London, 23 October 2018 - FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express shipping company has announced a £20,000 grant to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grow. Through the Small Business Grant, FedEx aims to help small and medium businesses across the UK realise their dreams for taking their business global.
Delivering to more than 220 countries and territories, FedEx plays an important role in connecting small businesses with overseas prospects. The company is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world. Connections allow businesses to prosper, communities to flourish, and people to thrive, ultimately making the world a better place.
“Small and medium businesses are the backbone of the economy and in order to help fast-track their growth, more often than not a ‘boost’ is required in terms of funding. Gaining access to funding is no simple task and for SMEs it can be increasingly challenging”, said Martin Davidian Managing Director, Sales, UK West and Ireland, FedEx Express and TNT. “The SME market has dynamic companies which have huge potential for growth and development, and at FedEx we want to help them evolve, to have access to more possibilities, to become more competitive and to better support their international endeavors.” The Small Business Grant provides an opportunity for small businesses to secure that boost to their funding and focus on their growth.”
Entries are open from 17 October 2018 - 28 November 2018. Small and medium businesses will be asked to provide details what inspired them to start the business, 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:
- Blok Knives: Last year’s winner, Blok Knives make handmade kitchen knives.
- David Prosser: David Prosser is a leading business journalist, with more than 20 years’ experience writing for the majority of national UK newspapers.
- Martin Davidian: Martin Davidian is Managing Director of Sales for UK West and Ireland at FedEx Express and TNT.
To enter the Small Business Grant, SMEs owners must register online and showcase their international ambitions and future business success for the judges’ consideration. The competition winner and runner up will be announced on 24 January 2019. Two tiers of grants will be awarded in UK: a grand prize of £20,000 and a runner up prize of £10,000. For the application process and terms and conditions visit www.fedex.com/grantuk
The FedEx Small Business Grant contest is in its third year in Europe. This year it has been activated in five markets: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK.