Flatbush Entrepreneurs Will Get A Shot At Cash Prize

FLATBUSH— Despite Wednesday's fatal building collapse, the 10th annual SmallBiz Pop-Up will go ahead Thursday in Flatbush, between Empire Boulevard and Lefferts Avenue, roughly two miles north of the collapse.

The event, held at 495 Flatbush Ave., will feature a pitch competition for local entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to judges in hopes of securing funding.

31 business owners participated in the initial round on Nov. 5, with five finalists advancing on Thursday, where the winner will receive a $3,000 cash prize.

SmallBiz Pop-Up founder Johanne Brierre said she decided to move forward with the event after speaking with sponsors and considering the work that had already gone into preparing it.

"This is the time when the community needs to come together and build a stronger foundation," Brierre said.

She said entrepreneurs often raise concerns about their needs long before businesses close or face serious financial difficulties, but assistance frequently comes only after problems have escalated.

Approximately 8,300 businesses launched during the first half of 2026, while an estimated 8,800 closed, leaving the City with a net loss of about 500 businesses, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Brierre encouraged attendees to bring their laptops and business documents, particularly if they are applying for grants, pursuing MWBE certification or looking to improve their websites and prepare their businesses for AI.

Resource providers will be available to offer consultations and help entrepreneurs identify next steps for securing funding, contracts and other growth opportunities.

The sessions will address questions entrepreneurs frequently encounter: Where can they find available contracts? How do they qualify? What paperwork do they need? And which organizations can help them prepare?

Phil Abranson, director of concessions and communications for NYC Parks, will discuss how small businesses can pursue opportunities at the agency's approximately 400 concession locations.

Oma Holloway, interim CEO of New EraRevitalization, will share how nonprofits can build partnerships and access grants and contract opportunities.

Other participating organizations include the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and the Tech Incubator at Queens College, which will connect entrepreneurs with business development, technology and entrepreneurship resources.

Vanguard will also offer technology audit consultations to help business owners assess their digital operations as artificial intelligence changes how companies manage employees, marketing and everyday tasks.

Presentations are expected to begin around 6 p.m., followed by the pitch competition at 7 p.m.

It will also feature a curated marketplace of approximately 30 businesses.

As a Black business owner, Brierre said access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to starting and growing a business, particularly as entrepreneurs must meet strict lender requirements to qualify for loans.

Brierre founded NY Beauty Suites in Flatbush to help independent beauty professionals operate their business without the financial burden of opening and maintaining their own salon.

She recommended entrepreneurs take an honest look at their businesses before seeking outside support.

Owners should identify where their businesses stand financially, what resources they lack and which opportunities could help them increase revenue.

She also cautions against relying too heavily on one source of income.

Businesses may need to explore government contracts, supplier relationships, storefront opportunities and other revenue streams to remain competitive.

Attendees should arrive with two or three specific goals, she said.

"We have to do more than bring people together," Brierre said. We have to help businesses become capital-ready, contract-ready, and supplier-ready," Brierre said.