Initiative Helps Local Businesses “Make It” with $30,000 Grant, Marketing Assets and Mentorship Program

Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Bianca Jeanty, Pooja Bavishi, Steve “Sweatpants” Irby, Shannon McLay and Nicolas “New York Nico” Heller Join This Year’s Judging Panel

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The New York Knicks and Squarespace, the leading all-in-one website building platform, today announced the kickoff of the fourth annual “Make It Awards,” a program that provides select tri-state area businesses 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, a one-year subscription for Squarespace, use of select Squarespace marketing inventory, a feature segment on MSG Networks, and one-on-one mentorship from a member of an esteemed panel of judges.

To apply for the award, applicants must share details on their business; their inspiration for becoming an entrepreneur; how their business supports their community; and a plan for how they would use the funds. Starting today and through March 12, participants will have the opportunity to apply for this initiative on www.makeitawards.com.

The judging panel this year will consist of Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Malai Ice Cream owner Pooja Bavishi, Co-Founder of Street Dreams Magazine Steven “Sweatpants” Irby, Financial Gym owner & 2019 Make It Awards winner Shannon McLay, Entrepreneur & Creative Storyteller Bianca Jeanty and Filmmaker and Social Media Personality Nicolas “New York Nico” Heller. Additionally, Squarespace Founder and CEO Anthony Casalena will return as a judge for a fourth year.

“Together with Madison Square Garden Sports and The New York Knicks, the ‘Make It Awards’ have gifted $360,000 to local NYC entrepreneurs since 2018,” said Anthony Casalena, Founder and CEO of Squarespace. “I’m continuously inspired by the passion and creativity of the small businesses in our community, and I’m excited that Squarespace can play a role in their growth.”

Through their partnership, the New York Knicks and Squarespace continue to display a shared passion for the drive and grit that personifies New York City, highlighting their dedication to the city’s local businesses, which is needed now more than ever. The continued renewal of this program showcases the commitment both organizations have to giving back to New York and making a difference in the community.

The four winners will be notified in late March 2021. The $30,000 grant is inspired by the loan Squarespace Founder and CEO Anthony Casalena received from his parents to launch the company.

Previous “Make It Awards” winners include Open Style Lab, based in Great Neck, NY, Just Soul Catering, based in Queens, NY, Dollaride, based in Brooklyn, NY as well as Farm.One & The Lead Athletics, based in New York, NY.

About Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a collection of assets that includes: 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, an NBA 2K League franchise. MSG Sports also operates two professional sports team performance centers – the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, NY and the CLG Performance Center in Los Angeles, CA. More information is available at www.msgsports.com.

About Squarespace

Squarespace empowers millions of dreamers, makers, and doers by providing them with the tools they need to bring their creative ideas to life. On Squarespace’s dynamic all-in-one platform, customers can claim a domain, build a website, sell online, and market a brand. Our suite of products combines cutting-edge design and world-class engineering, making it easier than ever to establish and own your online presence. Founded in 2003, Squarespace’s team of more than 1200 is headquartered in downtown NYC, with offices in Dublin and Portland. For more information, visit www.squarespace.com.

Contacts

MSG:

Ryan Watson, 212-465-5945

Squarespace:

Ashley Calame, 516-578-2014