UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge is an entrepreneurial competition sponsored by The UPS Store in partnership with Inc. magazine. This initiative aims to spotlight independent small businesses across the United States and provide them with national exposure, competitive development opportunities, and the chance to win a share of $35,000 in cash prizes. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting and celebrating small business owners, The UPS Store encourages participation from a wide variety of sectors, provided the entrants are U.S.-based and meet the eligibility requirements for independent ownership. The purpose of the challenge is to identify and reward "unstoppable" small business owners who demonstrate resilience, innovation, and business acumen. The competition seeks compelling business stories and owners who exemplify perseverance and passion. Participants are invited to describe what makes their business unique and how they have overcome obstacles on their entrepreneurial journey. Entrants may submit their story in writing or via a short, one-minute video, giving them flexibility in how they choose to present their business narrative. Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents aged 18 or older who own and operate a non-franchised, independently owned small business within the United States. The program is not open to franchises or subsidiaries of larger corporations, underscoring the challenge's focus on truly independent operations. There is no cost to enter the competition. Up to nine semi-finalists will be selected based on the strength of their submissions. These semi-finalists will engage in a series of virtual business challenges and public voting rounds, which will ultimately determine the top three finalists. The three finalists will be awarded a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, where they will compete in live, judged business challenges. Participation in these in-person finals is mandatory in order to be eligible for cash prizes. The judging process at this stage will evaluate business skills, strategic thinking, and presentation abilities. The finalists will not only gain national exposure through Inc. magazine but also have the opportunity to showcase their businesses to a broader audience. The submission deadline for this cycle is 11:59 PM Eastern Time on February 22, 2026. All entries must be received by this date and time to be considered. Following the submission deadline, selected semi-finalists will be contacted to begin the next phase of the challenge. Additional terms, eligibility criteria, and the judging rubric are detailed in the official rules found at inc.com/theupsstore/rules. The UPS Store is headquartered in San Diego, California, and serves small business customers nationwide through a broad network of retail locations. Inc. magazine, part of Mansueto Ventures LLC and based in New York City, contributes editorial support and national reach to the challenge. Their partnership reinforces the challenge’s credibility and impact. There is no downloadable PDF linked in the opportunity; all application information is collected directly through the official Inc. webpage.