Welcome!
Program — April 14, 2026
A message from our Executive Director
Welcome to Ignite Brooklyn Made
Tonight we celebrate the creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Brooklyn's small business community. Across this borough, founders are building companies that reflect the diversity, culture, and energy of the neighborhoods they call home.
Funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and administered by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce through Brooklyn Made, Ignite Brooklyn Made is a new access to capital and advisory services program supporting the growth of small businesses across the borough. Through this program, 10 outstanding entrepreneurs received grants of $25,000 and participated in an advisory process designed to strengthen their strategies. Tonight, they take the stage to pitch their businesses and compete for additional funding that will help them continue to grow.
Each maker represented here reflects the innovation and resilience that drive Brooklyn's local economy, from specialty foods and beverages to fashion, design, and consumer products.
Brooklyn Made Stores, an initiative of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, is proud to support these founders by creating platforms where local businesses can be discovered, celebrated, and supported. Ignite Brooklyn Made builds on that mission by pairing funding with visibility and community support.
We are deeply grateful to the Wells Fargo Foundation, BRIC Arts Media, and Verizon Digital Ready for helping make this program possible.
Thank you for joining us and for supporting the next generation of Brooklyn entrepreneurs.
Gaia DiLoreto — Executive Director, Brooklyn Made Stores
About Ignite Brooklyn Made
Tonight we celebrate Brooklyn's most exciting entrepreneurs as 10 makers take the stage to pitch their businesses live for additional grant funding of up to $25,000.
Guests will have the opportunity to connect with founders, discover their products, and support the next wave of Brooklyn businesses.
Tonight's Agenda
5:00 PM
Doors Open
Guest check-in, networking, and light bites.
5:45 PM
Event Begins
Welcome remarks and start of the pitch competition.
6:45 PM
Break
Refreshments and networking while judges deliberate.
8:25 PM
Awards Ceremony
Announcement of winners and presentation of prizes.
The finalists
Meet the Makers
Auria Abraham
Auria's Malaysian Kitchen
Auria's Malaysian Kitchen creates award-winning gourmet Malaysian pantry staples rooted in tradition.
Alexzandra Denis
Avalah All Natural
Avalah All Natural offers all-natural, luxury, spa-inspired products designed for everyone.
Theresa Berens
Boss Dotty Paper Co.
Boss Dotty Paper Co. creates illustrated stationery, stickers, and gifts with bold, expressive designs.
Tracey Solomon
Flatbush Granola Company
Flatbush Granola Company produces small-batch granola with globally inspired flavors and natural ingredients.
Christina Wu
Kemushi Sauce
Kemushi Sauce creates Japanese-inspired sauces and condiments known for rich umami and versatility.
Roselyne Shiyenze
Shiyenze
Shiyenze Fashion designs bold, sustainable apparel that blends contemporary style with cultural influence.
Cory Lee
Skool Milk
Skool Milk creates neighborhood-inspired apparel including T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and accessories.
Khareen Georges
Teazert Tea
Teazert Tea crafts premium loose-leaf teas inspired by rich, dessert-forward flavors.
Charly Uzcategui
Terrart NYC
Terrart NYC creates handcrafted terrariums, moss panels, and plant-focused design pieces.
Patricia Chatrie & Shanice Black
Ting A Ling
Ting A Ling offers Caribbean sauces, marinades, and spices rooted in traditional island flavors.
Tonight's panel
Meet the Judges
Regina Myer
President, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership
Regina Myer is President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, where she leads initiatives to strengthen Downtown Brooklyn as a major business, cultural, and residential district. She previously served as President of Brooklyn Bridge Park, overseeing the transformation of 1.3 miles of waterfront into one of New York City's most celebrated public spaces. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in city planning, including at the Hudson Yards Development Corporation and the New York City Department of City Planning, where she led major redevelopment and rezoning efforts across Brooklyn.
Gustavo Perez
Vice President of Community Impact & Sustainability, Wells Fargo Foundation
Gustavo Perez is Vice President of Community Impact & Sustainability at the Wells Fargo Foundation, one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S. He leads initiatives that advance economic opportunity in underserved communities, with a focus on housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and climate resilience. Previously, he served as Assistant Commissioner at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, where he developed programs and partnerships to expand financial access for small businesses and M/WBEs. Earlier in his career, he worked in the CDFI sector at Ascendus (formerly Accion), overseeing east coast markets and driving record capital deployment.
Sonya Smith
State Director, New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) at SUNY
Sonya Smith is the State Director of the New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) at SUNY, where she leads a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. She has built strong public and private partnerships and developed programs that expand access to capital, technical assistance, and growth opportunities. Smith is the first woman and first African American to lead New York's SBDC network in its nearly 40-year history.
Kathy Wylde
Former President & CEO, Partnership for New York City
Kathryn Wylde is the former President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, a nonprofit organization whose members are the city's global business leaders and major employers. The Partnership's mission is to mobilize private sector resources and expertise to advance New York City's standing as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation.
With gratitude
Thank You to Our Partners
Funded by
Presented by
Sponsored by
Our partners
About Wells Fargo Philanthropy and Community Impact
Wells Fargo is committed to helping communities thrive, with financially resilient families, vibrant small businesses, and affordable places to call home. The company's grantmaking focuses on opportunities that align with its strategic funding priorities: financial opportunity, housing access and affordability, and small business growth.
About Brooklyn Made
Brooklyn Made is a project of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce dedicated to showcasing and supporting locally made goods and the creative entrepreneurs behind them. With retail locations at City Point and Industry City, and a growing calendar of events, Brooklyn Made is the destination for discovering what makes Brooklyn, Brooklyn.
About Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1918, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is the borough's leading nonprofit economic development organization, representing over 62,000 local businesses. The Chamber promotes a strong business environment through advocacy, networking, and programs such as the Small Business Resource Network, supporting local entrepreneurs and driving economic growth.
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