Masks4Missions - Entrepreneur of the Year

Company: Masks4Missions, Shelburne, VT, USA
Company Description: Masks4Missions (“MM”) makes COVID masks that protect and connect for safer lives and stronger communities. A youth-led social enterprise founded by a recent high school grad, MM partners with nonprofits to get COVID masks to vulnerable populations. MM created the first statewide mask celebration and has distributed 100,000+ masks to communities in all 50 states while supporting over 90 nonprofits.
Nomination Category: Entrepreneur Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Entrepreneur of the Year - Non-Profit Organizations

Nomination Title: Douglas Altshuler, Founder, Mask4Missions

https://vimeo.com/522159389/456bebec04

As Masks4Missions’ founder, Douglas Altshuler, in <8 months:

-Design/IP: Designed over 100 masks. Copyright, trademark and patent protection (pending) on novel designs.

-Supply Chain/Distribution: Assembled international supply chain (with inspections), pro-bono fulfillment, and e-commerce website (at $20/month).

-Strategic Alliances: Created network of ~100 nonprofit partners using masks as branded-safety-apparel that “protects constituents and connects communities.”

-Public Engagement: Hosted public webinars with medical experts, state-wide art-experiences, and social media campaigns run by high school student interns—posts to 7mil+followers.

-Government: Organized special session and provided testimony to Vermont Education Committee, participated in the writing of HCR 337 (passed with bi-partisan/unanimous support). Endorsed by Gov. Scott(R) and Sen. Bernie Sanders(D).

-Culture: Built a “can-do/why-not-try” culture nurturing entrepreneurial spirit of volunteers, securing support of community/philanthropic leaders, and uniting team around Masks4Missions’ “protect and connect” mantra.

-Outcome: 100,000+ COVID-masks and mask-education delivered to vulnerable/underserved communities in Vermont and across all 50 states.