Crown Heights' 'Masala Mama' Wins Library's PowerUp Award

A Crown Heights woman's plan to sell organic Indian spice kits to home cooks, won the Brooklyn Public Library's annual PowerUP! Business Plan Competition last week.

The competition, now in its ninth year, gives local entrepreneurs the chance to turn their business idea into a reality.

“By offering a cash incentive, [the competition] encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to use the Library to do research, get advice and plan carefully,” said the Brooklyn Public Library's Maud Andrew in a news release.

Nidhi Jalan's plan for Masala Mama won the top prize of $15,000, plus $5,000 in business assistance services.

Two other runners-up were Maracuya Productions, a film company specializing in short documentaries, and Tinsel and Twine, an event design company (see full list below).

Since its inception, the contest has helped to launch more than 42 local small businesses. For those that are interested in the 2013 competition, information is available at the Brooklyn Public Library’s web site.

Brooklyn Public Library’s PowerUP! Business Plan Competition’s Finalist Descriptions:

First Place Winner: MASALA MAMA:  INDIAN COOKING

A unique collection of Organic Spice Kits will capitalize on the growing interest in ethnic foods and make it easy to cook delicious and authentic Indian dishes at home.

Runner Up: MARACUYA PRODUCTIONS

A film production company that produces short documentaries and news features for broadcast and online outlets, as well as creates media pieces for advocacy groups, research or policy organizations, and Latino-oriented non-profits. 

Runner Up: TINSEL & TWINE 

An event design shop that provides complete, personalized design services, such as florals, custom-designed paper goods and thematic décor for weddings and other momentous occasions. 

Merit Award Recipient: OLAM WEDDING CANOPIES

A company that creates handmade wedding canopies or chuppas that are both aesthetically modern and personal, and sure to become treasured keepsakes. 

Merit Award Recipient: FARMING UP 

An agricultural enterprise committed to turning NYC into farm country by converting under-utilized and environmentally unfriendly rooftops into thriving, accessible acreage that will produce local produce.

Merit Award Recipient: TUTOR TANGO

A boutique online tutoring company founded and run by teachers, which will offer quality, convenient and private instruction and support via the internet which will boost student’s academic abilities. 

Honorable Mention: RED BEARD BIKES 

A specialty bike shop in DUMBO that caters to recreational and competitive riders alike; it will sell bikes, parts and services, as well as custom fit bicycles for maximum comfort and efficiency. 

Honorable Mention: A BOOKKEEPING COOPERATIVE

A worker-owned cooperative of bookkeepers and accountants which offers financial and human resource services to nonprofits and small businesses at reasonable rates. 

Honorable Mention: VERO VIXEN LLC

An online retail company that designs, manufactures and sells patent-pending, removable ice- grips which attach to women’s dress footwear, whether high heels or flats, and ensure that they are both safe and stylish.