Three Brooklyn innovators were awarded grants and mentorship after taking top honors in the NYC Boss Up contest.
NYC Boss Up is a philanthropic program that encourages excellence in entrepreneurship across the city. The program combines capital support, training and a network of supporters to help local entrepreneurs.
The New York City Housing Authority, the New York City Department of Small Business Services and the K & R Moelis Family Foundation announced the ten winners of the NYC Boss Up NYCHA program, which invites all NYCHA and Section 8 residents to apply for a business pitch competition.
The three Brooklyn winners were Demetrius Kent of JUGG FAM, a music management company based in Brownsville focused on artist growth, creative direction and support; Javon Webb of Projectivities PJTVS, a Red Hook clothing company that combines urban clothing with the positive elements of NYCHA; and Khareen Georges of Teazert Tea, a Mill Basin, a Black woman-owned tea company that transforms classic dessert flavors into indulgent, guilt-free tea blends.
This year’s awardees will receive a $20,000 grant and will be enrolled in a small business mentorship program provided by SBS to help build and grow their businesses. The business mentorship program includes a comprehensive training curriculum, the opportunity to be paired with a dedicated mentor or coach, connections to legal, financial, and industry-specific supports, networking opportunities and more.
“We believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the vital role small businesses play in strengthening our communities, particularly across New York City," Ron Moelis, founder of NYC Boss Up said in a statement. "This initiative not only provides crucial resources to our small businesses but also highlights the incredible talent and innovation present within NYCHA and Section 8 resident communities."
Projectivities PJTVS is a movement that turned into handmade clothing from the projects, highlighting the projects and the people who live there, according to owner Javon Webb.
“Winning Boss Up means the world to me. It showed me that my small business can keep growing and that there is help for those who bet on themselves," Webb said.
The winners were selected from a pool of over 120 applicants who are NYCHA or Section 8 residents and currently own a small business in New York City. Applications included in-depth business histories, personal stories, detailed business plans, and proposals for future growth and expansion. Eligible applicants were reviewed over three rounds, culminating in a business pitch to a five-judge panel in June.
In addition to its NYCHA program, NYC Boss Up hosts a separate pitch contest dedicated to veterans.
