Revitalize Brooklyn

Scaling Early-Stage Businesses

The Why

In America, access to growth capital for entrepreneurs in the creative economy is a significant need that, if addressed, could transform Brooklyn’s local economy. Small creative businesses in industries such as film, media, design, fashion, and publishing often face challenges in securing funding that can help them scale operations and expand their reach.

Pre-pandemic, the creative economy grew faster in Brooklyn than any other borough. Creative businesses have proven to be a crucial engine for job creation and cultural vibrancy in the region. For example, the economic output from creative industries contributed significantly to Brooklyn’s GDP growth, providing employment opportunities and attracting investments to the borough.

However, many creative businesses face unique challenges. Entrepreneurs in this sector often operate in environments that prioritize artistic expression over structured business practices, making it harder to secure traditional funding or adapt to external changes such as pandemic recovery, social media growth, or the emergence of artificial intelligence. Addressing these needs with targeted support is essential to ensuring that Brooklyn remains a hub for creativity and innovation.

Therefore, Revitalize Brooklyn seeks to expand the number of creative businesses in the borough by meeting their capital and advisory needs. By doing so, we aim to foster economic growth, increase job opportunities, and enhance the cultural vitality of Brooklyn.

The What

Revitalize Brooklyn will launch a competitive application-based grant program to identify and support creative businesses in Brooklyn, providing them with growth capital to reach the next level. Selected businesses will receive a grant of up to $50,000 to address challenges, seize new opportunities, and achieve their full potential.

The How

Revitalize Brooklyn will provide grants of up to $50,000. A selection committee will choose grantees, using community leaders and other stakeholders as judges. The program aims to develop a healthy pipeline of 30-40 qualified applicants, selecting 9 participants best positioned to succeed and grow their businesses.