Announcing the recipients of the 2024 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs

Announcing the recipients of the 2024 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs

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April 1, 2024

Now in its fourth year, OCAD University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs:

• $6,000 First Place
  Mufaro Mukoki/Mukoki Lab(Mufaro Mukoki), a modern womenswear fashion studio.
  
• $5,000 Second Place
  Matchwise(Kimathi Bwomono), a mobile app designed to facilitate intergenerational connections.
  
• $4,000 Third Place

Student Must-Stash(Felipe and Santiago Bohorquez-Alvarez), a simple storage that helps newcomers navigate change.

• $3,000 Honorable Mention

DoubleTake Puzzles(Iris Elliott), double-sided wooden jigsaw puzzles with a twist.

• $1,000 Ample Labs Prize for a business tackling a social problem:
  Matchwise(Kimathi Bwomono), a mobile app designed to facilitate intergenerational connections.

These individuals were selected by our jury of experts: Dr. Alia Weston, Associate Professor of Creative and Business Enterprise at OCAD University; Charlene McFarlane, Founder of The New ROR; Jaymin Luces-Mendes, founder of Toni Marlow Clothing, and Noire Now; Kimani Peter, founder of LOUD.army; and Tammy Yiu Coyne, co-founder and CEO of Partial.

We would also like to shout out the other finalists for this year's Seed Fund:

• XING STUDIOS(Aimee Wu) is a sustainable fashion label centering heritage, healing, circularity and creative reimagination.
• The Good Citizen Studio(Katherine Valenzuela) explores the power of image to create meaningful change.`
• CEREMONY(Katie Sullivan): Experiments in collaboration. Research in creativity.
• QUANTUM FOOTWEAR(Lily Li) utilizes 3D printing technology to create sustainable and affordable footwear for all.
• Board(MURATHAN BILIKTU) - Handpicked Local Events: Join, host, and connect with creative locals
• Gray Objects By V.I.A(Vincent I. Akinbode) is an atelier store for collectors. We transform space via contemporary product design.

This year, all ten finalists will receive 1-on-1 mentorship to help them further develop their business idea.

Learn more about the CEAD at: www.ocadu.ca/cead