Sourced from the BronxTimes (July 29, 2024)
Ponce Bank celebrated the graduates of its Bronx, Manhattan and New Jersey Small Business Bootcamps, a series of programs providing essential business planning, strategies, and tools for growth, free of charge, to local small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
During the event three local business owners from the Bronx and three from Manhattan and New Jersey were recognized and presented with awards they can use to grow their businesses. Fiserv, a leading global provider of payments and financial technology, sponsored the awards.
“Small Businesses are the beating hearts of our communities, providing jobs, cultural diversity, and aspiration to so many of our customers and we’re proud to support these emerging community leaders in their journey through this powerful educational initiative,” Ponce Bank President and CEO Carlos Naudon said.
The Small Business Bootcamp Bronx award recipients include Jennifer Silvestre, Nasir + Idie Kids, apparel and fashion for children with special needs, Melissa Groneveldt, Yummy Tummy, gluten-free, sugar-free sweets and treats, and Saraciea Fennell, The Bronx is Reading, promotes literacy and fosters a love of reading.
The Small Business Bootcamp Man/NJ award recipients include Wioletta Sudol, The Helper Bears, LLC, empowering older adults with tech education and confidence, Emely Martinez, Roxanna, affordable, elite fashion for all body types, and Chere Montgomery, WealthStorm Consults, Business Consultants.
“My involvement gave me a lot of education so that I could lead a successful business, but winning this competition gave me the confidence I need, because people believed in my vision and what I’m trying to do to impact society,” Wioletta Sudol, The Helper Bears, LLC (Rebuilding Neighborhoods by Connecting Communities) commented.
All first-place recipients will receive $10,000, second-place recipients will receive $7,500, and third-place recipients will receive $5,000.
With the support of The Business Outreach Center Network, whose mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, including low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and their communities, more than 1,100 people from across the city have completed the Small Business Bootcamp since its launch in 2020.
“Graduating these talented cohorts of entrepreneurs marks a significant milestone in our mission to foster economic inclusion and uplift underserved communities. We are especially thrilled to recognize the inspiring businesses that pitched their businesses and won awards as part of the series,” Nancy Carin, from The Business Outreach Center Network shared these remarks at the graduation ceremony. “Their achievements highlight the incredible innovation and success within our community.”
In addition to award funding, Fiserv also provided subject matter experts for The Small Business Bootcamp, including Fiserv leaders and community partners in the entrepreneurship space.
“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,” Neil Wilcox, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Fiserv, said. “Our collaboration with the bank fulfills our mutual commitment to enable small business growth and help entrepreneurs create positive impact in our communities.”