Entrepreneurs to Compete for $41,000, Highest Cash Prize Total Ever
Brooklyn, NY–Entrepreneurs will compete for seed money in Brooklyn Public Library’s 15th PowerUp! business plan competition. This year’s prize money—the most ever awarded—will include $20,000 for the top winner.
Since 2003, the competition has nurtured over 7900 entrepreneurs and awarded $360,000 in seed money. Some of Brooklyn’s most beloved businesses—including Greenlight Bookstore, Bogata Latin Bistro, Tinsel Experiential Design, Island Pops, Brooklyn Sandbox Shipwrecked Miniature Golf, Argyle Yarn Shop, Green in BKLYN and Human Root got their start through PowerUP! competition.
“We are delighted to partner with Dime Community Bank for our 15th PowerUP!, business plan competition,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “PowerUP! has launched some of the borough’s most successful shops, restaurants and businesses and we are excited to welcome a new group of entrepreneurs to the Library to develop their ideas.”
BPL is pleased to welcome Dime Community Bank as the lead sponsor for PowerUP! for 2018 and 2019.
“As a community bank that has been helping Brooklyn businesses succeed for over 150 years, Dime Community Bank is proud to partner with the Brooklyn Public Library as lead sponsor of this year’s PowerUP! Competition,” noted Kenneth J. Mahon, Dime President and Chief Executive Officer. “Small business owners must be able to count on the financial support of the community banks in their neighborhoods,” he added. “Dime’s sponsorship of the PowerUP! program is tangible affirmation of our commitment to provide financing and support for today’s start-up Brooklyn entrepreneurs and businesses.”
The completion gets under way which this spring with orientation sessions for aspiring Brooklyn entrepreneurs. This year’s participants will hone their business plans through the summer and fall months by meeting with business advisors and taking classes in classes in finance and marketing.
Members of the business academic and nonprofit communities will judge the plans and announce the winners at a ceremony on December 10.
In addition—new this year—audience members will vote for their favorite among the honorable mentions. The winner of the vote will receive $1000.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.6 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 59 neighborhood libraries located throughout the borough. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a large selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/
About Dime Community Bank
The Company had $6.33 billion in consolidated assets as of March 31, 2018. The bank was founded in 1864, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, and currently has twenty-nine branches located throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Nassau County and Suffolk County, New York. More information on the Company and the bank can be found on Dime's website at www.dime.com.