Overview:
The Glow & Grow Black Beauty Impact Award is a pitch competition and grant opportunity presented by Bklyn Incubator to recognize and support Black beauty entrepreneurs based in Brooklyn. The competition culminates in a live pitch event at The HUE Affair, a brunch honoring Black beauty excellence, featuring keynote speaker Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter.

Key Dates:
– Application Opens: June 13
– Application Deadline: July 11
– Finalists & Runners-up Announced: July 18
– Pitch Competition: August 3

Awards:
– Grand Prize: $1,200 cash grant awarded to one outstanding finalist
– Top 3 Finalists: Pitch live at The HUE Affair
– 20 Runners-up: Invited to attend The HUE Affair brunch

Eligibility Requirements:
– Must be 18 or older and identify as Black or of African descent
– Must own or operate a Brooklyn-based beauty business
– Must hold a Brooklyn Public Library card
– Business must be in one of the following categories:
  – Product-based
  – Service-based
  – Education & Content Creation
  – Retail & Distribution
– Must have:
  – Active brand website
  – Active social media presence
  – Attended at least 3 Glow & Grow programs (live or via designated video links)

Essay Submission:
Applicants must submit a 1,000–1,200 word essay explaining:
– Their business and its role in Brooklyn’s Black beauty community
– How they will use the $1,200 grant
– Key insights from participating in the Glow & Grow program

Judging Criteria:
– Completed application
– Clear, grammatically correct writing
– Distinct brand vision
– Community impact
– Strategic use of grant funds

Selection Process:
– First Round: Library staff panel selects 3 finalists and 20 runners-up
– Final Round: Finalists pitch live at The HUE Affair; winner selected by Lisa Price and a judging panel

Additional Notes:
– No late applications accepted
– All judging decisions are final
– BPL staff and partners are ineligible
– Questions can be directed to business@bklynlibrary.org (Subject: “Glow & Grow Black Beauty Impact Award”)