In today's Technical.ly coverage, Garry Johnson III, managing partner of Bison Venture Partners and founder of BVP Coffee Co. and First Founders Inc., shares insights on how he leveraged ChatGPT to secure $35,000 in startup funding through a pitch competition. The article discusses his use of AI in the application process and highlights the success story of winning the competition. Check out the full guest post for more details on his journey.

Also, be sure to check out these upcoming events and opportunities: 

• The Moms As Entrepreneurs (MAE) Institute graduates, affiliated with the National Association of Mom Entrepreneurs, have completed weekend sessions and are gearing up for the MAE Expo. There, the moms will launch their businesses and participate in pitching sessions to compete for funding. The event invites people to come and shop, network and show support for these mom-owned businesses. Go see the moms at Morgan State University on Jan. 13.
  
  
• The Art of Racing, an annual collaboration between 1/ST, the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), has kicked off its 2024 program. The initiative is calling for submissions of original two-dimensional visual art that celebrates the Preakness Stakes and horse racing. Artists can submit their entries until March 11.
  
  
• With a similarly artsy vibe, Spark Baltimore (where, transparently, Technical.ly has coworking space) is on the hunt for its next Artist in Residence. Reach out to Maggie Terhune, Spark’s senior community manager, to learn more about the opportunity. The Inner Harbor-area facility’s also got some offices available, if you’re looking for some space in the new year. That’s also under Maggie’s leadership, so reach out at maggie@spark-bmore.com.
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up, so that means Baltimore’s annual parade and days of service — like this one with United Way or another with Civic Works.
  
  
• Have you heard about Open Works’ Open Talks? It's an event where attendees can create and deliver short, informational or humorous slide shows on a topic they choose. Learn more about this recurring fifth Wednesday event here.