USA, Mexico, UK, Germany & Israel : upcoming deadlines
It has come to our attention that WeWork’s Creator Awards might be one of the coolest opportunities around for entrepreneurs right now.
Is it just us, or is a no-strings financial grant of up to US $360k not some kind of rare magical unicorn that we wouldn’t even dare dream about because it seems so unrealistic?
Dreams do come true, my friends. The rainbow pooping unicorn is real.
Here’s the scoop: WeWork is giving grants totaling over $20 million to creators across all industries across the world and applications are currently open.
“Creators” is a nicely inclusive category, so it covers entrepreneurs, small businesses, growing companies, non-profits, artists and more.
Here’s the best part: you don’t even need to be a WeWork member to apply. This is an opportunity open to everyone (woohoo!).
- “Create Your Life’s Work” is more than a mantra to us, it’s a way of life. Through 2017 and beyond, we’ll be hosting events around the world to recognize and reward those who are thinking in new ways, building fresh projects, and achieving real change. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or artist, startup or nonprofit, you’re a creator, and we want to support you. ~ WeWork
These are the 3 grant categories, so see which one you fall into:
The Incubate ($18k – $36k per grant)
You’ve got a great idea, or even a specific project that needs funding, but need some help introducing it to the world. Individual finalists are selected for Regional Finals, where your work is displayed during the event and grants are awarded.
The Launch ($72k – $180k per grant)
You’ve introduced your idea to the world, but are still learning as you make it real. Businesses and organizations selected for Regional Finals will pitch before judges, competing for a grant—winners move on to the Global Finals in New York City.
The Scale ($180k – $360k per grant)
You’ve launched, learned, have a solid approach, and are ready for the next level. Businesses and organizations selected for Regional Finals will pitch before judges, competing for a grant—winners move on to the Global Finals in New York City.
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This launched a few weeks ago in March 2017, so we’re a little late to the party here. Deadlines have already passed for the first 2 regional pitch events for Washington DC, Raleigh & Philadelphia (which took place on March 28th) and the Midwest (which is taking place in Detroit on May 28th).
Check out the video from the Washington DC event:
But there are still plenty more to go! Here are the upcoming regions you can apply for:
● The South in June in Austin
– Applications deadline: June 5, 2017
● Mexico in September in Mexico City
– Applications deadline: August 24, 2017
● UK in September in London
– Applications deadline: August 24, 2017
● Germany in October in Berlin
– Applications deadline: October 1, 2017
● Israel in October in Tel Aviv
– Applications deadline: October 3, 2017
● New York / Nationals in November in New York City
– Applications deadline: November 1, 2017
Although the Creator’s Awards are only open to people in these regions in 2017, we have a hunch that they’ll be expanding it across more countries next year. So if you’re in another country, keep an eye out for the future!
Want more info or are ready to apply? Head over to WeWork’s Creators Awards website
PS. if you do apply, let us know! We’ll cheer you on and interview you for the Coworker Lab – we want to start featuring more stories about kickass entrepreneurs and what you’re up to ❤
