Hong Kong, March 16, 2017 — FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, is once again holding its successful FedEx Small Business Grants Contest to help more small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) connect with a world of opportunities. Following last year’s successful debut, the contest is returning to Asia Pacific this year, giving SMEs from Hong Kong, Singapore – and this year, for the first time, China – the opportunity to win an approximate total of US$120,000 in grants.
The contest is designed to provide SMEs with the inspiration and financial resources to take their business global, helping them to grow their footprint and sharpen their competitive edge. Originally conceived in the US five years ago, the FedEx Small Business Grant contest went global for the first time last year, with contests in Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK in addition to the US. This year, as well as China, the contest makes its debut in India and Italy as well.
“At FedEx, we believe the spirit of entrepreneurialism is what drives SMEs to take their business to the next level,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific. “In this digital economy, the huge array of digital tools and channels available today makes it easier for SMEs to extend their reach internationally, to find new customers and grow their businesses. I encourage all SMEs that have the passion and ideas to take their business global to take part. I’m delighted that we’ve expanded the contest into three new international markets this year, including the keystone economy of China. This underlines our commitment to helping SMEs around the world achieve their vision.”
Among the FY16 winners was Singapore-based company RedWhite Apparel, whose founder, a keen cyclist, set out to produce high-performance but affordable long-distance cycling bib shorts. As well as Singapore, the company already had a presence in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan. Winning the contest enabled it to explore opportunities to expand further afield to Australia, Europe and the USA.
How to Enter
The contest is open to all for-profit Chinese, Hong Kong and Singaporean SMEs that have been operating for six months or more. Between March 16 and April 27, contestants can submit their business stories online at the contest website for the judges’ consideration. In May, the shortlisted entries will be announced and invited to present a live pitch of their business ideas at a pitching event. Contest winners will be announced in May. Three tiers of grants will be awarded in each of the markets: a Grand Prize, a Second Prize and a Third Prize.
Please visit the contest website for entries submission and the contest’s Official Rules:
China: fedex.com/grantcontest/cn
Hong Kong: fedex.com/grantcontest/hk
Singapore: fedex.com/grantcontest/sg
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 supported by a money-back guarantee[1].
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 about.fedex.com.
NOTE TO EDITORS: FedEx Express press releases are available on the World Wide Web at https://newsroom.fedex.com/newsroom/asia-english/.
[1] Subject to relevant terms and conditions.