FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, is finally bringing its FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, a small business competition it first launched in the US three years ago to give small businesses have the chance to win grants to help them expand overseas into international markets, to Asia Pacific. It will be first introduced to in Hong Kong and Singapore in Asia Pacific, along with Brazil, to be the first three global markets outside of US, and with plans to be rolled out to additional markets in the future.
“At FedEx, we believe even ideas that start small can have huge potential, and the smart small businesses that we serve every day are a powerful illustration of that,” said Raj Subramaniam, executive vice president, global strategy, marketing and communications, FedEx Services. “The contest, which provides tangible financial grants, demonstrates our commitment to helping small businesses unleash their potential and realize their dreams. We are excited to bring this successful initiative to the international regions and look forward to seeing more small players in the global market,” he adds.
For the Singapore component, FedEx will be awarding in total grants worth S$40,000 – a grand prize of S$25,000; a first runner-up prize of S$10,000; and a second runner-up prize of S$5,000.
The contest is open to for-profit small businesses with 1 to 200 employees that have been operating for six months or more, and are not affiliates of overseas or franchised businesses. Between October 1 and October 31, participants can register online, where they will be asked to elaborate on their business dreams and plans to go global. In November, the small businesses who have been selected as finalists will be invited to submit essays that will provide further details of their business plans. Contest winners will be announced in early December.
For more information check out the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest website for Singapore and Hong Kong where you can register your interest. Interested small businesses in Singapore are also advised to check out the contest guidelines on sg.smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com/home/rules, while those based in Hong Kong can check http://hk.smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com/home/rules.
