Brooklyn Public Library celebrated the 22nd annual PowerUP Business Plan Competition last week, awarding more than $40,000 to emerging entrepreneurs across the borough.
The $20,000 grand prize, presented by Dime Community Bank, went to Mariana Silfa for Viva Art Studio, a family-owned Brooklyn space dedicated to bilingual art education.
Dime Community Bank returned as lead sponsor, continuing its long-standing support of Brooklyn Public Library’s small business initiatives. The bank emphasized its belief in uplifting the next generation of business leaders and helping local entrepreneurs chart a path to success. Maud and Ioan Delice earned second place and a $10,000 award for Pikliz Please, a cabbage-based vegetable relish rooted in Haitian tradition. Third place and $5,000 went to Karma Masselli for Shorts Movie Theater, a venue dedicated to showcasing new and classic short films.
“Dime is one again this year’s Lead Sponsor, and proud supporter of the PowerUP Small Business Challenge by Brooklyn Public Library. For over 160 years, Dime has partnered with great organizations like Brooklyn Public Library to support the communities of New York. 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. We are proud and honored to be part of their journey,” said Steve Miley, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Dime Community Bank.
Launched in 2003 to assist businesses recovering after 9/11, PowerUP has since provided more than $600,000 to over 200 entrepreneurs. Notable Brooklyn ventures that began with PowerUP support include Bogota Latin Bistro, Island Pops, Greenlight Bookstore, Argyle Yarn, Brooklyn Tea, Green in BKLYN and Tinsel Experiential Design, which has since grown into a multimillion-dollar company.
This year’s judging panel, composed of business owners, nonprofit leaders and academics, selected Viva Art as the top winner from more than 465 entries, most submitted by first-time business owners. Finalists showcased ideas ranging from art education and gaming-based learning to AI-driven tools for immigrant communities. Five additional participants received merit awards and $1,000 each in seed funding, with the public voting online for their favorite pitch.
Catrina Bowen secured the audience choice award and an additional $1,000 for ProManage Services, a firm that specializes in managing construction paperwork during active and post-build phases.
Other merit award recipients included: Ramon Almodovar for Xmigra, an AI-powered Spanish-language platform guiding immigrants through the immigration process Jesse Aujero for Brooklearners, an educational enrichment program using Minecraft as a learning tool Tirrell Barronette for Reciboost, an e-commerce platform turning receipts into personalized sales channels Maya Williams for Dimensional Dance Collective, a training hub for young dancers to build artistic and real-world skills.
All participants completed free classes covering marketing, finance, entrepreneurship and library resource utilization. They also received 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, Brooklyn Public Library.
The PowerUP Business Plan Competition is made possible through generous support from Dime Community Bank, with additional backing from Citizens, Data Axle Reference Solutions and Ridgewood Savings Bank.
