A prospective business in Port Morris was selected as one of five recipients of money from the Bronx Economic Development Corporation.
The corporation announced earlier this year that it would be giving away free money through its first-ever BX Factor Small Business Challenge.
Gregory Hernandez combined his passion with entrepreneurship to create Green Canvas Productions, but it wasn’t always easy.
“It’s essentially difficult to develop the capital and cash flow necessary to prove that you are a viable business,” he said.
The Bronx Economic Development Corporation awarded money to Green Canvas Productions and four other Bronx business owners to support their work.
“I was a finalist and now I have $2,000 on the way and I’m going to use those funds essentially for advertising and marketing,” Hernandez said.
The new Port Morris studio will be available to rent for photo shoots, commercials, music videos and more. He will also help other artists like photographer Ramsey Vásquez, who is also Gregory’s business partner.
“Just having two black men here in this field really inspires the other generation,” Vasquez says.
With the closure of the Grand Concourse Plaza cinemas, Hernández says it is even more necessary to support businesses in the municipality.
“You come from the Bronx, there are fewer resources available for your business here,” he says.
Green Canvas Productions will be open to the public on July 1.