Barclays US Consumer Bank is conducting its third annual "Small Business Big Wins" contest, offering $255,000 in prize money to small business owners who share their experiences and challenges in building a business. The grand prize for the most compelling story is $60,000.
Small business owners are encouraged to submit an essay of up to 500 words along with a photograph at BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com by February 28, 2023. Jill Neilson, Director of US Business Cards at Barclays US Consumer Bank, stated: “The current economic climate continues to create challenges for small businesses, and we recognize that innovation and capital help provide opportunities for employment and increase our quality of life.”
After the submission deadline, ten finalists will be chosen from the entries. From April 1 through April 10, the public can vote for their favorite among these finalists. Additionally, all qualifying entries will be eligible for one of fifty $2,000 sweepstakes prizes.
The contest's prize distribution includes a grand prize of $60,000, a second-place prize of $40,000, a third-place prize of $20,000, seven runner-up prizes of $5,000 each, and fifty sweepstakes prizes of $2,000 each. Winners will be announced during National Small Business Week in early May.
In last year's contest over 4,750 small business owners participated. Ashland Birth Center in Wisconsin won the grand prize of $60,000. Nordic-Knot from Virginia secured second place with $40,000; Superfit Hero from California took third place with $20,000; and remaining top finalists received $5,000 each. Fifty participants also won sweepstakes prizes totaling $255,000 across sixty businesses nationwide.
To enter this year's contest businesses must meet specific criteria including being owned by a U.S. resident aged 18 or older and having been established before January 10th last year with fewer than 100 employees throughout the contest period among other requirements detailed on BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com.
For more information about Barclays' offerings visit BarclaysUS.com/Business.