Kasriel Shemtov to Head CHYE Level8 Mentorship Program (2025)

CHYE

Level8 Mentors, the Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs (CHYE) mentorship initiative, is proud to announce a significant leadership change. Rabbi Yehoshua Werde, the founder and driving force behind CHYE and Level8, has appointed Kasriel Shemtov, a seasoned entrepreneur and respected local business leader, to oversee the Level8 program’s activities. Shemtov’s extensive experience in growing businesses makes him an invaluable addition to this dynamic mentorship network.

Dedicated to supporting and guiding young entrepreneurs and startups as well as established businesses, the Level8 mentorship program is designed to help match emerging local businesses with local business leaders and experts who volunteer their time to provide the insight and guidance that newer business owners need to succeed.

Under Shemtov’s leadership, the program will continue to grow and develop, helping anash entrepreneurs and business owners achieve their goals and hit new milestones. Startups and established businesses, as well as nonprofits, will continue to benefit from Level8’s programming under his direction.

Shemtov’s deep understanding of operations and growth strategies stems from his years of hands-on experience building successful businesses. He is particularly known for his skills in helping negotiate solid and sustainable partnership agreements that prevent future conflicts and ensure harmonious relationships between partners and senior leadership as organizations grow. In addition, Shemtov’s is a natural peoples person with a passion to see the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed he has been a magnet for young people seeking business advice.

“My goal is to make Level8 a place a go-to destination where any person from our community can come and get strong business advice, ideas, and help,” said Kasriel Shemtov. “Whether they’re the owner of a company, starting a new job or career, or a founder starting a new business, we can help them do it the right way and they will have the advantage of learning from so many different mentors and people that are associated with chye that have experience in doing exactly whatever it is they’re trying to accomplish. My goal is to make Level8 not just a network, but a frum business club where we can come together and support each other.”

One of Shemtov’s key goals is to ensure that the right mentors are matched with the right startups. With Shemtov at the forefront, Level8 will offer entrepreneurs vital resources while matching founders and business owners to mentors who are experienced in their particular industry or who have first-hand knowledge about how to achieve the specific goals they’re trying to achieve or how to solve the problems they’re trying to solve.

Shemtov’s strategic approach to pairing mentees with experienced mentors based on the specific needs of their businesses will optimize the chances of success. Whether it’s providing insight into market strategies, scaling operations, or offering guidance on creating effective, mutually beneficial business partnerships, Shemtov’s leadership will help entrepreneurs refine their business models and improve their chances for long-term success.

The announcement of Shemtov’s involvement marks an exciting new chapter for CHYE’s Level8 business mentorship program. Entrepreneurs within the Crown Heights community can look forward to enhanced mentorship opportunities and the invaluable guidance of an experienced leader who is committed to fostering growth and success in the anash business ecosystem.

With Kasriel Shemtov’s leadership, Level8 Mentors and CHYE are poised to continue making a significant impact on young entrepreneurs, ensuring they not only thrive in their business endeavors but also build sustainable partnerships and avoid the pitfalls that so often plague startups.

“We’re honored to bring Kasriel on as a valuable addition to this program,” said Rabbi Werde. “We have been searching for someone with Kasriel’s skill set for a long time and I’m excited to see our mentor program reach new heights.”

Special thanks to Shaya Gorkin and Levi Ainsworth @ Ainsworth Gorkin PLLC and Schneur Landa and Zalmy Raskin @ Fello for being the visionary support behind this initiative.

“We recognize the concerns, uncertainties, and intrigue surrounding the sustainability of long-term partnerships, acknowledging that it’s not suitable for every entrepreneur or founder. As early beneficiaries of CHYE’s mentorship, we take pride in having the opportunity to support the organization’s significant work in this area. When partnerships are thoughtfully formed and cultivated, their benefits and impact can be truly transformative.”