Noir Yoga, a yoga studio in Bedford Stuyvesant, on Thursday won the $20,000 grand prize in the Brooklyn Public Library’s 21st annual PowerUP! business plan competition.
Founded to provide businesses a boost after 9/11, PowerUP! has since provided over $600,000 in funding to more than 200 entrepreneurs, including several that went on to become staples of Brooklyn’s small business scene, according to a press release.
Noir Yoga, at 109 Ralph. Ave., was chosen from more than 400 entries, judged by a panel of business owners, nonprofit leaders and academics.
“Starting a business is never easy, and I congratulate all of the winners and finalists for their creativity and persistence,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Brooklyn Public Library. “We look forward to visiting their shops, downloading their apps and using their services very soon.”
Stuart H. Lubow, president and chief executive officer of Dime Community Bank, presented the top prize to Noir Yoga.
"For 160 years, Dime has remained a pillar of financial strength for New York’s communities. It is our pleasure, and more importantly, our honor to be the lead sponsor of PowerUP! for the eighth year. We believe that this program unleashes the next generation of business leaders in Brooklyn,” said Lubow.
In addition to the grand prize, second place and $10,000 went to May King Innovations, a company developing urgent language interpretation cards for non-English speaking hospital patients. Hive Mind Books, a queer bookstore in Bushwick, won third place and a $5,000 prize.
The competition also awarded five merit prizes of $1,000 each.
Participants attended free classes on business finance, marketing and library resources, and received individual mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
Dime Community Bank served as the lead sponsor for the competition, with additional support from Data Axle Reference Solutions and Ridgewood Savings Bank.
