The UPS Store is on a mission to uncover the next generation of unstoppable entrepreneurs. That’s why we invited small business owners across the U.S. to compete in the 2024 The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, in partnership with Inc. Business Media.
What’s at stake? A share of the $35,000 prize pool, not to mention a winning feature in Inc. magazine - talk about bragging rights!
Applications began in January, with nine lucky semifinalists chosen and paired with mentors for an added boost of motivation and entrepreneurial advice. That support came in handy with applicants competing in challenges that tested their skills in marketing, staffing, operations and company culture.
During National Small Business Month in May, three finalists competed in front of a live audience in Miami with celebrity host and influencer Cassey Ho.
🥇 Congratulations to the winner of the 2024 The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge:
📚 Bitty Bao makes bilingual Chinese books for children, teaching them about everything from counting to food and cultural moments like Lunar New Year and beyond.
🏆 And a round of applause to our finalists:
💘 We Met IRL is in the business of relationships, offering speed dating events, mixers and more – all with an emphasis on reaching people from diverse backgrounds and creating the right environment for romance.
💎 Hot Girls Pearls, it’s all in the name. Creators of fashionable pearl jewelry that can also be stored in the freezer to be worn on those hot summer days. Staying cool AND stylish.
Dive deeper: We know what it takes to run a successful small business. Since its inception in 2019, The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge has been spotlighting the best and brightest small business owners.
"Each year, this competition is an exhilarating and interactive way for us to support and showcase small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the nation," said Michelle Van Slyke, senior vice president of marketing and sales at The UPS Store, Inc.
At UPS, we help businesses succeed – no matter who, where or how big you are. Check it out:
- Support the unstoppable mompreneurs of America with our UPS Mother's Day gift guide
- From UPS scholar to The UPS Store owner … and everything in between
- From farm to table with help from Ware2Go – a UPS company