Cory Norgart of Up North Burls, has his fingers crossed that the outcome of a national contest results in his favor.
The business owner is in the running to receive a $25,000 small business grant through FedEx that would allow him to better the business he has been running for six years.
“A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by FedEx and told I should basically apply for this contest,” Norgart said. “ I do a lot of business with the company and was interested in the opportunity.”
Norgart said in order to be in the final consideration for the grant, he had to write a “compelling story” about what his business is and what he would do with the grant, should he receive it.
“I am in need of new machinery, more inventory, which I now buy from local and national dealers. I am running out of room for my inventory. I am also in need of some help with labor, as I am solo and often have to depend on my family for help. There are many times I have to dip into my weekly paycheck from my other job to make ends meet with the business. There are many other supplies I need to keep my business running smoothly, a grant would really help us,” Norgart wrote.
In addition his story, Norgart said the final consideration for which business will receive the grant is also based on votes. Anyone with access to Facebook can search ‘Cory Norgart’ on Facebook and find the link to the contest on his timeline. The link will direct voters to his story when they can vote once every 24 hours. Votes are accepted through Nov. 24.
“It’d be great if I won,” Norgart said.
He added that if he falls short of the $25,000 grand prize, five $5,000 grants are available for the runners up.
The contest, which began Oct. 1, defines small businesses as having fewer than 100 employees. In December, FedEx will review the entries and select and announce the top 100 finalists based on their contest profile and the number of votes they receive from Facebook users. The top six small businesses — including the grand prize winner – will be announced in January.
“FedEx has long recognized that small businesses are incredibly vital to the health of both the global economy and local communities,” said T. Michael Glenn, executive vice president of market development at FedEx, in a statement. “Providing these grants is yet another way for FedEx to show our support for small businesses as we continue to create programs to help give them a head start and access to new opportunities.”
