FedEx Small Business Grant Contest Offers Up to $50,000

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Indie booksellers have a chance to win a $15,000, $30,000, or $50,000 grant from FedEx® as part of the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, which in 2019 will offer a range of monetary prizes to 10 winners.

SBGC logoThe contest is offering three prize packages this year: one small business will win the Grand Prize of $50,000, plus $7,500 in FedEx Office® print and business services; a second business will win the Silver prize of $30,000, plus $5,000 in FedEx Office print and business services; and eight winners will take home the Bronze prize of $15,000, plus $1,000 in FedEx Office print and business services.

Entering is an opportunity to gain exposure for your business and connect with your community; entries for the contest will be accepted through March 25. To participate:

  • Write a short profile highlighting your small business’ unique story and offerings.
  • Upload a logo and photos that capture the spirit of your business.
  • Create a one-minute video about what makes your business special.
  • Share your entry and remind fans to vote between February 27 and April 1.

Votes, which are allowed once per person per 24-hour period, are one of the many factors considered in choosing finalists and winners. Entrants should note that buying votes from anyone, or giving discounts or gifts in exchange for votes, is strictly prohibited.

Last year’s FedEx Grand Prize winner was Rumi Spice, a Chicago-based business owned and operated by two veterans that partners with Afghani farmers to bring top-quality saffron to restaurants and consumers around the world. Here, Rumi Spice owners Keith Alaniz and Kim Jung shared the story of their business, which helps farmers in Afghanistan find a wider market, employing thousands of Afghani women during harvest season and driving economic development in the region.

Booksellers can learn more about the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest at fedex.com/grantcontest. Outside of the 2019 contest, ABA members can benefit every day from the FedEx discounts offered by PartnerShip, a shipping solutions company. As an American Booksellers Association business service affinity partner, PartnerShip helps member booksellers save on shipments they send and receive through its ABA Shipping Program.

Through the ABA Shipping Program, booksellers can enjoy savings on FedEx shipping of up to 31 percent (including a bonus 5 percent online processing discount). There is no cost to enroll in the program and no minimum shipping requirement. Booksellers can enroll on the PartnerShip website or by calling the company at (800) 599-2902.