Business
Citizens Launches Ninth Annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest
PROVIDENCE, R.I., January 20, 2026--Small businesses across the country will continue to have the opportunity to access critical funding and professional support as Citizens announced today the opening of its ninth annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest. The program is designed to recognize and empower the business owners whose work strengthens neighborhoods and drives economic growth.
About this update from Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"PROVIDENCE, R.I., January 20, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Small businesses across the country will continue to have the opportunity to access critical funding and professional support as Citizens announced today the opening of its ninth annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest. The program is designed to recognize and empower the business owners whose work strengthens neighborhoods and drives economic growth.","length":421,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"This year, 20 small businesses across the Citizens footprint will each receive $10,000, along with one year of professional support and networking through Luminary® valued at $2,500—providing winners with both financial resources and strategic connections to help accelerate their growth. Eligible businesses must be Citizens Business Banking customers in good standing prior to the close of the contest, which is at 5 p.m. ET on February 10, 2026.","length":448,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Small businesses choose Citizens because we understand their challenges, help them reach their potential and appreciate the impact they deliver every day," said Mark Valentino, Head of Business Banking at Citizens. "Through the Small Business Community Champion Award, we’re helping business owners turn momentum into measurable growth. Our goal is to provide not only financial support, but also the guidance and connections that help small businesses strengthen their foundations, expand their vision and continue making a difference in the communities they call home."","length":592,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Now entering its ninth year, Citizens’ Small Business Community Champion Award program has awarded nearly $2 million to 192 small businesses, empowering winners to further expand operations, offer valuable products and services to customers and support continued community growth.","length":280,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"What: The Citizens Small Business Community Champion Award Contest: Eligible for‑profit small businesses can enter for a chance to receive $10,000 in funding, and one year of Luminary® membership (valued at $2,500), offering leadership development, strategic connections and community-based support for entrepreneurs.","length":317,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"To enter, business owners must a...