Brooklyn Public Library Distributes $40K to Future Entrepreneurs

The Brooklyn Public Library recently celebrated the 22nd annual PowerUP Business Plan Competition, awarding more than $40,000 to emerging entrepreneurs in the borough. The competition, which aims to support local businesses, culminated in a ceremony where the $20,000 grand prize was awarded to Mariana Silfa for her venture, Viva Art Studio. This family-owned establishment focuses on bilingual art education.

The event took place with the continued sponsorship of Dime Community Bank, which has been a long-time supporter of the library’s initiatives aimed at bolstering small business growth. Steve Miley, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Dime Community Bank, expressed his commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders. “For over 160 years, Dime has partnered with great organizations like Brooklyn Public Library to support the communities of New York,” he stated.

In addition to the grand prize, the competition recognized other notable entrepreneurs. The second place award of $10,000 went to Maud and Ioan Delice for their product, Pikliz Please, a Haitian-style vegetable relish. Karma Masselli secured third place and $5,000 for her initiative, Shorts Movie Theater, which showcases both classic and contemporary short films.

Supporting Local Startups

The PowerUP initiative, which began in 2003 as a means to assist businesses in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, has since provided over $600,000 to more than 200 entrepreneurs. Many successful Brooklyn businesses, including Bogota Latin Bistro and Greenlight Bookstore, have benefited from the program.

This year’s judging panel consisted of business owners, nonprofit leaders, and academics who evaluated over 465 entries, predominantly from first-time business owners. The finalists presented a diverse range of ideas, including art education, gaming-based learning, and AI-driven tools for immigrant communities.

Five additional entrepreneurs received merit awards of $1,000 each, with the public participating in an online vote for their favorite pitch. Catrina Bowen won the audience choice award for her business, ProManage Services, which specializes in managing construction paperwork. Other merit award recipients included:

– Ramon Almodovar for Xmigra, an AI-powered platform assisting immigrants.
– Jesse Aujero for Brooklearners, an educational program utilizing Minecraft.
– Tirrell Barronette for Reciboost, an e-commerce platform for personalized sales.
– Maya Williams for Dimensional Dance Collective, aimed at training young dancers.

Participants in the PowerUP competition benefited from free classes covering crucial topics such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, along with personalized business plan support from industry professionals.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library, praised this year’s finalists for their creativity and resilience. “This year’s PowerUP finalists demonstrated imagination and fortitude in equal measure,” she noted, highlighting the diversity of ideas presented.

The PowerUP Business Plan Competition continues to thrive with the generous support of Dime Community Bank and additional backing from Citizens, Data Axle Reference Solutions, and Ridgewood Savings Bank. This initiative not only empowers individual entrepreneurs but also contributes to the overall economic vitality of Brooklyn.