Ready to Compete? The UPS Store® Announces National Small Biz Challenge with $35,000 in Prizes

Those who enter and advance in the 2026 The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge will gain access to expert mentorship and powerful networking connections that fuel growth. The competition culminates in Nashville, Tennessee, where finalists pitch live for a share of $35,000. The grand prize winner takes home $25,000 and national recognition through a feature in Inc. magazine.

“At The UPS Store, supporting entrepreneurs is at the heart of what we do. Our Small Biz Challenge recognizes the driven small business owners across the country who power their communities every day,” said Michelle Van Slyke, senior vice president of marketing and sales at The UPS Store, Inc. “We’re continually inspired by the contestants and proud to provide them a stage where they gain visibility, guidance and confidence to keep growing.”

Since 2019, The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge has provided a platform to recognize and support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. This year’s final competition will take place before a live audience in Nashville in late April, just ahead of National Small Business Month in May.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with The UPS Store and helping to highlight innovative entrepreneurs who are the unsung heroes of the economy,” said Cece Ryan, Chief Revenue Officer, at Inc.

The 2026 The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge is now open for submissions. Here’s how to enter:

• Call for Entries: From now through February 22, eligible small business owners can enter The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge by completing a short, online entry form.

• Semifinalist Selections: The UPS Store, Inc., and Inc. Business Media will review all online submissions, preliminarily judge, and select the nine semifinalists. The semifinalists will collaborate with mentors Isaac Hetzroni, @thesourcingguy founder and CEO of Imprint Genius®; Ryan Pineda, real estate investor, entrepreneur and former professional baseball player; and Tori Dunlap, founder and CEO of Her First $100K®, and The New York Times bestselling author of Financial Feminist, to complete various challenges designed around fundamental areas of small business success.

• Public Voting Phase: After each challenge, the semifinalists will share their answers for the public to view and cast votes. The public voting phase will run from March 16 to April 5 and will determine the three finalists.

• Final Phase: The top three contestants will travel to Nashville, Tennessee for the final event on Thursday, April 23, to present in front of celebrity host Shannon LaNier – former journalist, actor and entrepreneur – and several guest judges. The grand prize winner will be announced and awarded $25,000 plus an editorial feature in an issue of Inc. magazine.

• The UPS Store, Inc., encourages small business owners from all 50 states and the District of Columbia to participate in The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge.

No purchase necessary. U.S. residents only, 18+, who own & operate an independent (non-franchised) small business in the U.S. Entry submissions end 11:59pm ET 2/22/26. Up to nine semi-finalists selected to compete in virtual challenges and voting. Three finalists awarded trip to Nashville (restrictions apply) to compete in judged live challenges. Cash prizes awarded to up to 3 finalists based on score in finals in Nashville (attendance mandatory). Void where prohibited.