The New York Public Library Announces Winners of 2017's StartUP! Business Plan Competition, Supported by the Citi Foundation

First place winner receives $15,000 to open All Things Fitness, a fitness company encouraging healthy lifestyles in communities with health and weight challenges 

September 18 – The City’s newest entrepreneurs are eager to support the health, wellness, and passions of their fellow New Yorkers.

The New York Public Library (NYPL) and the Citi Foundation announced today the winners of New York StartUP! 2017 Business Plan Competition. The annual competition managed by NYPL’s Business Library (SIBL) and generously funded by the Citi Foundation awarded cash prizes to three new local businesses:

  • Top prize of $15,000 went to Tara Holloway, founder of All Things Fitness, a lifestyle and social fitness company that emphasizes group engagement and accountability to promote healthier lifestyles and physical activity for communities with health and weight challenges.
  • Alexandria Carroll received the second-place award of $10,000 for License to Drift, a business cultivating a passionate community of travelers, influencers, and partners who are invested in helping you take your ideal trip.
  • Noelle Minter received the third-place award of $5,000 for her Bronx-based 3rd Wind Network, an organization that supports the recently retired and helps them transition into their new lifestyle with classes and events focused on personal growth and social connection.

“SIBL’s StartUP! Business Competition has supported aspiring entrepreneurs since 2010, offering expert guidance from experienced professionals and the foundation to successfully plan a new business in New York City. There’s no question that the path to becoming a small business owner is difficult, but with the generous support of the Citi Foundation and the wealth of resources available at the Library, we can help entrepreneurs take those first, challenging steps towards a new adventure. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our 2017 winners and finalists,” said Anne Lehmann, Interim Director of SIBL.

“There are more small businesses in the New York area than in any other metropolitan region in the country. They make our neighborhoods more resilient and unlock important wealth-building tools for entrepreneurs, said Eileen Auld, New York Tri-State Director, Citi Community Development. “Citi and Citi Foundation have been proud to partner with the New York Public Library to expand access to economic opportunity and bolster the local small business community.”

The finalists were selected over 65 other completed plans. The Library received 450 applications to the 2017 New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition. In order to qualify for the 2017 competition entrants had to be 18 years of age or older; live in Manhattan, the Bronx or Staten Island; and plan to start a business in one of those boroughs.

Entrants were required to attend an orientation, business planning workshops, and meet with expert business advisors in the course of writing their business plans. The workshops and business counseling sessions provided practical information about starting and growing a business and entrants made use of the extensive business collections and business information databases available at SIBL. The business plans were evaluated by a panel of judges representing local business development leaders from non-profits and public agencies, financial funders, and successful entrepreneurs.

The Business Library, located at 188 Madison Avenue, offers free, public access to digital and physical collections that support New York City’s entrepreneurs. In addition to business directories and premium databases, such as Bloomberg terminals, the Library also regularly hosts events and workshops with leading experts in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, marketing and financial planning. For more information about current programs and services, visit www.nypl.org/sibl.

About The Science, Industry, and Business Library

The Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) is a premier public business library founded in 1996 with comprehensive print materials, e-resources, and services for start-ups and established businesses seeking expansion, and for job seekers from entry to executive levels. Library staff provide roving assistance and consultations, and advisory services are offered on-site by experienced business owners, career coaches, and a financial specialist.

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.

About the Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.

About Citi Community Development

Citi Community Development (CCD) is leading Citi’s commitment to achieve economic empowerment and growth for underserved individuals, families and communities by expanding access to financial products and services, and building sustainable business solutions and innovative partnerships.  Our focus areas include:  commercial and philanthropic funding; innovative financial products and services; and collaborations with institutions that expand access to financial products and services for low-income and underserved communities. For more information, please visit http://www.citicommunitydevelopment.com.

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