Small Business News

Barclays Awarding $255k in Latest “Small Business Big Wins” Promotion

Throughout the past couple of years, several larger companies have stepped up to help smaller businesses in a number of different ways. This includes banks and credit card issuers, such as American Express, who have held sweepstakes and contests for entrepreneurs. On that note, Barclays is readying for another round of its “Small Business Big Wins” contest, which will award a total of $255,000 to deserving small businesses.

From now through March 11th, 2022, small business owners can share their stories about how they managed to meet the unique demands of 2021. Entries should be fewer than 500 words and be accompanied by an original image that helps illustrate the submission. Of the qualifying entries, 10 finalists will be selected and the public will be able to vote for their favorite small business story between April 13th through April 22nd. The “Small Business Big Wins” grand prize winner will be awarded $60,000 while second place, third place, and seven other runners-up will also win cash prizes. Additionally, 50 entrants will be chosen at random to win $2,000 each.

In order to be eligible for the promotion, businesses must currently be open and have been in operation for at least a year. Additionally, Barclays defines a small business as one with fewer than 100 employees and with annual business revenue of $5 million or less. Additional rules can be found on the “Small Business Big Wins” website.

The latest “Small Business Big Wins” contest follows a previous installment in 2020. In December of that year, Barclays announced that Buffalo’s own Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs was the $50,000 grand prize winner. Runners up included Pot au Feu of Providence, Rhode Island and The Owego Kitchen of Owego, New York.

Announcing this year’s contest, Barclays’ Director of US Business Cards Nancy Parnella said, “Small businesses have been dramatically impacted by our ever-changing environment over the past two years, and many small business owners have compelling stories to tell.” Parnella added, “At Barclays, we recognize that small businesses are the engine of the American economy and are a vital resource worth supporting and protecting. We want to hear their stories and provide some much-needed financial support.”

Barclays’ “Small Business Big Wins” contest is yet another opportunity for entrepreneurs to potentially earn some extra capital for their business. Notably, however, while several other submission-based contests in recent years have included mentorship or resource materials, Barclays’ promotion offers straight-up cash. Of course, whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing will depend on the business’s needs. In any case, with easy-to-meet criteria and some serious money on the line, small business owners may want to take the time to submit for this year’s “Small Business Big Wins” and see if luck just might strike.

Other Articles by Jonathan Dyer