First Place

$15,000 and $5000 in Business Services

Jessica Sequinot and Selina Alko

Tot Stops

Brooklyn based, New York Centric, this partnership of two “mompreneurs” uses each of their unique talents to create a terrific new business that is greater than the sum of their parts.  They will make and sell adorable t-shirts for infants and toddlers decorated with scenes of New York City that will appeal to natives and tourists alike.

 Just like their catchy traffic light logo, their business captures the recognizable excitement of New York City’s busy streets and their well known landmarks.  Based on book illustrations created by one of the partners, the t-shirts will be sold online, individually or packaged as gifts with the books. Just as creative as the t-shirts are the terrific marketing schemes they have devised, such as selling their wares at cultural institutions that are featured on the shirts or developing an online family guide of NYC featuring the sites found on the t-shirts that will drive traffic to their website, their main distribution channel. 

RUNNERS-UP

$5000 and $5000 in Business Services

Ken Levy

NexZt Reactive Chewing Gums

Building on two years of product development and market research, this entrepreneur has a unique concept that will take chewing gum to the level.   Identifying the trend for functional foods that suppress appetite or increase energy such as Slim Fast or Red Bull, he came up with an entirely new product that uses natural ingredients to more efficiently deliver the same desired effects:  a natural chewing gum. 

The gum will be introduced in health food stores locally, but he intends to expand to national chain stores by 2008.  We applaud his efforts – “By GUM!”

Michelle Lewis

Scooter Food:  Homemade Canine Cuisine    

The pet industry is one of the largest in the nation, and this company is introducing a new and unique product:  all-natural, fresh and wholesome canine cuisine to capture its share of the market.  This company will target high end consumers who are educated, discerning and dedicated to their dog’s lifestyle. By identifying the right distribution channels such as specialty pet stores, boutique hotels that cater to dog owners, and gourmet home-delivery services, this entrepreneur has already penetrated the local market in this competitive business.

Additionally, like most new businesses, this business and its business plan has been refined over a number of years and exemplifies the motto: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.  A determined entrepreneur, the owner has been involved in all three PowerUP! Competitions: the first year she applied but did not submit a plan; in 2005 a plan was entered, but did not win; and finally this year, she produced a thoroughly researched, carefully conceived business plan that outlines a great new product. 

MERIT AWARDS 

$500 prize

Kevin Byrdsong

BK Telecom

A start-up telecommunications company that installs and repairs phone systems for Brooklyn’s growing business community.  Acknowledging “technology is my friend” the owner is poised to take advantage of this industry’s potential.

Karen Frazer

Balloons of Elegance Designs

A home based business that intends to “brighten up Brownsville” by supplying affordable balloon decorating services to an underserved community.

Dawn Eshelman

Five Hundred Sisters Water Spa

Water, water everywhere is the concept behind the only women’s water spa in the entire city of New York.  The relaxing and healing power of water therapy, bathing rituals and massage will be offered in a soothing sanctuary.

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS

$250 prize

Elizabeth Reagh

Goodform Design

A home based graphic design business run by a professional who will focus her marketing particularly toward other women entrepreneurs in the baby boom generation. 

Soneni B. Smith

Splashbook Makeup – Makeup that Makes a Difference

A new concept in cosmetics – small, disposable and biodegradable makeup kits. This socially conscious company will donate a portion of the profits to women’s health causes. 

Beverly Reese

Elbow Patch Boys Apparel

A modern boutique for an otherwise underserved market.  This start-up will sell hip styles and hot fashion for high energy boys aged one to six primarily via the web.