Ten Brooklyn entrepreneurs will take the stage at BRIC Arts Media Ballroom on April 14 to pitch their businesses as part of Ignite Brooklyn Made, a $400,000 access-to-capital and advisory program supporting small business growth across the borough.
Funded by Wells Fargo and administered by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce through its Brooklyn Made retail initiative, Ignite Brooklyn Made provides grants alongside strategic advisory support, culminating in a live, Shark Tank–style pitch competition designed to help local companies scale and expand.
The event marks the final phase of a competitive process that drew more than 200 applicants from across Brooklyn. Ten founders were selected to each receive $25,000 growth grants and take part in an intensive advisory program focused on strengthening their businesses and preparing them to present their expansion plans before a panel of judges and a live audience.
“This program is about momentum,” said Randy Peers, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. "Brooklyn’s small businesses are creative, resilient and essential to our local economy. Ignite Brooklyn Made gives them the capital and visibility they need to move forward with confidence.”
During the live competition, entrepreneurs will present their strategies to judges from the business and civic sectors. Additional prizes will be awarded to top performers, including $25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place. Judges will evaluate each pitch based on growth strategy, market opportunity, scalability, clarity of capital use, operational readiness and overall execution, including responses during the question-and-answer portion.
Organizers say the initiative is designed to address one of the most persistent challenges facing small businesses: access to capital. By combining funding, mentorship, and public exposure, the program aims to position participating companies for long-term, sustainable growth.
The inaugural cohort reflects a wide range of industries across Brooklyn’s small business ecosystem. Selected brands include Avalah All Natural, a plant-based beauty company inspired by Caribbean self-care traditions; Auria’s Malaysian Kitchen, which produces small-batch pantry staples such as sambal chili pastes and coconut jam; and Boss Dotty Paper Co., a Greenpoint-based stationery and gift brand.
Other participants include Flatbush Granola Company, a candle brand inspired by global flavors and the borough’s cultural diversity; Kemushi Sauce, which produces Japanese-inspired condiments; and Shiyenze, a fashion label blending African textiles with contemporary design. Skool Milk, a neighborhood-driven apparel brand, and Teazert Tea, known for dessert-inspired loose-leaf teas, are also part of the cohort.
Terrart NYC, a design studio specializing in self-sustaining terrariums and moss installations, joins Ting A Ling, a food brand founded by a mother-daughter duo producing Jamaican jerk sauces and marinades.
In addition to the pitch competition, the event will function as a marketplace, with attendees able to purchase products from participating businesses. Retail buyers are also invited to connect directly with founders and explore potential partnerships.
The Ignite Brooklyn Made Pitch Competition will take place Tuesday, April 14, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the BRIC Arts Media Ballroom, 647 Fulton St.
