The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

text NYC Boss Up Congratulations to the 2024 NYC Boss Up Winners
REES Top Story 

NYCHA Entrepreneurs Win $20,000 Grants for Their Businesses 

LaToya

Nine NYCHA residents are the winners of 2024 NYC Boss Up grants to help grow their businesses. These winners each receive a $20,000 grant and participate in a year-long program to grow their businesses while building an entrepreneurial network. 

NYC Boss Up supports underserved entrepreneurs who lack access to resources and capital to grow their businesses by providing business grants, technical training, and support to create more equitable and inclusive paths for entrepreneurs to grow and thrive in New York City. NYC Boss Up was founded in 2022 by the Ron and Kerry Moelis Family Foundation, which is providing $1 million over five years toward the program. In its first year, NYC Boss Up partnered with NYCHA and the Department of Veteran Services to provide programs for NYCHA residents and veterans. (Read more about the first NYCHA cohort here.) 

In addition to the $20,000 grant ($5,000 upon winning and $15,000 after the initial training and goal setting), winners also receive access to training programs through NYC Small Business Services; the opportunity to be paired with a coach or mentor; connections to legal, financial, and industry-specific supports; and networking opportunities. 

This is the second cohort of the program, which is open to NYCHA public housing and Section 8 residents, and the winners are: 

  • Aleks Berzginas, Justlanded Solar – an eco-friendly, self-sustained electric guitar powered by the sun 
  • Ayana Chung, Cooking with Ayana – a culinary company featuring Southern and Caribbean cuisine catering, personal chef, and a mobile kitchen 
  • Zinarta Judea Cruse, Love Letters to My Mother – a production company specializing in film and television script development 
  • Emicia Parker, Empress By Emicia – an online art boutique 
  • Tashé Williams, Saving Minds Eternally – provides educational strategies to build math and financial literacy 
  • Alton Weeks, Cellful – a cold-pressed juice company 
  • Kiana and Kiara Cornish, Sisterly Strands – an herbal hair care brand 
  • Davina Furbert, Compassionate Cleaning – creates clean and organized homes for people struggling with their mental health 
Aleks Berzginas owner of Justlanded Solar with one of his eco-friendly solar powered guitar.

“Winning the NYC Boss Up competition is a huge encouragement for my business,” said Aleks Berzginas. “The Boss Up competition follow-up support addresses the specific challenges of my start-up business. The valuable feedback and suggestions are essential for our product/service improvement and creative marketing. The bottom line is that we receive constant support to develop our businesses most efficiently and I’m very grateful for that. NYC Boss Up rules!” 

Two of Justlanded Solar’s electric guitars powered by the sun in front of solar panels.

Read more about the winners and their businesses at NYC Boss Up’s website: https://www.nycbossup.org/meet-our-winners-2024. 

NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES) manages the partnership and FJC – A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds distributed the grant funds to the winners.  

Applications open for the 2025 cohort on January 15, 2025. For more information, visit NYC Boss Up.