Eligibility, Criteria, and Timeline

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Living in NYCHA or Section 8 public housing.

2. Listed on lease and current on rent payments.

3. At least 18 years of age or older as of June 1, 2025. 

Judges will consider winners in three categories: 

1. Startup: Have taken steps to start a business and have a business plan

2. Early stage: 1 - 3 years of operating experience and still growing

3. Well-established: A successful business ready to advance to the next level

Note: While judges will consider applicants in each of these categories, selections will be made on the strength of the applications and may not be evenly distributed across all three categories.  

Timeline

Applications open:  February 1, 2025 

*Applications submitted by April 1, 2025 will be offered feedback and the opportunity to revise and resubmit their application.

Final Application deadline: April 30, 2025

Pitch competition selection: May 2025

Winners selected: June 2025