As a beauty industry professional turned entrepreneur, Gena Surphlis discovered a winning combination: teaching young people to make all-natural skincare products along with the skills to market them to a real audience. In fact, that combination recently won Surphlis $10K.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) announced Bronx Community College (BCC) as the winner of the inaugural Bronx Green Action Challenge, a first-of-its-kind environmental sustainability challenge. BCC will receive a $1 million award, funded by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), to develop and implement a plan to improve campus sustainability and reduce the institution's environmental footprint. Part of the funding will also be used to launch a new green jobs training program.

The BX-Factor is a grant specifically designed to support promising local businesses that have faced challenges in securing necessary funding for growth and sustainability.

But the BX-Factor is about more than just financial assistance. It's a competition that will showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bronx. The top five applicants will be invited to participate in a pitch competition during Bronx Week for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize. This competition is not only about the monetary reward but also an opportunity to present innovative business ideas and gain exposure.

The Bronx Beat is now partnering with 1010Wins to bring you unique and inspiring stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Listen first on 1010Wins and find past episodes on our site.