Xero has announced the launch of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, an initiative that aims to support and empower small businesses worldwide.
With over AUD$690,000 in funding, this new global small business fund will provide financial resources to help small businesses achieve their future aspirations and accelerate their growth.
The Xero Beautiful Business Fund will kick off with a call for entries at Xerocon Sydney, a premier event for small business owners and industry professionals, on 23-24 August 2023. This exciting launch sets the stage for small business owners in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to showcase their unique ideas and ambitions.
The fund has been carefully designed to celebrate the resilience and success of small businesses and provide them with the tools and resources they need to flourish. It will be open exclusively to Xero small business customers, providing them with a remarkable opportunity to access financial support that matches their specific needs and goals.
Small business owners can choose to apply for funding in one of four distinct categories, tailored to address their unique challenges and aspirations:
1. Innovating for sustainability: This category caters to small businesses that are committed to taking the next step in their sustainability journey. Whether it’s transitioning to sustainable packaging, implementing energy-efficient equipment, or establishing carbon-neutral transportation methods, the fund will provide resources to help businesses make meaningful strides towards more sustainable practices.
2. Trailblazing with technology: In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in the success of small businesses. This funding category is designed to support small businesses that are ready to take the next step in leveraging technology to streamline their operations or integrate cutting-edge technologies that can supercharge their growth.
3. Strengthening community connection: Small businesses often have a deep-rooted connection to their local communities. This category recognizes and supports businesses and non-profit organizations that strive to make a positive impact on the community through philanthropic efforts, social initiatives, or any meaningful contribution that strengthens community bonds.
4. Upskilling for the future: In an ever-changing business landscape, upskilling and professional development are essential for small businesses to stay ahead. This category offers funding for small businesses looking to invest in training and development programs, enabling them and their employees to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately leading to business growth and success.
To ensure a fair selection process, for each category, there will be seven regional winners identified by a regional judging panel. The pool of regional winners in each category will then be evaluated by a global judging panel and the winner of each category will receive an additional global prize.
Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
