Global carrier FedEx Express has announced the launch of its Small Business Grant Competition in Europe.
The competition offers a total grant pool of nearly £250,000 (US$345,500) to European small businesses to help them grow and achieve their ambitions. For the first time, the competition will be run as a single pan-European contest, open to small businesses from 16 countries.
The competition is open to for-profit small businesses with 50 employees or fewer across the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and the UK.
A total of 15 finalists will be selected to compete for the grand prize of £50,000 (US$70,000) or one of the three Judges’ Choice Awards: Digital Excellence, Sustainability Champion, and Innovation Mastermind (£15,000 (US$21,000) each). In addition to the finalists competing for one of the four prizes awarded by the jury, the non-finalist companies take part in the public voting phase and can win the People’s Choice Award in their country, leading to 15 additional winners who will receive £10,000 (US$14,000) each.
Helena Jansson, senior vice president, finance international, FedEx Express, and Small Business Grant Contest jury member, said, “Running a small business is tough at the best of times, but the last 18 months have really pushed SMEs to adapt to survive. Through the Small Business Grant Competition, we want to get behind our small businesses, help them achieve their dreams, and write the next chapter of their story.”
To participate, companies do not have to be a current customer or have an active shipment account with FedEx Express. The competition entry period is open from September 15 to October 20, 2021. The 15 finalists will be announced on November 17, 2021, and public voting for the People’s Choice Awards will be opened. All winners will be announced on January 26, 2022.
Established in the USA in 2012, the FedEx Small Business Grant Competition continues to expand year over year around the world. In Europe, the competition was first launched in 2016 in three countries, building to five countries by 2019. It is the first time the competition has been opened to 16 European countries.
To find out more and apply, click here.