Chris Brown, the founder of Venture Legal LLC, was a winner at the WeWork Creator awards this week. He placed in the Creator Awards’ South Regional final.

The WeWork Creator awards are part of a new initiative that grants $20 million to entrepreneurs, small businesses, growing companies, non-profits, artists and other creators around the world.

Venture Legal competed live with 34 finalists from across the southern United States. The two-day public event included a pop-up market featuring local sellers, master classes and workshops, a job fair, live pitches and an awards ceremony and celebration.

Eighteen winners in three categories were awarded $1.5 million in funding. Venture Legal received $18,000. The company is building a smart contract platform that allows freelancers to create, negotiate sign and manage client agreements.

Additional events are occurring in South America, Europe and the Middle East. Winners will compete for additional financial grants at the global finals in New York City on Nov. 30.

WeWork is a global co-working community and shared space provider. It has more than 140 locations around the globe. A WeWork location is opening in Kansas City at Corrigan Station on Walnut Street. The space will have enough room for more than 750 members.