Open Works is partnering with the Mayor's Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development for EnterpRISE 2024 - their 8th annual maker competition. Vanessa Freund (Chief of Innovation and Partnerships for SMBA&D) was selected to be a judge for the event.
"I am extremely excited to be a judge for EnterpRISE 2024 with Open Works," said Vanessa. This competition helps startup manufacturing businesses by not only offering a cash prize but additional tools to be develop and grow-like business workshops and additional access to the Open Works space. Open Works offers space and tools that startups may not be able to afford or maintain themselves; it is a valuable resource that helps to start and grow businesses. With the success of each business, it shines a spotlight on the amazing things that are happening in Baltimore."
Open Works is a nonprofit makerspace whose mission is to "make tools, technology, and the knowledge to use them accessible to all." Membership provides access to a 34,000 sq ft facility in Baltimore that offers equipment for projects like woodworking, metalworking, textiles, and more for those who are aspiring to manufacture product prototypes and models. It is the largest maker space in the country.
EnterpRISE 2024 is an annual business competition for manufacturing startups where participants have the opportunity to turn a concept into an impactful business venture. Previous winners include companies like Drama Mama Bookshop (2019), WhitePaws RunMitts (2020), and Divaneering Labs (2023).
"This marks Open Works’ 8th year running the competition and we’re as excited as ever to welcome a new cohort of up-and-coming businesses to apply for the chance to develop and grow their ventures through EnterpRISE," said Will Holman, Executive Director of Open Works. "Given EnterpRISE’s long-standing record of supporting women and BIPOC entrepreneurs, a partnership with the Mayor’s office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development is a natural way to find the next great Baltimore innovator. Vanessa’s role as Chief of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and experience working with the city’s small business community will be invaluable in evaluating this year’s applicants and finalists."
Online applications are open as of Monday, Sept 2nd, and will remain open until Sunday, Sept 29th. Ten finalists will be selected by Friday October 6th. Applicants are acquired to attended a series of workshops over eight weeks before a final live pitch in person at Open Works on December 1st.
The 1st place winner will receive $10K, 2nd place will receive $5K, and 3rd place will receive $1K. Seven runners-up will receive $250 along with a 1-year (Pro) membership to Open Works. Those interested in signing up for EnterpRISE 2024 can apply here.
For more information about Open Works, visit https://www.openworksbmore.org/.