How does it work?

Nominate your favorite small business by telling us what makes it special, why you choose to Shop Small there and the role they play in the community. 

What could I win?

Grand Prize (1):
If your entry is chosen as the Grand Prize Winner, you'll win a $5,000 American Express Gift Card! Plus, your favorite business also wins a $5,000 American Express Gift Card and a 12-month Valpak marketing campaign to help grow their business. 

Secondary Prizes (3):
If your entry is chosen as one of three Secondary Prize Winners, you'll win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card! Plus, your favorite business also wins a $1,000 American Express Gift Card and a 3-month Valpak marketing campaign to help grow their business. 

How are the winners chosen?

All entries will be reviewed and scored according to the following criteria: 

• Compelling nature of the story about what make this business special – 50%
• Energy, enthusiasm, creativity and passion about the business – 25%
• Overall impression –15%
• Positive impact on the community – 10%

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Void where prohibited. Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. who are 18 years of age or older, or the age of majority in their state of residence, whichever is older at time of entry and eligible small business nominees. Contest begins January 30, 2017 and ends April 15, 2017. ARV of all prizes awarded in the Contest is $44,200.  Entries are judged on skill. See official rules for additional small business eligibility requirements, entry instructions, judging criteria and other important details. Sponsored by Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, Inc., 805 Executive Center Dr W, St Petersburg, FL 33702, USA.