Next Level Urban Alliance

Pilot Program History

The Next Level Urban Alliance (NLUA) is a network of entrepreneurs, professionals, and development leaders collaborating to expand the equity-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem (E3) of Pinellas County. The goal of the Alliance is to strengthen entrepreneurship as a vital pathway to economic growth for African Americans. 

Since its founding, thanks to the collective contributions of over 100 organizations, the partners have created over 30 new business development programs that have helped over 840 entrepreneurs to learn, launch or grow their enterprises.  

Our primary focus is building vital foundation blocks for the expansion of the E3 strategy. ​

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Service + Program Activities + Priorities

Community Partners: Equity Institute, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, Deuces Live, and One Community
Funded By: Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg | Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital

  • Business Navigation Services for small - medium sized businesses. We provide structured and sustained support as entrepreneurs travel a growth path

  • Power of the Collective quarterly networking convenings and educational events

  • A Trade Mission to the Motherland (Africa) to help promote and support 16 entrepreneurs and their businesses in exploring opportunities in global commerce

  • Rebuilding Black Main Street and specifically increasing commercial space capacity on 22nd Street South (a.k.a., the Deuces) which was once a thriving “Main Street” of Black life in St. Pete

  • A five-year strategic plan for the end-to-end revitalization of the Deuces within a decade

  • A five-year business and capitalization fund for the new South St. Petersburg Development Fund, a co-creation of the City of St. Petersburg and a non-profit collaborative called the Sankofa Group

  • The Pinellas Academy of Second Chances is an initiative aimed at supporting individuals who have been previously incarcerated to build entrepreneurial skills, foster self-sufficiency, and reintegrate successfully into society through entrepreneurship.
    Participants will engage in workshops, mentorship, and practical exercises to develop their business awareness and lay the foundation for launching their own business.

Contact a Business Navigator Today