FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Staples US Retail today announced a partnership with wiseHer, a team of business experts whose mission is to provide small businesses access to 1:1 counseling, resources and funding opportunities, to launch the ‘Big Small Business Boost’ Contest. The pandemic and resulting ‘Great Resignation’ propelled 4.3 million new business applications to be filed in 2020, a record jump from the previous year according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In an effort to empower this new class of American entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed, 20 eligible participants with compelling founding stories will be selected to each receive $5,000 in Staples Gift Cards to fund their business needs.

“Since our company’s founding in 1986, our goal at Staples has always been to serve as a solution provider for small businesses,” said Marshall Warkentin, Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer, Staples US Retail. “Small businesses at every stage will find tools in Staples stores to help further accelerate their growth, from small business tech for working from anywhere to in-store services like Print and Marketing and Shipping Services. And now we’re excited to partner with wiseHer, a company that provides mentorship to entrepreneurs every day, to support 20 small businesses in their growth journey.”

“At wiseHer, one of the challenges that our consultants tackle head-on with clients is the reality that building a business can be a difficult process to navigate,” said Kathryn Rose, Founder and CEO of wiseHer. “wiseHer and Staples are uniting in a common goal to provide resources to help make continued success as seamless as possible. Many small businesses in the U.S. have amazing stories behind their inception, and through the Big Small Business Boost, we are excited to be able to give 20 the recognition they deserve.”

Contest Rules

To participate, contest entrants must:

1. Show proof of business entity: Website URL, Google My Business listing, Facebook Business page, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn page;
2. Have <10 full time employees (excluding owner);
3. Be listed in the Staples Community Business Directory;
4. Share a compelling origin story; and
5. Share a compelling story behind why the business deserves to win.

In addition, entrants must be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the United States to enter. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve chances of winning. For all eligibility requirements and contest rules, please see the Official Rules here.

How to Enter

The Big Small Business Boost Contest entry period begins on November 18, 2021 at 12:00am EDT and ends on December 18, 2021 at 8:00pm EDT. To enter: (1) small businesses must register in the Staples Connect Community Business Directory by following the instructions here; and (2) visit wiseher.com/the-big-small-business-boost, create an account or login, complete and submit the contest application. Winners will be notified by February 2022.

About Staples US Retail

With a focus on the community of small businesses and consumers, Staples US Retail provides innovative products, services and inspiration essential to the new ways of working and learning. Staples Stores and Staples Connect retail locations serve millions of customers from entrepreneurs and small businesses to remote workers, parents, teachers, and students. Explore Staples Connect at a local Staples Store or online at StaplesConnect.com.

About wiseHer

wiseHer is a global expert marketplace that helps businesses and professionals get the access they need to affordable 1:1 advice to accelerate their business or careers. wiseHer's mission is to provide affordable access to the top been-there-done-that experts from around the world that can help businesses or professionals go farther, faster in their business or career. wiseHer has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc., Forbes and more. wiseHer is a social-impact organization and a portion of proceeds goes to their foundation to provide grants to women and underserved entrepreneurs and professionals.