How to Apply to the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

The FedEx Grants Contest has just launched — get a head start and find out how to apply to win one of the 10 grants available — 3 $50K or 7 $20K grants. We recommend applying early.

📌 Pro-tip for grant: Want help applying for this grant to increase your chances of winning? Book a time to talk with us and become Skip Premium. Use this link to get 1 additional month added for free. Spots to help with this grant are limited.

What You Need to Know About the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

Since 2012, FedEx has been giving away grants to small businesses that use their services – e.g., businesses that ship with FedEx. This Spring, FedEx will be awarding numerous grants and awards – and the winners will be announced on May 4th, 2022.

Grants and Awards

So, what can you win? FedEx will select three grand prize winners, seven first-place winners, and 100 finalists, for a total of 110 grant/award packages. Here is what each contains:

Grand prize winners. Three grand prize winners will receive the following:

• $50K cash grant
• $4K in FedEx print services
• 1-year subscription to Klaviyo, which includes Facebook and Instagram advertising, A/B testing, one-click integrations, and more
• A complete website audit by Higher Visibility to help you with your SEO efforts, and more
• Sustainable packaging consultation with EcoEnclose
• Additional prizes

1st place winners. Seven first-place winners will receive the following:

• $20K cash grant
• $1.5K in FedEx print services
• 3-month subscription to Klaviyo, which includes Facebook and Instagram advertising, A/B testing, one-click integrations, and more
• A complete website audit by Higher Visibility to help you with your SEO efforts, and more
• Sustainable packaging consultation with EcoEnclose
• Additional prizes

Top 100 Finalists. The top 100 finalists will receive the following:

• A free marketing automation account and consultation with Klaviyo
• Financial consultation with Accion Opportunity Fund
• Access to a small business national conference and related webinars through the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (I.C.I.C.)
• Business mentor matching through SCORE

Eligibility Requirements

If you are interested in applying to this grant contest, you must meet the following qualifications:

• A business owner who is a legal resident of the U.S. – at least 18 years of age – and is authorized to enter the contest on behalf of the business (e.g., you're one of the owners).
• Your business is located and operates in the U.S., has been selling products or services for at least six months, and has fewer than 100 employees.
• Your business is current on all licenses, permits, and registrations, and is in good standing.
• Your business has a valid shipping account with FedEx (you can make an account now if you need to).
• Your business has a valid shipping and printing need.

Grant Contest Timeline  

The grant contest opens on February 10th, 2022, and closes on February 28th, 2022. The voting round begins (where the public can vote for their favorite business) on March 22nd and closes on March 31st, 2022. The winners will be announced on May 4th, 2022.

How to Apply for the FedEx Grant Contest

Here are the steps you need to take to apply for the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest.

📌 Pro tip: Be the first to know about upcoming grant programs by joining Skip.

Step 1: Gather Your Logo and Photos of Your Business

FedEx asks for your logo and photos of you and your business. These are not marked as required on the entry form, but FedEx suggests that you provide them. You want to make sure that FedEx can display your business to the world.

Have your logo and photos of your business (horizontal photos) ready to go, because you will upload them towards the beginning of your application.  

Step 2: Head to the Site and Create a Free FedEx Shipping Account

Begin the FedEx Grant Contest application on their website. If you have a FedEx account already, you can start right away.

If you do not already have a FedEx account, take a few moments and create one. This is a required step as FedEx only awards grants to businesses that have a FedEx shipping account. It's free to do so and only takes a minute.

Step 3: Begin the Application

There are a total of five pages that you need to fill out. Many questions are about your business contact information (website, social media accounts, etc.), business operations (number of employees, how long you've been in business, approximate revenue, etc.), and previous shipping details (have you shipped before, with who, etc.).

Remember that your business must have a need to print and ship to enter the contest.

Step 4: Create a Strong Profile and a 1-Minute Video

The last page of the application is your chance to shine. FedEx gives you the opportunity to go into detail about your business and your passion behind it.

You need to explain to FedEx why you are in business – your vision, mission, and passion – and what makes your business unique. You also need to explain what you do better or different than your competitors. And lastly, FedEx wants to know how you will use the grant money if selected.

Here are the four main questions on the final page:

• Help us get to know you by telling us about your business.
• What is the primary way you would use the grant to help your business?
• Tell us more about how you would use the grant to help your business.
• Anything else you'd like us to know about your business, your experience with FedEx, or a general comment?

Lastly, you have the option of creating a 1-minute video (elevator pitch) and linking to it in the application – such as a link to a YouTube video. While this is optional, we highly recommend that you do. This is a great way to put a face to your application.

Good luck!

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