AT&T Small Business Contest
AT&T
$50,000 (1 winner)
$50K for the most inspiring US small business
AT&T's annual Small Business Contest awards one US small business a $50,000 grant plus a year of AT&T service and mentorship resources, with four runners-up each receiving $5,000. Now in its fourth year, the contest has awarded funding to 11 small businesses nationwide. Any certified small business with 1–5 locations and up to 99 employees can apply — no demographic restrictions. Judging favors community impact and business resilience.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $5,000 – $50,000
- Realistic amount
- Grand prize is a fixed $50,000; runner-up awards are $5,000 each. Five businesses receive cash grants per cycle.
- Deadline
- Annual — typically May 1 through July 31. Winner announced by September 30.
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- lump sum
Who qualifies
- Certified small business located in the United States or Puerto Rico
- 1 to 5 business locations
- 99 or fewer full- or part-time employees
- Sole or majority owner of the business
- Legal resident of the fifty US states, DC, or Puerto Rico, and age of majority
- Previous applicants may reapply
- Nonprofits operating a for-profit business may apply if they meet all criteria
Hard requirements
- Max 99 employees
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Business operating expenses
- Equipment and technology upgrades
- Marketing and advertising
- Hiring and payroll
- Inventory and supplies
- Expansion and renovation
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses
- Businesses outside the US or Puerto Rico
- Businesses with more than 5 locations or 99 employees
How to apply
-
1
Submit business entry online
Visit att.com/shesconnected and complete the online entry form describing your business, its impact, and how you would use the grant funds. Business owners may self-enter or be nominated by a consumer on their behalf.
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2
Judging and semifinalist selection
AT&T reviews all entries. Judging criteria are not published in detail but past winners suggest community impact, business story, and demonstrated resilience are weighted heavily.
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3
Finalist notification and winner announcement
Winners notified by email. Grand prize and runner-up winners publicly announced by September 30 of the contest year.
Past winners emphasize community story and human impact — not just revenue metrics. Nominations by customers add authenticity. Apply even if your business feels small.
Deadline & timing
The 2026 contest opened May 1 and closes July 31, 2026. Winners notified by September 30, 2026. Applications open annually each spring.
Programs that stack well
Related programs
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.