Today, Squarespace announced the winners of the fifth annual “Make It Awards,” a program launched in partnership with The New York Knicks in 2017 to provide four tri-state area entrepreneurs and creators with the funds and exposure to elevate their businesses.
The winners each receive a $30,000 grant inspired by the investment Squarespace Founder and CEO Anthony Casalena received from his parents to launch the company in 2003. In addition to the grant, “Make It Awards” winners receive a one-year subscription to Squarespace, use of select Squarespace marketing inventory, including a one-year Unfold Pro subscription, a feature segment on MSG Networks, and more.
Learn more about the 2022 winners, Adapt Ability (Brooklyn, NY), Harlem Pilates (Harlem, NY), Legally BLK Fund (New York, NY) and COVERR (Queens, NY) below:
Adapt Ability is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides custom adaptive bicycles for children with special needs. Each bicycle is tailored to the child to provide mobility, a source of exercise, a therapeutic tool, and so that they can enjoy the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle. Adapt Ability bicycles are donated to families free of charge.
Harlem Pilates is the only Pilates studio in Harlem, and their focus is to make health and wellness accessible to diverse communities. To counter the lack of representation and diversity in the fitness industry, Harlem Pilates aims to create a safe space where everyone feels included, appreciated, respected, and celebrated on their wellness journey.
Legally BLK Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was launched in 2020. With Black women making up only 2% of attorneys in the United States, the Legally BLK Fund is dedicated to supporting aspiring Black women attorneys by providing them with resources and financial assistance.
COVERR provides financial services that are customized for the gig economy and empowers the workers to reach their highest earning potential by offering a better alternative to a credit card or loan by eliminating traditional barriers.
The judging panel for the awards this year included MSG Networks sportscasters Rebecca Haarlow and Monica McNutt, last year’s recipient and First Tech Fund CEO & Co-Founder Josue De Paz, Jack Settleman of SnapBack Sports, and Photographer Andre Wagner. Additionally, Squarespace Founder and CEO Anthony Casalena returned as a judge for a fifth year.
Squarespace’s mission to help entrepreneurs and creators stand out and succeed is strengthened each year by the “Make It Awards.” The company’s long standing partnership with Madison Square Garden and The New York Knicks represents the commitment of both organizations to give back and make a difference in their community. To learn more about the initiative, please visit www.makeitawards.com.