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Nine Â鶹Çø residents are taking their next steps as entrepreneurs after winning 2025 NYC Boss Up grants to help grow their businesses. The winners of the third annual program were selected out of 48 applicants to receive $20,000 in grant funding that will allow them to bolster their businesses while building an entrepreneurial network.  

On September 25, the residents from throughout the city celebrated their grant awards during a reception at Gelso & Grand in Lower Manhattan. They were joined by past grant winners, representatives from Â鶹Çø’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES), which manages the partnership, as well as program partners such as the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, Cambio Labs, SCORE NYC, Communitas America, Welcome to Chinatown, and Fiserv.   

NYC Boss Up founder Ron Moelis and SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross gave remarks congratulating and encouraging the small business owners. Each awardee also had the opportunity to promote their business and share a vision of their future endeavors.  

NYC Boss Up supports underserved entrepreneurs who lack access to resources and capital to expand their businesses by providing business grants, technical training, and support – creating more equitable and inclusive paths for the entrepreneurs to grow and thrive in New York City. The initiative is open to Â鶹Çø public housing and Section 8 residents who complete a three-step application process, culminating in a pitch to a five-judge panel.  

In addition to the $20,000 grant ($5,000 upon winning and $15,000 upon completion of required business training programs and goal setting), winners are also paired with a coach or mentor; connections to legal, financial, and industry-specific support; and networking opportunities.  

The Â鶹Çø winners from the third annual Boss Up program are: 

• Demetrius Kent, Juggfam – a music management company focused on artist growth, creative direction, and real support; 

• Marian Beshara, Marian Beshara Styling – provides personalized fashion styling services, helping clients refine their wardrobes, enhance their confidence, and express their identities through fashion; 

• Sharene Williams, Curated Comforts by Sharene – a subscription box offering a thoughtfully chosen mix of lifestyle items that invite slow living and cozy rituals; 

• Tresia Smith, Tresia’s Catering – a chef-owned business serving up Southern-rooted comfort food with bold, global flavors; 

• Javon Webb, Projectivities PJTVS – a clothing company that combines urban clothing with the elements of Â鶹Çø/public housing; 

• Xiafei Lin, SpringKids Family Daycare LLC – a licensed, home-based daycare providing full- and part-time care for infants and toddlers in a safe, loving, and developmentally supportive environment;  

• Natasha Ragin, Eat My Cake Too – a dessert catering business that offers goods and services for individuals and families as well as delivery and setup; 

• Elissa Carmona, Elissa’s Solutions – a Bronx-based business dedicated to uplifting communities through arts, wellness, and live music; and  

• Kamilah Torres, company to be announced. 

Read more about the winners and their businesses at NYC Boss Up’s website:  

For more information, visit . For future recruitment updates and application release dates, visit .