Small Business News
FedEx Announces Winners of 11th Annual 2023 Small Business Grant Contest
Nearly three months after the entry period ended, FedEx has announced the winners of its 11th annual Small Business Grant Content. This year’s event saw more than $300,000 in funds going to a variety of small businesses across the nation. Last month, the company revealed 100 finalists, with that list now being narrowed down to just 10 winners.
This year’s grand prize winners included KindVR, The Cupcake Collection, Up In Smoke Welding Apparel, Pinole Blue, Ducoterra, SJC Custom Drums, AgroThrive, Culture With Us Corporation, Wallaroo Hat Company, and Chesapeake BAYDOG. Each of these businesses will be awarded a $30,000 grant as well as $1,000 in FedEx Office print and business service. Plus, the veteran-owned business Chesapeake BAYDOG was awarded an additional $20,000 from USAA.
In addition to the Grand Prize winners, 10 People’s Choice Award winners were also selected, with each receiving a $1,000 digital cash gift card. These included Spike Brewing, Sundrop Books, #BooCrew, Simple Bare Necessities, Bean Sportfishing, RhoadsRoast Coffees, Forgotten Roads Ales, Aille Design, Rapid-Guardian, and Friendly City Books. The 10 companies were chosen by a public vote that ran from February 27th to March 8th of this year.
As mentioned, the 2023 edition of FedEx’s Small Business Grant Contest was the company’s 11th annual event. In that time, more than 80,000 businesses in the United States have entered the contest. What’s more, between grant money and printing services, these contests have provided more than $1.98 million to small businesses.
Announcing this year’s winners, FedEx’s EVP and Chief Customer Officer Brie Carere said, “At FedEx, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs and providing the resources they need to succeed. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on these incredible small businesses and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and thrive.”
The reveal of the 2023 FedEx Small Business Grant Content winners comes just after a different grant content for entrepreneurs also announced its recipients. Last week, Barclays wrapped up its third annual “Small Business Big Wins” contest. That program’s grand prize winner was Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen, which was awarded $60,000. Between a $40,000 second prize, $20,000 third prize, and other smaller award winners, Barclays distributed a total of $255,000 during this year’s event.
Once again, it’s great to see deserving small businesses getting a bit of help in the form of these grant contests. On that note, it’s equalizing as encouraging to see that FedEx’s annual program has managed to continue for more than a decade. With another successful edition in the books, small business owners should keep an eye on the FedEx site so that they don’t miss the 2024 installment.