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.
Submissions are closed, but your city could be next.
Thanks to all of you who entered! As of November 20, 2024, we’re no longer accepting submissions. Stay tuned for our winner announcement in January, and keep an eye out for other programs supporting small businesses like yours.
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.
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.
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.