Celebrating impact, one
small business at a time.

This is more than just a contest. It’s a spotlight on the unsung work that gets missed in the midst of keeping the lights on.
The Gusto Impact Awards is coming to five new cities—and you could be the next winner.

Charlotte

Dallas

Denver

Houston

Miami

Winner takes home $50,000.

$40,000 in local advertising.

We make advertisements for your business. And a giant billboard with your name on it. Seriously. 

$10,000 cash.

You know how to grow your small business best. We write you an (actually) big check to help.

Free payroll service for a year.

Whether you work with Gusto or not, your next 12-month payroll subscription is on us.

150 bonus winners

There’s more: 30 small businesses in each city will get $500 Visa gift cards.

Enter for a chance at $50k
in prizes and free payroll service for a year

Tell us how your small business makes an impact and you could be our next winner.

The form will close on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:00pm PT. By submitting this form, you agree to our contest rules and privacy policy.

A party so nice, we’re throwing it 5 more times.

The Gusto Impact Awards recognize small businesses who are committed to their communities—the makers, risk-takers, movers, and shakers that inspire progress.

At a can’t-miss, one-night event, we’re giving those behind-the-scenes efforts a moment in the spotlight. Join us to toast small businesses in Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Miami. Maybe yours.

The finer details.

The Gusto Impact Awards celebrate how no business is too small to make a difference—and we define “impact” as how you serve your customers and community, who you hire, or how you volunteer.



Before you enter, make sure your business is eligible:

  • Must be located in the greater metropolitan areas of Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; or Miami, Florida

  • Must have no more than 75 employees

  • Must have no more than $7 million in annual revenue as of fiscal year 2023

  • Must be a registered and active business for at least 1 year

  • Must have an active website, email, and internet access

    Read the full contest rules

Dates you should know.

  • Contest kickoff: October 15, 2024

  • Submission deadline: November 20, 2024

  • Winners notified: Week of December 9, 2024

  • Celebration and grand prize: February to March 2025

Join us at a small
business workshop.

At Gusto, we want to make an impact by investing in small businesses. One way we do that is by providing access to learnings, advice, and guidance to transform and inspire change.

Our half-day workshops will help you meet fellow small business owners, hear from notable speakers, and learn tips and tricks for core business functions. We’re still locking in dates and locations. Add your email to our list, and we’ll let you know about a workshop near you.

Know other small businesses
who might want to enter?

Frequently asked questions

The Gusto Impact Awards are Gusto’s effort to celebrate and support small businesses and the communities they serve. Enter for a chance to win up to $50,000 in prizes.

Business owners can apply here from Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 8:00am PT through Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:00pm PT. 

Small businesses located and operating in the greater metropolitan areas of  Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; or Miami, Florida, as defined by the specific Metro Areas/Zip Codes described in the official contest rules. The small business can have no more than 75 employees, annual gross revenue of less than $7 million in fiscal year 2023, and must have been registered with its secretary of state and been active business for the previous year. Additionally, the business must have an active website, valid email, and internet access. Additional terms and conditions apply. All other persons (i.e., members of the general public) are NOT eligible.

No, these business types are not eligible to apply. Examples of direct seller businesses are Mary Kay, Rodan and Fields, Doterra, BeautyCounter, Young Living, Color Street, etc. Examples of franchised businesses are any businesses where you are not the creator of the brand (McDonald’s, Budget Blinds, etc). 

No, you do not need to be a Gusto customer to enter, but we’d love to work with you if you’re not yet!

Five grand prize winners (one per eligible metro) will receive a total of over $50,000 in prizes comprised of $40,000 in advertising, $10,000 in cash, and one year of free Gusto payroll. For the $40,000 advertising buy, grand prize winners will receive a free initial consultation with the Gusto creative team to design one advertisement featuring your small business, with up to two rounds of revisions. Gusto has ultimate discretion on the final design and distribution of the advertising. In addition, 150 finalists (30 per eligible metro) will receive $500 in Visa gift cards.

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 story, community impact, and the impact of winning on the business and its employees. For a full breakdown of judging criteria, see the official rules here.

The 2024 entry period opens Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 8am PT and closes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4pm PT.