From Plan to Plate: PowerUP Food Entrepreneur Panel

From business plan to real-world food business. Hear Brooklyn founders share how they developed their concept, navigated PowerUP, and launched ventures in the borough’s dynamic food scene.

What does it take to turn a food business idea into a real venture? Join founders who participated in the PowerUP! Business Plan Competition to discuss how they moved from concept to operating a business in Brooklyn’s vibrant food scene. This conversation highlights the journey from writing a business plan to launching and growing a food brand. Panelists will share practical insights, lessons learned, and advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs.

Attendees will learn:

• How founders developed their food business concepts
• What the business planning and competition process involved
• Lessons from launching and operating a food business in Brooklyn

 

Panelists

Maude Delice, Chief Executive Officer, Pikliz Please

Maude brings over eight years of experience in marketing, branding, and investor relations within the financial services sector, where she led strategic growth initiatives for high-performing firms and built campaigns for clients including Google, Amazon, and Le Dîner en Blanc. A graduate of McGill University and a 40 Under 40 Black Women in Asset Management honoree, Maude is recognized for her ability to combine cultural storytelling with data-driven market positioning. At Pikliz Please, she oversees brand strategy, partnerships, and go-to-market execution—ensuring the product connects with both cultural authenticity and mainstream appeal.

Jessica McDonald, Founder, Jess Pudd'in

Jess Pudd’in is a Brooklyn-based dessert brand known for rich, indulgent pudding desserts and sweet treats. Founded by Chef Jess, the brand blends creativity, tradition, and island flair to deliver memorable desserts for everyday cravings, celebrations, catering, and community connections. 

Ephrem Kitoyi, Founder, KGs Bagel Chips

Ephrem Kitoyi is a Benin-born immigrant and founder of Fufu Enterprises, the New York-based company behind KGs Bagel Chips. His business plan won the 2020 Power Up Competition. A former part-owner of Bergen Bagels, he now consults for food businesses as a PMP-certified professional, with ambitions to contribute to Africa-USA food and agricultural trade.