THIRTEEN’s Social Enterprises

Transforming Business for Purpose

We believe that business can—and should—do more than generate profit.

Every purchase through a Thirt13n enterprise directly contributes to education, employment, and empowerment for youth and their families.

Our social enterprises serve as flagship ventures that both market high-quality products and services and create meaningful impact. Designed as a support mechanism for THIRTEEN’s career development pathways, these businesses connect luxury consumers and millennials—markets that increasingly value purpose-driven spending and social equity—with opportunities to drive change.

Luxury with Purpose

We understand that luxury is more than material—it is emotional. Luxury reflects craftsmanship, legacy, experience, and meaning. THIRTEEN social enterprises will offer premium products and services that satisfy discerning consumer tastes while advancing our social mission.

Proceeds are reinvested to:

Through this approach, THIRTEEN not only delivers exceptional goods and experiences but also builds resilient futures for underserved communities.

The Shift

From Philanthropy to Social Impact

Historically, philanthropy has been the primary way luxury brands “give back.” While valuable, these contributions often live outside the core business. Today’s consumers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—demand more. They want companies that embed social purpose into their business models, not just their charity arms.

Mission-Driven Markets

Three Flagship Social Enterprises

THIRTEEN’s social enterprise ecosystem is anchored by three flagship ventures that embody our vision of transforming business into a force for education, employment, and empowerment. Each enterprise connects directly to THIRTEEN’s career-development pathways, creating meaningful opportunities for youth and families while generating sustainable revenue to advance our mission.

1. Alliance Building Solution

Alliance Building Solutions is a construction, HVAC, and plumbing company that combines craftsmanship with community purpose. As both a commercial contractor and a teaching enterprise, it provides hands-on training, paid apprenticeships, and job placements for young adults entering the skilled trades.

Through partnerships with developers, municipalities, and corporate clients, Alliance Building Solutions builds more than structures — it builds futures. The company focuses on high-quality, energy-efficient, and sustainable projects while mentoring the next generation of builders, engineers, and technicians.

Focus Areas:

2. 1889

1889 is an invitation-only private network where luxury meets legacy. More than a venue, it serves as a platform for philanthropy, culture, and connection — bringing together influential leaders who believe that success is best measured by the lives it touches.

Members experience curated dinners, tastings, and exclusive gatherings that celebrate excellence in food, wine, art, and design. Every event supports THIRTEEN’s mission by funding scholarships, apprenticeships, and community development initiatives.

Focus Areas:

3. VivaNova Lifestyle & Events

VivaNova is THIRTEEN’s lifestyle and event agency — where creativity and social impact converge. The company designs high-impact experiences that merge hospitality, art, and purpose, redefining what it means to celebrate with meaning.

VivaNova’s staff includes THIRTEEN youth who gain real-world experience in event production, culinary arts, design, and marketing. The enterprise also amplifies rural voices by bringing products from small farms, wineries, and artisans into premium markets — showcasing the richness of local craftsmanship on a larger stage.

Focus Areas:

Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit

THIRTEEN social enterprises embrace the ethos of social entrepreneurship through the “3 Ps”. This triple-bottom-line approach ensures each enterprise is both financially viable and values-aligned, creating businesses that are future-ready and socially responsible.

People

Create equitable employment and education for underserved youth. 

Profit

Generate surplus to sustain THIRTEEN programs and reduce donor reliance.

Planet

Ensure environmentally responsible operations and supply chains.

Key Advantages of Thirt13n's Enterprise Ecosystem

Enterprise with Enduring Impact

THIRTEEN is building more than businesses—we are creating a movement. By embedding equity, innovation, and opportunity into every venture, we are proving that business can be both profitable and profoundly transformative. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of leaders and to establish a lasting model where enterprise sustains education, empowers communities, and shapes a better future for all.

Alignment with Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs)

Create13 enhances Virginia’s Standards of Learning by merging creativity, career readiness, and academic objectives. Hands-on interdisciplinary projects reinforce communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity while supporting SOLs across core subjects.

  • Students practice creative problem-solving, design thinking, and artistic expression across visual arts, fashion, music, and digital media.
  • Emphasis on critique, reflection, and presentation aligns directly with Fine Arts SOL competencies.
  • Storytelling, songwriting, and digital media production strengthen reading, writing, and speaking skills.
  • Structured reflections and presentations support composition and communication standards.
  • Creative projects highlight cultural identity, heritage, and the role of art in society.
  • Students examine local and global issues through design, media, and community-focused work.
  • Coding, design, and game development reinforce logic, spatial reasoning, measurement, and problem-solving.
  • Integrates computational thinking and applied mathematics in creative contexts.
  • Students build financial literacy, entrepreneurship, professionalism, teamwork, and leadership.
  • Direct alignment with Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills and CTE competencies.

Create13 Six-Week Rotating Career Structure

Cycle 1: Digital Art & Graphic Design

Capstone: Personal logo or brand kit.

Cycle 2: Music Production & Audio Engineering

Capstone: Original track or remix.

Cycle 3: Fashion Design & Creative Merchandising

Capstone: Simple fashion item or mini runway show.

Cycle 4: Game Design & Coding

Capstone: Playable game or level.

Cycle 5: Film, Photography & Digital Media

Capstone: Short film or photo series.

Cycle 6: Entrepreneurship & Creative Business

Capstone: Market Day showcase.

Create13 Pathway

EXCITE (Grades K–3) – Discover Creativity

  • Creative play and hands-on art activities
  • Intro to music, color, movement, and storytelling
  • School art fairs and family exhibitions
  • “My First Design” mini-projects

ENGAGE (Grades 4–6) – Explore Creative Fields

  • Intro workshops in drawing, digital art, and instrument basics
  • Visits to local creative studios and community art spaces
  • Collaborative class projects
  • Early introduction to creative technology

EDUCATE (Grades 7–8) – Build Skills & Identity

  • Visual, media, and performing arts coursework
  • Workshops with guest artists and industry mentors
  • Leadership and goal-setting sessions
  • Financial literacy for young creators
  • Middle school 'Mini Market'

EMPOWER (Grades 9–12) – Create & Lead

  • Portfolio development and college preparation
  • Paid internships and externships
  • Guest artist and designer intensives
  • Creative Career Fair and networking events
  • Advanced studio courses

EVOLVE (Postsecondary/Apprenticeship) – Launch & Lead

  • Creative industry apprenticeships
  • University and industry partnerships
  • Business startup support through P4ct
  • Alumni showcases and mentorship