The Top 5 Finalists of Positive Planet’s Accelerator Hub Program  

In December 2020, Positive Planet US launched a new innovative program called the Accelerator Hub. This program has been set up to respond to economic inequity for underserved women in our local communities. We received over 100 applications, and our first cohort of participants was selected from the NY metropolitan area. 

After reviewing all the submissions, the Positive Planet’s Board of Directors selected the top 5 start-ups. These entrepreneurs will receive coaching from Capgemini’s Financial Services top leaders, who work with global financial services enterprises on optimizing their business.  At Positive Planet US, we are proud to partner with Capgemini for the class of March 2021 and delighted to announce our top 7 finalists from this great initiative. Our vision is to expand this program across the United States and accelerate as many businesses as possible

Our top 5 finalists of our Accelerator Hub Program

1. Cydney Preston – Iced Out Water Ice

Cydney Preston, an aspiring women entrepreneur who started Iced Out Water Ice, a socially conscious restaurant that provides quality Italian ice and customer service to the East Harlem community. Iced Out Water Ice is a mission-led for-profit restaurant that exclusively employs formerly incarcerated individuals while providing them career opportunities at a competitive wage and unbiased workplace.

2. Emily Penzo – North Node 

North Node is an early-stage social impact startup founded by Emily Penzo. It’s an North Node is an early-stage social impact startup founded by Emily Penzo. It’s an innovative platform connecting volunteers and nonprofits enabling socially conscious individuals to develop authentic meaningful connections. North Node’s goal is to create a full-fledged value-matching multi-platform app where members create their own personal profile, sign up for volunteering activities, and connect with other members that help pull them into a welcoming philanthropic community.

3. Jennifer J. – Business development Bootcamp 

Jennifer, founder of Business development Bootcamp aims at providing comprehensive training for Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) to learn best business development practices at the comprehensive beginning, intermediate or advanced level. They are working to develop a curriculum that can be delivered online. (Subscriptions to online course material augmented by live and in-person classes).

4. Julie Obaso – Media/Entertainment for kids 

Julie Obaso, the founder of an innovative startup called Douglas Digital Kids based out of New York City has designed an interactive platform that creates and showcases animated content and stories for black children. Formatted as a cartoon series, and featuring various Black and African characters from around the world. The aim of Douglas Digital Kids is to bring positive changes by uplifting the African community in America and the African diaspora. The animated series will not only entertain but will upskill the learning and literacy skills of the kids.

5. Luisa Bustamante, Lori Oladipo, Lucia Eastman – BLOOM Design & Development

Luisa, Lori, and Lucia, three minority women founded BLOOM Design & Development. It is an architecture, design, construction and real estate development startup that aims to offer thoughtful and expert design, from a perspective that hasn’t traditionally had a voice.

With over 35 years of experience in the Architecture industry. Their idea is to combine top-tier work experience with unique cultural backgrounds and fill a longstanding gap in the marketplace.They plan to implement this by buying land or real estate that they can then design and build themselves to cater to the needs of the target group.

How will these startups benefit from our Accelerator hub program?

Our Accelerator program is a cutting-edge program that serves as a gateway for startups to look beyond borders and turn their vision into reality. These startups are now undergoing an 8-week mentorship program conducted by Capgemini leaders and other industry experts. The mentorship program was developed to jumpstart these businesses operationally, providing them with structured business education and hands-on experience with evaluating market opportunities in their niche and fine-tuning their business plans. During this one-on-one mentorship program, the finalists will define and build their products and services, identify potential customer segments, and learn how to apply for business loans. The tailored coaching program and skills developed during the accelerator will help take these businesses to the next level.

Positive Planet US guiding your entrepreneurial journey

Positive Planet US aims to nurture promising social entrepreneurship startups and help them turn their ideas into successful businesses. This program improves social inclusion for minority women in the United States by enhancing their opportunities and their chances for success.  

Thank you to all the candidates who took the time to apply to this program and congratulations to these amazing women on being selected!