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SAN DIEGO (April 24, 2025) – As a company dedicated to helping small business owners, The UPS Store, Inc. is proud to support entrepreneurs across the nation through The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge.   This year’s event culminated in a thrilling finale at Assembly Hall in Austin, Texas, where Sydney Attis, owner of Just Call Me Shirley, was crowned the 2025 champion. Just Call Me Shirley is a canned cocktail company that reimagines the classic Shirley Temple for modern consumers. 

During the five-week competition hosted by The UPS Store, Inc. and Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for entrepreneurs and business leaders, nine determined entrepreneurs were paired with mentors and faced various challenges designed to test their prowess in key business areas such as marketing, social media, entrepreneurship and more. Participation in this event gives small business owners one-on-one expert guidance to help grow their business, national exposure, and for one lucky finalist, a grant to put towards their business.  

“Winning the Small Biz Challenge is not just a title – it's a game-changer for our company,” Attis said. “The journey alongside our fellow tenacious entrepreneurs has been nothing short of exhilarating. This competition pushed me and my co-founder Mikayla Garcia beyond our limits, and we’re grateful for the growth it has fostered. Special thanks to our mentor Julissa Prado for your support, and congratulations to our fellow finalists for their hard work” 

After receiving more than 6,700 applications from businesses nationwide, nine small business owners were selected as semifinalists. They participated in a series of business-oriented challenges, including conducting a social media audit, and creatively showcasing a day in the life of their small business as well as how they use The UPS Store services in their operations. Following a public voting phase, three finalists earned their spot to attend the finale event in Austin, where they showcased their business acumen before a captivated live audience, vying for the top prize of $25,000 and a feature in an upcoming issue of Inc. magazine. 

“Every year, I am blown away by the remarkable talent and unstoppable spirit of some of our nation’s brightest entrepreneurs,” said Michelle Van Slyke, senior vice president of marketing and sales at The UPS Store, Inc. “This year’s Small Biz Challenge was filled with exceptional competition, and I am happy to congratulate Sydney alongside Youngwon Lee and Amanda Wynkoop on their outstanding performances. These entrepreneurs exemplify the drive and creativity that fuel small business growth across America!" 

Shannon LaNier, Hollywood actor, former TV news anchor, entrepreneur and influencer, hosted the final phase of the Small Biz Challenge. His passionate support of entrepreneurs and his professional expertise elevated the experience of this year’s competitors. The event comprised two main challenges: delivering a five-minute pitch about their small business and devising and presenting a seasonal marketing strategy. Additionally, the audience received an update from the owners of Bitty Bao, last year’s Small Biz Challenge winners, about how their business of bilingual Chinese books for children continues to flourish.  

Sydney went toe to toe with the two other finalists – Amanda and Youngwon – who each went home with a $5,000 cash prize for their participation in the event. Based in Pittsburgh, Wander and Root specializes in combining plant shopping with community events to connect locals with nature and their community. Wander and Root is focused on creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that brings people together. Based in Oakland, Calif., Dokkaebier specializes in sharing Asian-inspired brews to the craft beer scene by focusing on unique and tasty ingredients combined with traditional beer styles. Ingredients like bamboo leaves, lemongrass, Szechuan peppercorns, galangal and even kimchi cultures are used to give this small business a unique and cultural flare. For more information on The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, please visit theupsstore.com/smallbizchallenge. 

About The UPS Store 
With more than 5,400 locations across North America, The UPS Store network comprises the nation's largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print, and business service centers. The UPS Store locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of United Parcel Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation (although one or more may be company-owned). Services, prices, and hours of operation are subject to change and may vary by location. For additional information about The UPS Store, visit theupsstore.com. Follow The UPS Store on social media at @TheUPSStore. 

About Inc.  
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.