Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program

The Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program is a quarterly grant initiative that recognizes small business owners who are making a meaningful difference in their communities — not just building profitable companies, but demonstrating genuine resilience and character in how they operate. Three winners are selected each quarter, and each receives a $20,000 cash grant plus access to resources and tools designed to accelerate their growth. The selection process emphasizes three qualities: courage (the willingness to take risks and push through adversity), perseverance (sustained effort in the face of obstacles), and integrity (honesty and ethical business practices). The program is open to nominations from anyone — a customer, a neighbor, a colleague — and business owners may also nominate themselves. This makes it one of the more accessible and community-driven grant programs currently available to U.S. small businesses.

Open to U.S.-based small business owners who are 18 or older. Anyone can submit a nomination — including the business owner themselves. Judges evaluate nominees based on courage, perseverance, and integrity. No specific revenue, employee count, or industry requirements are listed.