- Xero has announced that applications are now open for its Beautiful Business Fund.
- The Fund was first announced in early-July, with R8 million in funding available for the global initiative.
- South African businesses are urged to apply before the closing date on 6th October 2023.
Earlier this year we wrote about small business platform Xero, which announced a global funding initiative called the Beautiful Business Fund, where R8 million would be made available to small businesses deemed to have plenty of potential.
At the time, the Beautiful Business Fund was not taking applications, but that changes today, as Xero have confirmed that it is now accepting applications from small businesses across the globe, including those in South Africa.
The company explains that four South African Xero small business customers that apply stand the chance to win R250 000 each, with an additional R545 000 available in each category should a local winner receive a global prize.
The Fund is specifically looking for Xero customers in SA to apply, with the global initiative also accepting entries from Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
Xero adds that a total of 28 regional winners, one from each region for each category, will be determined by regional judging panels before being put forward to the global judging panel to select the global winner for each of the four categories.
As for the criteria for eligibility, the company outlined the following areas that an applicant business should be focusing:
- “Innovating for sustainability: for small businesses who want to take the next step on their sustainability journey. For example, it could be to move to sustainable packaging, implement energy-efficient equipment or carbon-neutral transport.
- Trailblazing with technology: for small businesses seeking to innovate. This could include digitalising parts of their operations or integrating new emerging technologies.
- Strengthening community connection: for small businesses or non-profits who strive to give back to their communities. It could be to contribute to philanthropy, social good, or make an impact on the community in a meaningful way.
- Upskilling for the future: for small businesses seeking to support training and development of themselves or their employees.”
If you’re a Xero customer and are interested in applying for the Beautiful Business Fund, you’ll need to do so before 6th October when entries close. More information on how to do so can be found here.
