DEMO DAY | MANHATTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RETAIL STOREFRONT ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Join us in-person for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Retail Storefront Accelerator Powered by QUAY Acceleration and Wells Fargo!
Thursday, October 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM ET in the city of Manhattan.
Over the past three months, this program has empowered eleven exceptional retail founders to take their businesses from vision to reality, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and strategies needed to open their first brick-and-mortar storefronts in Manhattan.
On this upcoming Demo Day, our founders will pitch their unique retail concepts to a room filled with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, retail experts, media, influential stakeholders, and more.
Join this showcase of innovative, sustainable growth strategies for Manhattan retail, meet exceptional founders and gain networking opportunities with key players in the real estate ecosystem, investment, business, media, fashion, and additional innovators.
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Agenda
5:30 Opening Doors & Check In
6:00 Welcoming Remarks
6:10 Founders Pitches
7:30 Networking
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Dress Code
Dress code is a business-casual vibe.
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Meet our 2025 Cohort
Alkaline Fresh | Brandon Burrell - Alkaline Fresh is a next-generation plant-based food company delivering clean, alkaline meals and beverages designed to heal, energize, and nourish. We’re on a mission to transform institutional nutrition by serving schools, hospitals, and underserved communities with food that’s not only good — but purposeful. Every product is crafted with pH-balanced, whole ingredients, free from processed fillers, and rooted in wellness. From our Spelt Mushroom Ravioli to our alkaline juice line, we’re building a system where health, taste, and impact meet — one meal at a time.
Juiced It | Andrea Davis - Juiced It is a Brooklyn-born wellness brand serving cold-pressed juices with purpose. Founded by Andrea, a mother, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, Juiced It was created to inspire healing through nutrition. Each juice is handcrafted with fresh, functional ingredients to support gut health, energy, and overall well-being. More than a juice brand, Juiced It is a movement — promoting community, education, and holistic wellness for all.
Sweet Vegan | Andrea Young - Chef Andrea Young is redefining indulgence with Sweet Vegan Chocolates—NYC’s #1-rated vegan chocolate brand. As a chef, mentor, and wellness advocate, she handcrafts luxurious truffles that are 100% allergen-free (no dairy, gluten, nuts, or soy). From handwritten notes to same-day delivery, she brings elegance, inclusivity, and joy to every bite.
Grace Figueroa | Happy Bowls - Have you heard of Happy Bowls? If not, we’re about to change that! We serve exciting and unique açaí, pitaya, oatmeal, and poke bowls—perfect for you, your family, or your team. Can’t come to us? We’ll come to you. Happy Bowls is your next crave-worthy stop.
Carly DiLena | DiLena’s Dolcini - At our sister-owned company, we blend tradition with innovation by reimagining classic Italian sweets. With a focus on kindness and quality, we’re dedicated to creating delightful treats that bring joy to our customers, one bite at a time.
John Paul Makilya | BARIZI - BARIZI is a design-forward home and lifestyle brand championing craftsmanship and contemporary design. We create retail spaces where customers can explore, connect, and discover products that inspire and delight.
Max Lent | Anthony Lent - Anthony Lent is a heritage fine jewelry house bringing sculptural, narrative-driven design into the luxury space. With over 50 years of goldsmithing legacy, we craft heirloom-quality pieces that blend old-world techniques with a modern edge. Our team has scaled production, optimized profitability, and grown direct-to-consumer channels without compromising craftsmanship. We’re poised for sustainable growth, backed by a strong bridal segment and a loyal base that values artistry and timeless design.
Chaoqi Chen | Kalia Home Textile LLC - Kalia Home Textile delivers premium, personalized window treatment solutions across North America. With 1,000+ curated fabrics, fast 10-day delivery, in-home service, and a proprietary design app, Kalia makes custom curtains simple and stylish.
Badamtsetseg Altantsogt | Mongolian Gallery - Most people want to shop more consciously, but find it hard to trust where their products come from. At Mongolian Gallery, we curate finest Mongolian cashmere, leather, and wool pieces made exclusively by women-owned small businesses—each piece ethically sourcedMongolian Gallery is a sustainable fashion boutique showcasing cashmere, wool, and leather from women-owned Mongolian businesses. We champion ethical production, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship through globally-minded retail and storytelling., and rooted in centuries of craftsmanship.
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Thank you Pearl Cohen for hosting this exciting event.