PowerUP! Competition: 2008 Winners Announced!
Nine winners were announced Wednesday night, January 14, 2009, at the Business Library?s Fifth PowerUP! Award Ceremony. Amanda Jones, owner of Brooklyn Fudge took the $15,000 first prize and Nzinga Knight of Nzinga Knight International and Elissa Olin of Green Home, Green Living each received Second Place and $5000. It was a wonderful event; last year's winner, Jessica Stockton Bagnulo spoke not only about the challenges involved in starting a business, but also about the rewards of pursuing your own particular passion. Eric Eve of Citi's Global Consumer Group, the competition?s sole sponsor, graciously gave out the out the awards and Borough President, Marty Markowitz, congratulated the winners for the creativity and enterprising spirit they contribute to Brooklyn.
This year 75 plans were submitted, more than ever before, and the task of deciding the winners from such a large and qualified group was even more challenging. The judges selected 12 outstanding finalists, who were asked to make presentations and answer questions the panel posed. Their plans, which were well researched and well written, also described viable businesses that were likely to succeed. Every one of the 12 presentations was top notch, and we congratulate all of them and are confidant we will see them all go into business.
Following is the list of finalists and a description of the winners:
Amanda Jones, Brooklyn Fudge, started her brand as a lark at a holiday craft fair. But sales were so successful that this high quality Kosher candy, made from a family recipe, has been covered by the New York Times and may be sold worldwide.
Nzinga Knight, Nzinga Knight International, a high fashion company offering a fresh perspective on evening wear by creating stunning, yet modest, dresses for Muslim women who are both chic and affluent.
Elissa Olin, Green Home Green Living, a small retail one-stop "green" shop dedicated to making earth friendly products conveniently available for everyday use.
Erin Carney and Neil Carlson, Brooklyn Creative League, will rent workspace to the growing number of home-based, self employed professionals that need more room than the kitchen table and more networking opportunities than walking the dog.
Courtney Leigh Newman and Erica Paul, Dirty Dolls Lingerie, creators of perfectly fitting undergarments for full figured customers. Their company will capitalize on every woman?s love of fine lingerie while capturing an underserved niche market.
Adfia Bristol and Paul Peat, YIS-RO-YAL, will make cakes, cookies and other delicious additions to the market for organic and vegetarian food for health conscious consumers.
Erin Kelly, Teakettle Adventures, makes activity kits revolving around a theme and including a book, the necessary craft materials, and suggestions for activities that can provide for a week of fun.
Pamela Warren, The Art of Conscious Living, will provide health and nutrition education and counseling sessions that will improve the wellness and well being of its clients.
Sheila Collins and Stacey Toussaint, Inside Out Tours, This entrepreneurial venture will provide tours of cultural and historical sites in Brooklyn.
Tess Gill, Brooklyn Victory Gardens, a unique store that will purchase organic food and hand crafted merchandise from local farmers, bakers, artisans and other suppliers.
Stephanie Gibbs-Thomas, Valanda Hackle, Melissa Ricketts, Lennon Turner, and Claudine Nicaisse, Tahini, LLC, a fast food establishment that will provide healthy, gourmet snacks and meals to increasingly health conscious consumers.
Patrick Siewe Siyam, Tutors Registry.com; will build a website that lists independent tutors offering test preparation for standardized tests and academic assistance to students.
 Acknowledgments
PowerUP! is brought to you by the Brooklyn Public Library's Business Library Success Council and Citi Foundation.
Citi Foundation is BPL's Business Library corporate sponsor of educational programs and has been an annual supporter of the Business Library since 2000.
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