Small Business, Big Break is a collaborative initiative from digital marketing and automation platform Constant Contact, small business support platform Enterprise Nation, and national broadcaster, Channel 4.

The initiative will shine a light on the UK’s brilliant small business community, opening up an opportunity for three successful brands to tell their story to millions of potential customers on TV – connecting them to a proven marketing channel that can help small businesses scale.

Erika Robinson, UK General Manager of Constant Contact, said: “Constant Contact provides the marketing tools and support that small businesses need to excel and grow.

“Small Business, Big Break will deliver a life-changing boost to some of the UK's most exciting businesses, catapulting their brand into the homes of millions of consumers with comprehensive marketing support and professional advertising that might otherwise be out of reach.”

How Small Business, Big Break works

The competition opened on April 4. To enter, small businesses need to complete a short application explaining their business and why they deserve a chance to be on TV. Applications close on May 15.

A panel of judges from Constant Contact and Enterprise Nation will review applications, upon which finalists will be invited to pitch their business for a chance to win the main prize. The top three winners will receive:

• A bespoke TV advert developed by a leading creative agency
• Strategic support from a team of experts to define and target their ideal audience
• A share of £300,000 in Channel 4 advertising airtime

In addition, ten finalists will benefit from a package of business-building support, including:

• A 12- month Premium subscription to Constant Contact’s full suite of digital marketing tools
• Small business mentorship and expertise from industry leaders
• A £2,000 grant, to be used on any marketing activity to support ambitions for growth
• Access to a marketing consultant, worth £500

Those who would prefer not to take advantage of the TV advertising portion of the main prize will still qualify for a £2,000 grant, to be used on any marketing activity that supports their business’ growth, 12 months of Constant Contact Premium and access to a marketing consultant valued at £500.

“Supporting small businesses is a key part of our mission at Constant Contact,” said Robinson. “We’re excited to see the innovation and growth that small businesses can achieve, given the spotlight and airtime that this prize will offer.”

Emma Jones, CBE, Founder of small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, said: “Finding new customers is fundamental for any business that wants to succeed and grow. But cutting through the infinite noise and telling the story of your brand is now harder than ever.

“We’re delighted to team up with Constant Contact and Channel 4 to give winning businesses a unique opportunity to do exactly that through a traditional advertising medium that has stood the test of time and is still one of the most effective ways to expand awareness of your product or service.

“We can’t wait to see their names up in lights on our TV screens in the coming months.”

Nick Archer, Client & Business Development Leader, Channel 4 Sales, said: “Television advertising provides SMEs with unparalleled scale and conversion potential. It is a highly trusted platform delivering memorable brand experiences like no other platform, in turn driving significant customer growth. By tapping into TV's mass reach, SMEs can convert a vast, untapped market of non-buyers into loyal consumers.”

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