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 grand prize of $20,000, sponsored by Dime Community Bank, was awarded to Mariana Silfa for her venture, Viva Art Studio, which focuses on bilingual art education.
Dime Community Bank has been a long-time supporter of Brooklyn’s small business initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of 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 the bank.
Celebrating Innovation and Tradition
The second-place award of $10,000 went to Maud and Ioan Delice for their product, Pikliz Please, a cabbage-based vegetable relish rooted in Haitian culture. In third place, Karma Masselli received $5,000 for Shorts Movie Theater, a venue dedicated to showcasing both new and classic short films.
Since its inception in 2003, the PowerUP competition has provided over $600,000 to more than 200 entrepreneurs, helping them recover and grow after challenging economic periods. Notable businesses that benefited from PowerUP support include Bogota Latin Bistro and Greenlight Bookstore, which have become significant ventures in Brooklyn.
This year’s competition attracted more than 465 entries, primarily from first-time business owners. Finalists presented a diverse range of ideas, from art education to AI-driven tools for immigrant communities. The judging panel comprised business owners, nonprofit leaders, and academics who evaluated the submissions.
Engagement and Support for Future Businesses
Five additional participants received merit awards of $1,000 each in seed funding. The public also had the opportunity to vote online for their favorite pitch. The audience choice award went to Catrina Bowen for her firm, ProManage Services, which specializes in managing construction paperwork.
Other merit award recipients included Ramon Almodovar for Xmigra, an AI-powered platform for guiding immigrants through the immigration process; Jesse Aujero for Brooklearners, an educational program using Minecraft as a learning tool; Tirrell Barronette for Reciboost, an e-commerce platform; and Maya Williams for Dimensional Dance Collective, a training hub for young dancers.
All participants benefited from free classes covering essential topics such as marketing and finance, along with personalized business plan support from experienced industry professionals. “This year’s finalists demonstrated imagination and fortitude in equal measure,” remarked Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library.
The PowerUP Business Plan Competition continues to thrive thanks to the generous support of Dime Community Bank and additional funding from partners like Citizens, Data Axle Reference Solutions, and Ridgewood Savings Bank. This initiative not only fosters local entrepreneurship but also strengthens the community as a whole.
