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 United Kingdom.

Fifteen finalists will be selected to compete for the Grand Prize (€50.000) or one of the three Judges’ Choice Awards: Digital Excellence, Sustainability Champion, and Innovation Mastermind (€15.000 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 each.

“Running a small business is tough at the best of times, but the last 18 months have really pushed SMEs to adapt to survive,” said Helena Jansson, SVP Finance International, FedEx Express and Small Business Grant Contest jury member.

“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 15th September to 20th October 2021. The 15 finalists will be announced on 17 November 2021 and public voting for the People’s Choice Awards will be opened. All winners will be announced on 26th January 2022. For the application process and the terms and conditions, click here.

Established in the US 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.

Now, for the first time, it is launching in 16 countries across Europe to provide more opportunities for small companies who show passion and innovation in the region.