Pride Month Spotlight on YIKES

In recognition of Pride Month, we are proudly shining the light on PIDC client, YIKES, an LGBTQ+ owned business that has built creative web design and development solutions for businesses and nonprofit organizations for over 20 years. We interviewed co-owners Mia Levesque and Tracy Levesque about their entrepreneurial journey and the company’s development. Here’s what they had to say. 

Q: We know the road in business isn’t always an easy one. Can you talk to us about your journey to get to where you are today, including how you’re making it through the pandemic so far?

A: Established in 1996, YIKES, Inc. has experienced several economic challenges, from the dot-com bubble burst of the late 1990s, through the financial crisis in 2008, and into the current instability due to the recent pandemic. Each of these challenges has allowed us the opportunity to learn strategies, pivot, diversify, and improve our processes. Because the pandemic required a shift to more online services, we were in an excellent position to help our clients improve their online offerings, services, and technology.

Relationships matter. We found that membership organizations and local business nonprofits like PIDC and The Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) at the Free Library of Philadelphia offered great resources during this time, from webinars, newsletters, and posts on topics such as PPP loans and PPE suppliers. Taking the time to meet new people from diverse businesses improves our local living economy, and provides small businesses opportunities to give and receive assistance, especially during difficult times.

Q: How has PIDC’s support been helpful in your journey?

A: In 2010, [we] decided it was time to provide sustainable office space for YIKES, Inc. We found two dilapidated, uninhabitable buildings in Fishtown. Following the housing crisis, some thought we were taking a huge risk in pursuing funding for any building development project at that time. PIDC was instrumental in helping secure the funding we needed to complete the first LEED Platinum mixed-use rehab project in Pennsylvania.

Q: What sets Yikes business services apart from other web design and development companies? 

A: As a WordPress VIP Agency Partner, YIKES, Inc. designs and develops enterprise-level websites for businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations, using the highest coding standards and best practices. We have expert knowledge of the WordPress platform, creating the highest quality websites with customized themes and integrations with third-party systems to improve workflows and flexibility for our clients.

YIKES, Inc. provides our clients with WordPress website care plans that include monitoring services to keep WordPress core and plugins up-to-date, as well as enhanced security protection. We provide monthly maintenance and support plans to supplement our clients’ content editorial teams.

As a Certified B Corporation, YIKES, Inc. is dedicated to sustainable business practices, observing the triple bottom line: people, planet, [and] profit. We are committed to building a more socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable local economy.

Q: What new developments can your customers expect from you in the future?

A: YIKES, Inc. is a premium WordPress design and development agency. Our clients benefit from our knowledge of the latest and upcoming technologies and integrations the platform has to offer. Over the past few years, YIKES, Inc. has continued to hone our skills and knowledge of accessibility requirements for websites, helping our clients to continue to improve how they present their information to diverse populations and leveling the playing field for website visitors.

Q: Lastly, we’re happy to celebrate Pride Month this June! As a successful business owner, is there any advice you’d like to share with the LGBTQ+ business community on helpful resources for business growth?

A: YIKES, Inc. is a proud member of the Independence Business Alliance, Philadelphia’s local NGLCC LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, and is a certified LGBTBE. This excellent organization provides diverse networking opportunities, resources for businesses, and information on certification. We highly recommend becoming a member. For other LGBTQ+ technology agencies, we recommend Out In Tech and Lesbians Who Tech.

For sustainable businesses looking for a community, we recommend joining the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia  or becoming a certified B Corporation.

Finally, small business owners looking to grow, develop and improve business skills should look into applying to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

Thank you, Mia and Tracy Levesque, for sharing your company’s journey. We wish you all the best and a happy Pride Month!