An upcoming business in Port Morris was selected as one of five recipients to receive money from the Bronx Economic Development Corporation.

The corporation announced early this year that it would give out free money through their first-ever BX Factor Small Business Challenge.

Gregory Hernandez combined his passion with entrepreneurship to create Green Canvas Productions, but it wasn't always easy.

"It's difficult to essentially develop the necessary capital and cash flow to showcase that you are a viable business," he said.

The Bronx Economic Development Corporation awarded money to Green Canvas Productions and four other Bronx entrepreneurs to support their work.

"I was a runner up and now I have $2,000 coming my way and I'm going to use those funds for essentially advertising, marketing," Hernandez said.

The brand-new Port Morris studio will be open to rent for photo shoots, commercials, music videos and more. It will also help other artists like photographer Ramsey Vasquez, who is also Gregory's business partner.

"Just being here two Black men in this field really does inspire the other generation," Vasquez says.

With the Grand Concourse Plaza Cinemas closing, Hernandez says it's all the more necessary to support businesses from the borough.

"You're coming from the Bronx, there are less resources here made available to your business," he says.

Green Canvas Productions will be open to the public on July 1.