A £20,000 grant to support businesses to go global has been announced today by FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company. Through the Small Business Grant, FedEx aims to help small businesses across UK to realise their international potential by providing a platform for small businesses to go global and expand their horizons.
The contest provides an opportunity for-profit small businesses employing up to 99 staff to realise their international ambitions. Entries are open from 1 March 2017 to 4 April 2017. Small businesses selected as finalists will be asked to provide further details of their plans to go global, including showcasing their strategic vision for the future from business growth and international achievements and highlighting their ethical standards, to a panel of local business experts.
“The FedEx Small Business Grant 2016 was an absolute blessing for the business,” said Claire Galer, Founder and MD of 2016 winner Derriere Equestrian. “We made our application and were absolutely blown away to have won the competition. The grant money came through very quickly and that was at a point where we were doing the final fine-tuning for our production development. It’s been a joy, an incredible accolade and a great success to have developed such a brilliant product range and a brand that is now recognised internationally.”
To enter the FedEx Small Business Grant small business owners must register online and showcase their international ambitions and future business success. The competition winner and runner up will be announced on 9 May 2017. Two tiers of grants will be awarded in the UK: a grand prize of £20,000 and a runner up prize of £10,000. For terms and conditions and to enter, visit http://uk.grant.fedex.com/#/ where full details of the entry process and judging criteria are available.
There are 5.4million[1] small businesses in the UK. Despite recent economic volatility across Europe, small businesses remain optimistic about their future and expect their exports to remain stable or increase in the next twelve months.
“UK small businesses have remained resilient over the last year, further strengthening their image as agile and adaptable to evolving landscapes.[2] At FedEx, we strongly believe SMEs are the pinnacle of the UK economy and we are passionate about supporting their international endeavours”, states Martin Davidian, Managing Director Sales, UK North at FedEx Express. “With globalisation, more small businesses are recognising the value of exporting to drive revenue growth. The FedEx Small Business Grant provides the opportunity for small businesses to realise their full international potential. Exporting has never been easier – It’s exciting to know we could find the multinationals of tomorrow.”
Delivering to more than 220 countries and territories, FedEx plays an important role in connecting small businesses with overseas prospects.
First rolled out in the U.S. in 2012 and extended to Hong Kong, Singapore and Brazil in 2015, the FedEx Small Business Grant contest is now being held in four European markets: Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee[3].
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $58 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit https://newsroom.fedex.com.
NOTE TO EDITORS: FedEx Express press releases are available on the World Wide Web at www.fedex.com.
[2] International Monetary Fund, October 2016
[3] Terms and conditions apply.