FedEx Express is helping small businesses in the region go global by launching the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest in Asia Pacific. In Singapore, FedEx will award S$40,000 (US$28,000) worth of grants in total comprised of three tiers: a Grand Prize of $25,000; a First Runner-Up Prize of $10,000; and a Second Runner-Up Prize of $5,000.

Small businesses will have the chance to win grants to expand their business into the global arena. First rolled out in the US three years ago, the contest is now being held in three global markets for the first time, namely Hong Kong, Singapore and Brazil, with plans to roll out in further markets in the future.

“At FedEx, we believe even ideas that start small can have huge potential and the smart small businesses that we serve every day are a powerful illustration of that,” said Raj Subramaniam, executive vice president, global strategy, marketing and communications, FedEx Services.

“The contest, which provides tangible financial grants, demonstrates our commitment to helping small businesses unleash their potential and realise their dreams. We are excited to bring this successful initiative to the international regions and look forward to seeing more small players in the global market.”

The contest is open to for-profit small businesses with 1 to 200 employees that have been operating for six months or more and are not affiliates of overseas, or franchised businesses. Between October 1 and October 31, participants can register online, where they will be asked to elaborate on their business dreams and plans to go global.

In November, the small businesses who have been selected as finalists will be invited to submit essays that will provide further details of their business plans. Contest winners will be announced in early December and the official rules can be found at: sg.smallbusinessgrant.fedex.com/home/rules.