(Left to right) Small Business Boot Camp Series 3 award winners Rachel Aulet-McGann, Ashanti T-Mack, Rachel Kehinde, Sawida Worley and Richard Rosario.
Photo courtesy of Banco de Ponce
Bank of Ponce It closed out 2024 by honoring the latest graduates of its Series 2 and Series 3 Small Business Boot Camps, a free program designed to empower local entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to achieve their business goals.
These boot camps included a series of programs that provided business planning, strategies and essential tools for growth to local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Seven local business owners were recognized for their outstanding business ideas, which they presented to a panel of judges. Each received awards and funding to help grow their businesses, courtesy of Fiserv, a global financial technology and payments provider. Fiserv also supported the program by providing subject matter experts, including its own leaders and community partners, to guide participants through the training camps.
Graduates included two notable entrepreneurs, Tosca Marleen and Haizel McIntyre, who completed Series 2 of the Small Business Boot Camp. Marleen, founder of JDM and Partners, a firm specializing in brand partnerships and creative facilitation, was awarded $5,000 to boost her business efforts. McIntyre, owner of Making Money Movers, NYC, a financial education service for individuals and organizations, received $10,000.
The five Series 3 training camp graduates were Rachel Aulet-McGann, Ashanti T-Mack, Rachel Kehinde, Sawida Worley and Richard Rosario. McGann received $2,500 for his business, Always Remembered Moments, LLCcrafting timeless keepsakes meant to honor and preserve the memories of your loved ones. Another $2,500 was awarded to T-Mack for his business, Hold It Tight LLCa support and recovery center for post-operative care. Kehinde received $10,000 for his small business, Gina Andremise LLCa jewelry company that offers luxurious, sustainable and functional jewelry for women and jewelry admirers alike. Worley received $5,000 for his business, Oía Wellnesswhich sells elite skin and body care products. Rosario, who runs Richard Rosario Photography in Throggs Neckreceived $2,500.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities,” said Ponce Bank President and CEO Carlos Naudon. “These deserving award winners are true entrepreneurs who provide jobs, cultural diversity and inspiration to Ponce Bank customers and all who live and do business in the communities we serve. At Ponce Bank, we are proud to support these emerging community-based business leaders as they journey through this powerful and essential educational initiative. We salute them today and will continue to support them in the future.”
Since it first launched in 2020, more than 1,100 people from across New York City have completed the Ponce Bank Small Business Boot Camp.
He Network of business extension centersa Brooklyn-based company dedicated to providing financing to small business owners from underserved groups, helped ensure the success of the boot camp through their support. The organization’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and their respective communities.
“We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Ponce Bank and Fiserv to support and celebrate the success of Series 2 and 3 of the Ponce Small Business Bootcamp for all counties,” said Nancy Carin of Business Outreach Center Network at the graduation ceremony.
“The graduation of these talented groups of entrepreneurs marks an important milestone in our mission to foster economic inclusion and improve underserved communities. We’re especially excited to recognize the inspiring companies who pitched their businesses and won awards as part of the series. Their achievements highlight incredible innovation and success within our community. Together, we are dedicated to continuing our efforts to create opportunities and drive growth for local businesses.”
Graduates participated in a four-session program held last October. These sessions provided them with fundamental information on the topics of Marketing and Branding, SEO Optimization, Cybersecurity and MWBE Certification, respectively.
“Community development financial institutions like Ponce Bank play a critical role in closing the wealth gap by providing access to financial services in low-income communities, as well as access to capital for diverse small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Neil Wilcox, director of Corporate Finance. Social Responsibility at Fiserv. “Our collaboration with the bank delivers on our mutual commitment to enabling small businesses to grow and helping entrepreneurs create a positive impact in our communities.”