At Gusto, we believe in the power of small businesses to drive change in their communities. That’s why we’re excited to announce the return of the Gusto Impact Awards. Last year, we celebrated small businesses making a difference in their communities, and recognized three winners that are making an impact.
If you’re a small business owner, “impact” can mean a lot of things—from how you serve your customers, to who you hire, to how you give back to the people around you. But no matter how your business makes an impact, we want to hear about it. We’ve chosen five cities—Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Miami—to participate in this second edition of the awards.
In addition to tons of cash prizes, one small business in each city will win the Gusto Impact Award, along with:
- $40,000 in local advertising – We create and place digital and physical advertisements to amplify your business around your city—including a giant billboard. Seriously.
- $10,000 in cash – You know how to grow your small business best. We write you an (actually) big check to help.
- Free Gusto payroll service for a year – Your next 12-month payroll subscription is on us—whether you’re new to Gusto or already working with us.
BONUS: 30 runner-ups in each city will win a $500 Visa gift card to help support their businesses.
Five cities. $325k in prizes. Big love for small businesses.
Altogether, we’re giving away $325,000 across these five cities to honor the small businesses that are driving positive change in their local communities. Whether you’re helping shape perceptions, building up your neighborhood, your team, or inspiring progress, we want to hear your story.
At Gusto, we’re proud to invest in small businesses that are invested in their communities. The Gusto Impact Awards are your chance to be recognized for the invaluable work you do, often behind the scenes, to keep your community thriving.
Who can enter?
Small businesses located and operating in the greater metropolitan areas of Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Miami; as defined by the specific Metro Areas/Zip Codes described in our official contest rules.
Other criteria:
- Cannot have more than 75 employees
- Annual gross revenue of less than $7 million in fiscal year 2023
- Must have been an incorporated and active business for the previous year (2023).
- Additionally, the business must have an active website, valid email, and internet access
All other persons (i.e., members of the general public) are NOT eligible. See the official rules here.
How are winners selected?
All entries will be considered by a panel of sponsor-selected judges. The judges will weigh each submission based on the following:
- The mission of the business
- Strength of the business’ story
- Community impact
- The impact of winning on the business and its employees
Important note: You do not need to be a Gusto customer to enter or win. To review all of the judging criteria, see the official rules here.
How to enter
Do you own a small business in Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, or Miami? Share your story by heading to our contest page.
It’s easy! Fill out our short form describing your business—company name, website, address, etc. You’ll also need to tell us (in 300 words or fewer) the overall mission of your business, the impact it makes on your local community, and how winning would help you and the people around you.
Important dates to remember
- Contest kickoff: October 15, 2024
- Submission deadline: November 20, 2024
- Winners notified: Between January 6 and 17, 2025
- Celebration and grand prizes: February – March 2025
Get the word out
Know a business that fits our criteria, deserves some recognition, and could use some extra cash? Share this contest with them!
FAQs
Got questions? Check out our FAQ section on the contest page for all the information you need.
Fine print
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED. Contest open only to legal residents of the United States who are the sole or majority owner of a small business located in the metropolitan areas of Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; or Miami, Florida. (“Eligibility Area”), who as of date of entry are 18 or older, and who have seventy five (75) or fewer full or part-time employees. Contest entry starts on/about 8:00am PST on 10/15/24 and ends on/about 4:00 pm PDT on 11/20/24. Subject to Official Rules. See Official Rules for complete details including how to enter, eligibility, winner determination and prizing. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Gusto, Inc., 525 20th Street San Francisco, CA 94107.
