The Brooklyn Public Library awarded over $40,000 to promising entrepreneurs during the 22nd annual PowerUP Business Plan Competition, held last week. The grand prize of $20,000, sponsored by Dime Community Bank, was presented to Mariana Silfa for her venture, Viva Art Studio, which focuses on bilingual art education in Brooklyn.
As the lead sponsor, Dime Community Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering future business leaders. “We believe that this program shines a light on the next generation of great business leaders and paves the way to an opportunity for success,” said Steve Miley, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Dime Community Bank.
Second place and a $10,000 award went to Maud and Ioan Delice for their product, Pikliz Please, a cabbage-based relish inspired by Haitian traditions. Karma Masselli secured third place, winning $5,000 for her establishment, Shorts Movie Theater, which is dedicated to showcasing both new and classic short films.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
Since its inception in 2003 to assist businesses recovering after the September 11 attacks, the PowerUP competition has distributed more than $600,000 to over 200 entrepreneurs. Noteworthy Brooklyn businesses that have emerged from this initiative include Bogota Latin Bistro, Island Pops, Greenlight Bookstore, and Tinsel Experiential Design, which has grown into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
This year, the judging panel, composed of business leaders, nonprofit executives, and academics, selected Viva Art as the top winner from more than 465 entries, the majority of which were submitted by first-time business owners. The finalists presented a diverse range of ideas, including art education, gaming-based learning, and AI-driven solutions for immigrant communities.
Five additional participants received merit awards, each garnering $1,000 in seed funding, with the public voting online for their favorite pitch. The audience choice award went to Catrina Bowen for ProManage Services, a firm specializing in managing construction-related documentation. Other merit award recipients included:
– Ramon Almodovar for Xmigra, an AI-powered platform assisting immigrants with the immigration process.
– Jesse Aujero for Brooklearners, which uses Minecraft as a tool for educational enrichment.
– Tirrell Barronette for Reciboost, an e-commerce platform that transforms receipts into personalized sales channels.
– Maya Williams for Dimensional Dance Collective, a training center for young dancers to develop both artistic and practical skills.
Empowering Future Leaders
All participants benefited from free classes covering essential topics such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, along with personalized business plan support from industry professionals. “This year’s PowerUP finalists demonstrated imagination and fortitude in equal measure: from an art studio to a Minecraft club and an AI-based app to help new immigrants,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.
The PowerUP Business Plan Competition continues to receive generous support from Dime Community Bank, alongside contributions from Citizens, Data Axle Reference Solutions, and Ridgewood Savings Bank. The initiative remains a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, fostering innovation and economic growth in the community.
