legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Citizens’ Ninth Annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest

Overview

On January 22, 2026, Citizens officially launched the ninth annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest. This contest is intended to celebrate and empower small business owners who contribute to the strengthening of local neighborhoods and the promotion of economic growth. By recognizing these deserving enterprises, Citizens aims to foster a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive and make a noticeable impact.

Contest Details and Benefits

This year, 20 small businesses from across the Citizens footprint will each receive $10,000 in funding along with one year of professional support and networking through the Luminary® program, valued at $2,500. These resources provide both financial backing and strategic connections, thus offering winners the opportunity to significantly accelerate their growth trajectories.

To qualify for this prestigious award, businesses must be customers of Citizens Business Banking in good standing prior to the contest’s closing, which takes place at 5 p.m. ET on February 10.

Mark Valentino, Head of Business Banking at Citizens, stated: “Small businesses turn to Citizens because we truly grasp their unique challenges. We strive to help them realize their full potential while recognizing the meaningful contributions they make daily.” He emphasized that the award is designed to equip business owners with the necessary tools to foster growth, thereby enabling them to solidify their foundations, broaden their vision, and continue to significantly impact the communities they serve.

Historical Impact of the Contest

In its lifetime spanning nearly nine years, the Small Business Community Champion Award program has distributed nearly $2 million to 192 small businesses. The insights and funding provided have empowered these winners to expand their operations, enhance customer offerings, and contribute to ongoing community growth. Each success story reinforces Citizens’ dedication to the small business ecosystem.

Application Process

To participate, business owners must thoughtfully respond to the following prompts:

1. How would you utilize the Citizens Small Business Community Champion Award to bolster and sustain your business? (100-word maximum)

2. How would you apply the Citizens Small Business Community Champion Award to support your community’s growth and its evolving needs? (150-word maximum)

Detailed official rules, which cover eligibility, entry requirements, and submission instructions, are available on the contest’s official website.

Key Dates

• Contest Opens: Submissions will be accepted starting at 10 a.m. ET on January 20.
• Contest Closes: The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. ET on February 10.
• Winners Announcement: Honorees will be celebrated in May in conjunction with Small Business Month.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:

• For-profit entities with annual revenues of up to $5 million.
• Must have been in operation for at least two years.
• Should maintain a minimum of three full- or part-time employees for at least 51% of the calendar year.
• Must be a Citizens Bank, N.A. business banking account holder in good standing prior to February 10.
• Entrants must be 18 years of age or older, and additional restrictions apply.

How AI legalese decoder Can Help

Navigating the intricacies of contest rules and eligibility requirements can be daunting for small business owners. This is where AI legalese decoder comes into play. This innovative tool simplifies complex legal jargon, making it easier for entrepreneurs to understand eligibility criteria, entry requirements, and official rules without getting lost in convoluted language.

By utilizing AI legalese decoder, potential applicants can ensure that they fully grasp the requirements and maximize their chances of submitting a successful application. This could mean the difference between securing much-needed funding and professional support or missing out on an incredible opportunity to propel their business forward.

For more insights on business news and updates, be sure to visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles

(Tailored sections can be added here for additional related content or updates.)

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link