#United States #Dallas #AT&T Small Business Contest #She's Connected #Nourish + Bloom

AT&T Launches the 2026 Small Business Contest

AT&T is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 AT&T Small Business Contest, which will run from May 1 to July 31. This contest is aimed at empowering small business owners and will provide them with a chance to win a grand prize of $50,000. The initiative highlights the vital role that small businesses play in driving change within their communities. Not only does the contest award a substantial monetary prize, but it also connects participants with other entrepreneurs and provides them with essential tools and resources to help grow their businesses.

Key Details of the Contest

The AT&T Small Business Contest allows applicants to submit their entries through att.com/shesconnected. While the grand prize winner will receive $50,000 to invest in their business, four finalist businesses will each receive $5,000 to assist their operations. This year marks the fourth anniversary of the contest, which has grown into a powerful network for small business entrepreneurs.

Shelley Goodman, SVP of Mid-Markets Sales at AT&T Business, emphasized the company's commitment: "As we celebrate National Small Business Week, AT&T remains focused on being a trusted partner to small businesses year-round... The AT&T Small Business Contest has grown over four years into a thriving network of entrepreneurs creating real change in their communities."

Promoting Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

In a bid to additionally support small and medium-sized enterprises, AT&T will launch its Dynamic Defense® service on May 4. This network-embedded cybersecurity solution will enhance the safety of business operations by proactively blocking cyber threats without the need for extra hardware or complications. New customers who subscribe to AT&T Business Fiber will benefit from two months of free service starting May 4, as part of AT&T's commitment to bolster small business security.

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

The 2026 AT&T Small Business Contest winners will also have their achievements highlighted in an episode of "She's Connected by AT&T," a docu-style series celebrating women who are breaking barriers in both sports and business. The latest episode features Flau'jae Johnson, a former LSU basketball player now making waves in the WNBA. Alongside her athletic pursuits, Johnson is dedicated to running her own production company and establishing a youth resource center in Savannah, Georgia, exemplifying how entrepreneurship and sports can intertwine to create significant community impact.

A Look Back at Previous Winners

Building on the success of last year's contest, AT&T proudly announced Nourish + Bloom Market as the winner of the 2025 AT&T Small Business Contest. This innovative grocery store operates autonomously and offers robotic deliveries, being the first AI-powered store to accept EBT/SNAP benefits in the U.S. Nourish + Bloom was among several strong finalists dedicated to fostering community and growth.

Final Thoughts

The AT&T Small Business Contest represents more than just a prize; it symbolizes a lifeline for many small business owners striving to thrive in their respective markets. With the added resource of industry-leading cybersecurity and opportunities for visibility and community building, AT&T stands as a reliable partner in the journey toward success. Small business owners, mark your calendars for May 1 and take this opportunity to connect, grow, and enhance your business with AT&T!

For more details and to learn how to apply, visit att.com/shesconnected.