Small Business News
Barclays Unveils Fourth Annual “Small Business Big Wins” Contest
Barclays has announced that its “Small Business Big Wins” contest will be returning for its fourth year.
About the contest:
Entries for the fourth annual Small Business Big Wins program are now open. Once again this year, the content will offer up a total of $255,000. This includes one $60,000 Grand Prize winner as well as a $40,000 Second Place Prize winner and a $20,000 Third Place Prize winner. Seven runners-up will also win $5,000. On top of that, as they’ve done previously, Barclays will award $2,000 to 50 randomly selected sweepstakes winners.
To enter, small business owners can submit a short essay (up to 500 words) on how they make a difference in their community, as well as highlighting their creativity and passion. Additionally, entrants should include a “compelling photograph.” Submissions must be received by March 4th, 2024.
Following the submission deadline, 10 finalists will be selected (with all remaining eligible applicants being entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win $2,000). Then, a public vote will be held between April 8th and 19th to help select the second, third, and grand prize winners. These winners will be announced on May 1st, which coincides with National Small Business Week.
Last year’s Small Business Big Wins grand prize winner was Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen in Troy, New York. The authentic Korean restaurant not only employs immigrant Americans but also offers free virtual English classes. Meanwhile, second place went to Dixon Cooperative Market in New Mexico and third prize was awarded to Atlanta’s Beautiful Curly Me custom doll shop.
What they’re saying:
Announcing this latest installment of the contest, Barclays US Consumer Bank’s Director of US Branded and Business Cards Angelo Disperati said, “Over the past four years we have heard countless inspiring stories of resilience and perseverance from small businesses across the country. As we’ve seen from previous winners, the most impressive stories are from businesses that have made good corporate citizenship a key element of their business model.” Disperati added, “Winning businesses view giving back to the community as the right thing to do and one of the most important ingredients to success.”
My thoughts:
Barclays’ Small Business Big Wins was one of several grant contests (although Barclays notes this is not a grant program) launched during the pandemic. And while I don’t expect that each one of those programs will continue indefinitely, it’s great to see that this particular offering is now returning for a fourth year. Even if small business owners figure that the $60,000 grand prize is out of reach, there’s still the chance to win a $2,000 sweepstakes prize just for entering. With that in mind, business owners will want to submit their essays and photos by March 4th in order to qualify.
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