The Sphere Announces 2025 Elevate Accelerator Cohort, Supporting Established Women-Led Businesses
Ready to Scale
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Sphere Announces 2025 Elevate Accelerator Cohort, Supporting Established Women-Led Businesses Ready to Scale
Florence, MA — January 15, 2026 — The Sphere is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of its Elevate Accelerator Program, funded by the TD Charitable Foundation and the Liberty Bank Foundation. Designed for established entrepreneurs ready to move from day-to-day operations into sustainable growth, the Elevate Accelerator supports business owners in strengthening both mindset and business infrastructure—helping them transition from operator to owner.
All participating businesses have been operating for five or more years and are entering a critical stage of development, focused on system-building, strategic growth, and long-term impact. This pilot cohort will be led by Mindshift Business Accelerator founders and experienced business owners and coaches, Dee Dice and Kasey Corsello.
Meet the 2026 Elevate Accelerator Cohort
Dawn Cordeiro
Co-Owner, Holyoke Hummus | Founder, DMC Consulting
Dawn Cordeiro has lived in Western Massachusetts for over 20 years and is the co-owner of Holyoke Hummus, a food truck, catering, and wholesale hummus business rooted in community connection. A natural connector and “super recognizer,” Dawn brings a deep understanding of regional relationships and collaboration. Alongside her work in food entrepreneurship, she supports community-centered initiatives through DMC Consulting.
Janell Caldwell
Founder & CEO, Phenomenal Js LLC
Janell Caldwell is a faith-driven entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Phenomenal Js LLC, a mobile essential services company. A United States Air Force Veteran with a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and a fully endorsed CDL Class A license, Janell’s path has been shaped by resilience, discipline, and perseverance. Entrepreneurship is central to her mission of rebuilding her life, creating generational stability, and modeling determination through action.
Melody S. Edwards
Founder, Home Service VA, Inc.
Melody Edwards brings more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience across the home services industry, including building and selling multiple businesses. In 2020, she founded Home Service VA, connecting businesses with highly trained Filipino virtual assistants while supporting long-term economic opportunity. Melody is now launching her “Melody Manager” brand, providing executive-level virtual support tailored to purpose-driven, creative female entrepreneurs. She is also the co-host of The Soul Proprietor Podcast, exploring ethical questions in impact-driven business.
Adrienne Bashista
Owner, Passalongs Farm and Flora
Adrienne Bashista has been an entrepreneur since childhood and is the owner of Passalongs Farm and Flora, where she oversees daily planting, harvesting, and farm operations. With decades of experience balancing business ownership, family life, and professional careers, Adrienne brings deep operational knowledge and a commitment to sustainable systems rooted in hands-on leadership and care.
Nikki Gardner
Owner, Nikki Gardner Photography
Nikki Gardner is a creative entrepreneur with a background in art, marketing, photography, and writing. Through Nikki Gardner Photography, she specializes in thoughtful visual storytelling and has taught photography workshops for both children and adults using analog and digital formats. Her work blends technical expertise with creativity and education.
Kate Senecal
Founder, Book Buddies
Kate Senecal is a writing coach, teacher, and editor with over a decade of experience supporting writers and creatives. She is the founder of Book Buddies, where she helps individuals build confidence, community, and sustainable creative practices. Kate is currently working on her own novel and brings a values-driven approach to entrepreneurship grounded in compassion, clear communication, and experimentation.
Program Focus and Impact
Participants in the Sphere Elevate Accelerator are focused on building scalable systems that support sustainable growth, including:
- Marketing and SEO strategy
- Repeatable business development and contract pipelines
- Stronger operations and leadership structures
- Delegation and burnout reduction
- Aligning business growth with values and long-term financial stability
“The Elevate Accelerator meets entrepreneurs right when things get exciting—when their businesses are established and it’s time to build smarter systems and think bigger,” said Dawn Creighton, Community Outreach Officer at Liberty Bank. “This cohort is made up of seasoned founders who are ready to level up, and we’re thrilled to be part of that journey.”
The Sphere’s Elevate Accelerator continues its commitment to strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting women-led businesses with the tools, mentorship, and community needed for long-term success.
Media Contact:
Sphere Northampton Leadership Team
Email: megan@
Phone: 813-748-1709
Website: www.
