Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program

The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program is a nationwide contest designed to celebrate and reward small businesses that demonstrate exceptional perseverance, integrity, and community impact. Sponsored by Intuit Inc., a leading global technology platform known for products like QuickBooks and Mailchimp, and administered by Merkle Inc., this initiative seeks to highlight and support outstanding small businesses across the United States. The contest invites nominations from the general public, and over a one-year period, twelve winners will be selected to receive a significant combination of cash and in-kind marketing and software support. Each nominated business must meet specific eligibility requirements. Businesses must operate within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia, have been legally established for at least one year prior to nomination, employ no more than 99 W-2 employees including the owner, be either for-profit or a 501(c)(3) organization, and not have previously won this contest within the past two years. Further, the business must be lawful, active, and hold all required licenses. Nominators must be at least 18 years old, cannot be related to the nominee, and must not hold any ownership stake in the business. Employees or family members of employees of Intuit, Merkle, or their affiliates are not eligible to nominate or be nominated. Certain international and government-affiliated individuals and entities are also excluded. The contest spans four phases over a 12-month period, with each phase consisting of a three-month nomination window followed by winner selection. The first phase opens May 15, 2025, and the final phase closes May 15, 2026. Three winners will be selected in each phase based on a judging rubric that prioritizes Community Impact (60%) and Nominator’s Passion (40%). Submissions are judged by a panel of experts selected by the sponsor. To participate, nominators must submit an online form and a 50–300 word narrative describing how the business exemplifies courage and community impact. Submissions may reference but need not endorse Intuit products and must follow strict content guidelines. Each of the twelve winning businesses will receive a prize package valued at approximately $39,308. This includes a $20,000 check, featured Instagram posts on QuickBooks and Mailchimp’s accounts valued at $3,000 and $4,000 respectively, a QuickBooks Blog feature worth $500, and one year of free access to QuickBooks Online Advanced ($2,208 value) and Mailchimp’s Standard Marketing Plan for up to 100,000 contacts ($9,600 value). Winners must use the QuickBooks and Mailchimp services within three months of receiving the award and consent to site visits, interviews, and photo/video documentation to be used in promotional materials. Winners also receive an IRS Form 1099 and must adhere to Intuit’s gifting policy. Applications must be submitted through the program website. Winners from each phase will be notified via email and must complete a Declaration of Compliance and related documentation within five days. If a winner is disqualified or cannot be contacted, a runner-up may be selected at the sponsor’s discretion. Submissions carry over between phases if not selected. Contestants and nominators grant the sponsor rights to use their submissions and related media in promotional content. The sponsor also reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the contest under certain circumstances. All disputes are subject to binding arbitration or small claims court per Intuit’s terms and are governed by California law. The contest prohibits class action claims, and a structured dispute resolution process involving a notice of claim and a good-faith informal meeting is required before legal proceedings. A full list of winners will be made available after final selection.