
ELEVATE (Executive Leadership Education Venture Advancing Talented Entrepreneurs) is a premier executive education program designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across Washington, D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan area grow, innovate and thrive.
Developed by the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (CFEE) at the GW School of Business in partnership with The Coalition (formerly CNHED), ELEVATE is led by Ayman El Tarabishy and delivered by distinguished GW Business faculty. Through practical, hands-on instruction, the program equips entrepreneurs and business owners with the strategies and tools to strengthen operations, enhance products and services, increase revenue and create jobs—supporting sustainable, long-term business growth.
Hosted annually since 2021, ELEVATE is a three-month executive education experience that provides participants with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to confidently lead and expand their businesses. As the District's only university-backed executive education program for small businesses, ELEVATE offers direct access to the expertise of GW Business faculty alongside a collaborative network of fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners.
The curriculum, developed by CFEE, combines executive-level business education with personalized guidance to help participants refine strategy, improve operational efficiency, identify new growth opportunities and compete more effectively across private, institutional and government markets.
More than a business training program, ELEVATE is a catalyst for transformation. Participants leave with renewed clarity, confidence and momentum, prepared to grow revenue, create jobs and expand their footprint while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive and vibrant economy in Washington, D.C.
ELEVATE Cohorts & Recent News
Each year, ELEVATE brings together a new cohort of entrepreneurs centered on a timely business theme that addresses the evolving needs of Washington, D.C.'s entrepreneurial community. Explore how recent cohorts have supported businesses driving sustainability, innovation and economic growth.
Meet Our Partners
- About the Center For Entrepreneurial Excellence (CFEE) at the GW School of Business
Established in 2005, the Center For Entrepreneurial Excellence (CFEE) at the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) strives to empower entrepreneurs by integrating academic objectives within GW’s business community. CFEE engages in research and other scholarly activities that significantly contribute to entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial leadership, women’s entrepreneurial leadership, and new venture development.
CFEE works with the GW School of Business and the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), among other partners, to advance the school's nationally-recognized achievements in the field of entrepreneurship education and to further promote entrepreneurship among students and throughout communities.
- About The Coalition
The Coalition is a dynamic 501(c)3 nonprofit that advances equitable community economic development solutions in the District of Columbia. Their holistic systems-change approach encompasses community-informed budget and policy advocacy, data-driven thought leadership, and needs-based programmatic initiatives in Housing and Homelessness, Workforce Development, and Small Business Ecosystem Building.