BPL program helps entrepreneurs start own businesses
Majority have never been in business before
The Brooklyn Public Library launched its annual PowerUP! competition this week, offering Brooklyn’s aspiring entrepreneurs free courses in business and the chance to win a grand prize of $20,000 in seed money.
PowerUP! began in 2003 to provide businesses a helping hand after 9/11. Since then, more than 1,000 business plans have been submitted, and the contest has awarded $450,000 to more than 125 entrepreneurs.
Last year’s winners included Megan Meza, found of Bandida cold-brew coffee; Ephrem Kitoyi for KG’s Bagel Chips, Celeste Weins and her A Plus Party Bus, a converted school bus; Vanessa Dixon and Ashanti White for Sylvia’s Community Kitchen, offering healthy cooking classes for families in East New York; and Andrew Vogel and Jack Rafalsk for Big Bad Evil Gaming, a 3-D printing service that produces high-quality miniature action figures.