Queens 'StartUP!' Competition​ Returns, Offers Winners $10,000

QUEENS, NY — New and rising businesses in Queens this winter have the chance to win $10,000 by way of the StarUP! Business Competition, now in its 15th year.

The program offers entrepreneurs and startup founders the chance to win a grant to support their business, along with a peer-to-peer network and advice from the Queens Economic Development Corporation.

To be considered for a grant, participants must attend four one-hour online workshops covering topics like identifying customer needs, developing and testing a business model, branding strategies for startups and understanding financial statement basics

The organization said startup founders can then submit applications through March 1, 2021, to be considered for a grant in four categories: technology, community, food and sustainability.

Three finalists in each category will then present plans to a panel of judges, who will award one $10,000 grant in each category.

The competition will run from November 2020 through March 2021 and is supported by QEDC, Resorts World Casino New York City, Queens Public Library and the Srivastava Technology Fund.

Since it began in 2006, StartUP! Has awarded $450,000 in grants to 71 winners, the organization said in a news release. All told, 4,300 businesses have participated.