American Express OPEN and Facebook have again teamed up for “Big Break for Small Business,” [6] the second annual contest designed to transform the way small businesses connect and engage with customers.  Five winning businesses will receive $25,000 to grow their businesses and drive customers to their doors, as well as a one-on-one strategy session with American Express OPEN and Facebook.

For-profit small businesses can enter by answering three simple questions on the Big Break for Small Businesses Facebook page [6]. Every small business that enters will receive $50 in free Facebook advertising credit ($100 in free Facebook ads for American Express card members or merchants) after watching four educational videos provided by Facebook. The entry period ends on July 13.

At the end of the July, 20 finalists will be selected by a panel of judges. From August 13 - 25, the finalists will be able to rally their communities to vote via the Big Break tab on the contest's Facebook page. From September 20 - 28, winners will be awarded their prizes and American Express and Facebook will hold Community Giveback events in five locations across the U.S.

American Express OPEN and Facebook will be paying a visit to the winners’ communities for their one-on-one strategy session, and to host an event for local businesses to meet and learn from the experts. Additionally, the winners’ communities will get statement credit offers for American Express® card members who spend at area merchants that accept American Express Cards one weekend in September.