To support SG’s small businesses, Second Xero Beautiful Business Fund launched

The Xero Beautiful Business Fund, an initiative providing more than SGD 630,000 ($466,720) in funding to support small businesses and non-profits with their growth plans and help drive future success, is returning in 2024, according to Xero, a small business platform based in New Zealand.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Xero said that small business clients of Xero in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States are now eligible to apply for the Xero Beautiful Business Fund.

The announcement states that the entry period will end on August 27, 2024.

For as many categories as they would like to enter, Xero small business customers must fill out an online form, record a 90-second pitch video, and upload it to the competition website.

Developing new environmentally friendly products or services, improving the sustainability of already-existing products or services, or minimizing one’s own environmental impact are some of the ways that small businesses and nonprofit organizations can innovate for environmental sustainability.

A small business or nonprofit with a “future focus” mindset and an innovative spirit is eligible for the other category, “trailsblazing with technology.” Using cutting-edge technologies, these organizations aim to lead the way and set the pace.

Strengthening community connections is another category, which is for small businesses or nonprofits with a core purpose of positively impacting and serving their communities. They might want to improve the community they work in, help marginalized or underprivileged populations, or advance social justice through creative thinking or creative solutions.

A small business or nonprofit that wishes to close a skills gap by upskilling either its employees or itself falls under the second category, “upskilling for the future.” More opportunities for professional development and training are what these organizations see as the way forward.

“As a global judge last year, getting to hear firsthand from our small business customers about their ideas and aspirations was a rewarding experience that reminded me of the resilience, drive and determination it takes to be a business owner,

“The fund is a chance to reflect on our purpose to make life better for small businesses, their advisors and communities around the world and provide meaningful support so our customers can fulfill their dreams or take that next big step with confidence,” said Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Xero Chief Executive Officer.