22 March 2021
The UPS Store, Inc. Celebrates Entrepreneurs Who Have Successfully Evolved and Prevailed with the Third Annual Virtual “Small Biz Challenge”
The nation’s largest business services retailer joins chef, author, and television host, Carla Hall, to test small business owners’ knowledge with an opportunity to compete in the Small Biz Challenge. Small business owners could win up to $25,000 for their business
The UPS Store, Inc. and Inc. magazine are teaming up for the third annual “Small Biz Challenge.” This year’s series of virtual events will focus on small business owners who have adapted and persisted through the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Entrepreneurs who participate will not only foster meaningful connections and gain advice from experts and their peers, but also have an opportunity to compete in the Small Biz Challenge and could win up to $25,000, an editorial feature in an upcoming issue of Inc. magazine and Inc.com, and a video shoot.
With approximately 5,000 independently owned and operated franchise locations across the United States, The UPS Store understands the hard work required to run a business and the need to evolve and hustle to stay successful. This was especially true as the company was designated as an essential business during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying open to help fellow small business owners.
“The last year has forced small business owners to adapt like never before to an ever-changing landscape,” said Michelle Van Slyke, senior vice president of marketing and sales at The UPS Store, Inc. “This year’s Small Biz Challenge will not only help entrepreneurs learn from each other through a series of dynamic and informative virtual discussions, but also celebrate their tenacity and perseverance.”
Small business owners are invited to enter The UPS Store 2021 Virtual Small Biz Challenge contest where, starting March 22, eligible entrepreneurs can visit inc.com/theupsstore and complete the online entry form by May 8 to participate.
On Thursday, May 6 at 2 p.m. EDT, celebrity chef, author, and television host, Carla Hall, will moderate “Small Biz Challenge: The Roundtable Discussion” with notable business influencers, Alexa Von Tobel, Tristan Walker and Sarah Paiji Yoo. The four will reflect on the last year and discuss ways small businesses can continue to evolve and persist to move their businesses forward, as well as share results from The UPS Store, Inc.’s fourth annual Inside Small Business Survey.
For the Small Biz Challenge contest, which is now open for entries, The UPS Store, Inc. and Inc. magazine will judge to determine 10 semifinalists and put their entries to a public, online vote. This vote, running June 7 to July 5, will narrow the contestants down to the top five finalists who will then compete in this year’s “Small Biz Challenge: Virtual Studio Event” in late July.
The five finalists will be challenged by answering complex questions, giving elevator pitches, and conducting situational problem-solving on the fly. The winner will be announced by Carla Hall. All finalists who participate in the virtual studio event will win a cash prize based on a tiered scale:
- First Place Prize Winner up to $25,000
- Second Place Prize Winner up to $20,000
- Third Place Prize Winner up to $15,000
- Fourth Place Prize Winner up to $5,000
- Fifth Place Prize Winner up to $5,000
“Connection and support remains ever-important as small business owners continue to persevere,” said Carla Hall. “I am honored to be a part of this contest and event and share my experiences with my fellow entrepreneurs.”
Wrapping up the virtual studio competition, The UPS Store and Carla Hall will follow-up with the top three finalists in October 2021, providing an update on the state of their small businesses.
To learn more about the virtual roundtable coming this May and to enter the Small Biz Challenge contest, visit inc.com/theupsstore.
RULES & REGULATIONS:
No purchase necessary. Open only to individuals (U.S. residents, 18 or older) who own and operate an independent (non-franchised) small business (50 or fewer employees) in the U.S. Entry submission period: 12:00am ET 3/22/2021 - 11:59pm ET 5/8/2021. Up to five (5) finalists selected to compete must attend the Virtual Event. Cash prizes awarded to finalists based on score in each business challenge (up to $70,000 in total prizes for the Virtual Event). Visit https://www.inc.com/theupsstore/rules/index.html for complete official rules, including eligibility and judging criteria. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by The UPS Store, Inc., 6060 Cornerstone Court West San Diego, CA 92121 and Mansueto Ventures LLC, d.b.a Inc. Magazine, 250 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007.
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