MANHATTAN, New York — The New York Knicks and Squarespace, the leading all-in-one web publishing building platform, will host the second annual “Make It Awards,” a program that provides select tri-state area entrepreneurs with the funds, exposure and guidance they need to take their businesses to the next level.
Each of the winning businesses, four in total, will be provided with a $30,000 grant, use of select Squarespace marketing inventory at Madison Square Garden, a feature segment on MSG Networks and one-on-one mentorship from a member of the esteemed panel of judges.
“When we launched the ‘Make It Awards’ with Squarespace last year, we knew we were building a program that was both unique and impactful to the community. But we were blown away by how local entrepreneurs responded – the quality of submissions and the game-changing ideas generated were really impressive” said Ron Skotarczak, Executive Vice President of Marketing Partnerships at The Madison Square Garden Company. “Having noted entrepreneurs, Tracy Anderson, Danny Bowien and Jenné Lombardo, who have each built their businesses into well-known brands in their industries, participate in the judging panel this year speaks volumes to how special this platform is becoming for identifying entrepreneurial talent in the tri-state area.”
The Madison Square Garden Company and Squarespace partnership is rooted in a shared passion for the hustle and grit that personifies New York, its residents, and its local businesses. Last year, the “Make It Awards” gifted $120,000 to deserving entrepreneurs, and the renewal of the program showcases the continued dedication both organizations have to give back to New York and make a difference in the community.
“We’re looking forward to an even bigger and better ‘Make It Awards’ program this year,” said Kinjil Mathur, Chief Marketing Officer at Squarespace. “With the addition of Tracy, Danny and Jenné to the panel of judges, we’re well on our way to building an incredible legacy of empowering local entrepreneurs. The ‘Make It Awards’ realizes Squarespace’s mission of helping people with creative ideas succeed, and we have high hopes for the next round of dreamers, thinkers, and doers applying this year.”
🗣Calling all New York entrepreneurs🗣
We’ve teamed up with @Squarespace for our second annual “Make It Awards”, to offer four x $30,000 grants to local business owners & entrepreneurs who embody that New York hustle & spirit. For your chance to win, visit https://t.co/i2SDtbYhWk pic.twitter.com/kUomYJQSek— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) 15 oktober 2018
The four winning businesses last year were Open Style Lab, based in Great Neck, NY, Just Soul Catering, based in Queens, NY, Reign Maker, based in Jersey City, NJ and Fable Foods, based in Ossining, NY.