Through its
venture competition, EnterpRISE, Open Works has invested $105,000 in 60 Maryland-based manufacturing startups since 2017. The organization has offered these ventures not just funds but also business workshops, shop classes and nine months of free membership to its Greenmount Avenue space. For this year's contest, OpenWorks will provide each finalist with a complimentary ticket to the
Urban Manufacturing Alliance National Gathering on Oct. 10-12 at Coppin State University.
Of the organization's past 60 collaborators, 33 received cash prizes, with a revamped prize structure ensuring a minimum stipend of $250 for all competitors in 2021. Something that's super cool: 68% were minority-owned and 45% were BIPOC women-owned.
Past winners include
WhitePaws RunMitts,
Drama Mama Bookshop,
Femly and
ClearMask.
In 2023, it is on the lookout for the next exceptional Maryland manufacturing company. If you have a product or manufacturing idea that can thrive with Open Works, it is here to support your journey. The $10,000 top prize couldn't hurt, either.
