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V O L . X X X N O. X I M AY 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 20 S M A L L B U S I N E S S Participants also get practice and feedback on their two-minute elevator pitches summarizing their business or, in the case of those who haven't yet started businesses, what they learned. "I believe in moving upwards," Kayla Lewis said in her two-minute presentation at graduation. A native of St. Louis, the Navy veteran started Upward Consulting LLC to help community mem- bers and partners tackle social issues. To build on a contract with the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission, she founded an enterprise and enrolled in the CEI program to grow her business. Still consulting for the commission, she also works part-time for the National Digital Equity Center as she maps out her long-term professional path. "e cool thing about having your own business is yes, there is the yearly fee of $175 and a little bit of paperwork, but this is your passion project — what you believe in, how you see the world. is is what you can give your time to, and one day you can do it fully." Eventually, she'd like to complete her master's in public administration or public health and perhaps establish an institute or nonprofit organization. "It depends on which avenue will best serve my want to move our society upwards," says Lewis, who runs her business out of her home in Biddeford. "Although I see myself as a businesswoman, I really see myself as someone who has a vision. I believe that community, and its power, can propel social change." Frequently giving two thumbs up when Navy veteran Kayla Lewis runs Upward Consulting LLC from her home in Biddeford. Frequently giving two thumbs up when talking about Upward, the gesture — and the word — evolved into a mantra for the group. F O C U S P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E

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