Abou Sow, a resident of Jamaica Queens, has launched Prince Abou, a halal butchery. He won $10,000 in seed money to grow his business (Photo: Courtesy of Prince Abou)
May 4, 2021 By Ryan Songalia
Four Queens-based start-ups were awarded $10,000 each in seed money last week to expand their respective businesses.
A children’s center, a tech-design agency, a butcher shop and a design firm all nabbed $10,000 in the 15th annual Queens Economic Development Corporation’s StartUP! Business Competition.
The businesses entered into a competition to win the funds after attending free workshops that covered everything from marketing to financial statements. The participants were then able to compete for $10,000 that was being offered to startups in four categories.
The tech category was won by She Designs Creative Agency. The company run by Sharae Gibbs of St. Albans offers UI and UX programming courses, plus mentorship and coaching to women of color and non-binary people.
The small business that won the sustainability category was Terrart NYC, a floral company that places arrangements in recycled containers like light bulbs and liquor bottles. Terrart is owned by Fresh Meadows residents Charly Uzcátegui and Tim Chu.
The food category was won by Jamaica resident Abou Sow who has launched Prince Abou, a halal butchery.
Meanwhile, the community category, which is for businesses that provide a local service, was won by House of Playful Soul, a Forest Hills-based learning and development center.
The winners were selected by a panel of judges after all the applicants completed their workshops and presented their plans.
The competition was sponsored by Resorts World Casino New York City and the Srivastava Technology Fund.
“These winners represent the very best of the future of Queens, and I wish them continued success in years to come,” said Bill Singh, the Director of Planning and Analysis for Genting Americas, which operates Resorts World.
Terrart NYC, a floral company that places arrangements in recycled containers, won the sustainability category (Photo Courtesy of Terrart NYC)
