Lever Inc.

Lever is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation-driven enterprises and enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Berkshire region of Massachusetts. Established in 2014, Lever's mission is to build and grow businesses that attract revenue to the region, create jobs, and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators, and young people.

Lever Inc.

Vision and Mission

Vision: To cultivate a robust and diversified regional economy that offers a high quality of life for all.
Mission: To build and grow innovation-driven enterprises, attract revenues to the region, create jobs, and expand the ecosystem for entrepreneurs, innovators, and young people.

Core Values

Investing in people as the most valuable resource.
Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Recognizing the essential role of young people in creating innovative and enduring companies.
Believing in success through collaboration and the strength of networks.
Acting with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Impact Since 2014

Supported over 300 entrepreneurs.
Helped launch 100 new companies.
Assisted 100 companies in their growth.
Facilitated employment for 25 students at Berkshire companies.
Enabled over 60 intrapreneurs to innovate within their organizations.
Placed 150 college students in paid internships.

Lever-supported startups have collectively raised more than $30 million in equity investment, generated over $50 million in aggregate revenues, and created more than 350 jobs.

Programs and Services

Lever offers a range of programs and services to support entrepreneurs, including mentorship, workspace, referrals to a network of experts, incubation services, and in some cases, equity funding.

Team

The Lever team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise:

Jeffrey Thomas: Co-founder and Executive Director, focusing on fundraising, community engagement, and startup funding.
Andrew Fitch: Community Engagement Manager, passionate about connecting with and supporting entrepreneurs in Massachusetts.
Avril Levesque: Communications Manager, responsible for digital media marketing, social media, and program materials.
Natalia Giacomozzi: Communications Associate, supporting marketing strategy and managing internal databases and metrics.
Francesca Olsen: Media Strategy Consultant, advising on digital marketing strategy, content marketing, and general PR and communications.