Four Local Businesses Each Receive $30,000 Grant & Marketing Assets
New York, NY, January 23, 2020 – The New York Knicks and Squarespace, the leading all-in-one website building platform, today announced the four winners of the third 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.
The four winning businesses are Dollaride, Fast Feet NYC, The Lead Athletics and Oonee. Below are brief descriptions for each winner:
Dollaride (Brooklyn, NY): Dollaride makes public transit accessible to the people who live in transit deserts. Helping drivers of the original “dollar van” grow their ridership by creating lucrative new routes that expand their service territory, Dollaride allows users to see where licensed vans are operating, helping commuters decide whether taking a van might be faster than other modes of transportation.
Fast Feet NYC (New York, NY): Fast Feet NYC is a non-profit organization that provides the physical, mental and social benefits of running to schools and communities that serve children with autism and developmental differences. With specialized team training, inclusive racing opportunities, and family events, Fast Feet NYC is committed to equality in athletics and education.
The Lead Athletics (New York, NY): The Lead Athletics (L.E.A.D.) is a sports performance training company that provides student-athletes with the necessary tools to prosper, not only in their athletic communities and careers, but also prepares them for fulfilling lives as they transition out of the world of sports.
Oonee (Brooklyn, NY): Oonee brings one of the world’s first dispersed bicycle parking and service network to the streets of New York City. It is a smart, modular, customizable pod that provides secure parking for bicycles as well as public space amenities. Most recently, Oonee offers new service features such as air pumps, handywork, etc. to request while bikes are parked.
“Since 2018, we’ve gifted $360,000 to local NYC entrepreneurs through the Make It Awards and our partnership with Madison Square Garden” said Anthony Casalena, Founder and CEO of Squarespace. “The $30,000 each winner receives is symbolic of the loan I used to start Squarespace in 2003, and I’m thrilled to be supporting the newest class of Make It Award winners by providing the funding they need to continue making their dreams a reality.”
The submission process called for applicants to share details on their business, a link to their website, the story behind their inspiration for becoming an entrepreneur, and a plan for how they would use the funds. Each business will receive their financial prize along with their own individual weeklong promotion at MSG. The promotional program includes a wide array of publicity at MSG including the opportunity to promote on the MSG Networks digital boards on 7th Avenue, which offers exposure to the more than 1 million people who walk by the Arena each day.
About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences. The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; and The Chicago Theatre. Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL); two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a leading North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, MSG’s NBA 2K League franchise. In addition, the Company features the popular original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces New England’s preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival. Also under the MSG umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment, dining and nightlife brands including Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, Beauty & Essex and Cathédrale. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com
About Squarespace
Founded in 2003 by Anthony Casalena while he was a student at the University of Maryland, Squarespace is a leading all-in-one website building platform, providing millions of dreamers, makers, and doers the tools they need to bring their creative ideas to life. Millions of websites and online stores have been created on Squarespace’s dynamic all-in-one platform, which allows customers to claim a domain, build a website, sell online, and market a brand. Squarespace’s suite of products combines award-winning design and world-class engineering, making it easier than ever to establish and own your online presence. Today, the company has more than 1,000 employees across three offices in New York City, Portland, Oregon, and Dublin, Ireland. Squarespace has been recognized by Fortune as one of the “50 Best Workplaces for Parents” and by Built in NYC as one of the “100 Best Places To Work” in New York City, among other accolades. For more information, visit www.squarespace.com.
MSG Contact:
Ryan Watson/212-465-5945
Squarespace Contact:
Ashley Calame/516-578-2014