AT&T is opening applications for its fourth annual Small Business Contest, offering $50,000 to the winner and $5,000 each to four runners-up.
The contest launches May 1 during National Small Business Week and runs through July 31. Small business owners can apply at att.com/shesconnected with no elaborate submission requirements.
Beyond the prize money, finalists gain access to a network of peers and resources. Contest winners are also featured in "She's Connected by AT&T," a documentary-style series highlighting women entrepreneurs and athletes. This year's featured episode showcases WNBA rookie Flau'jae Johnson, who balances professional basketball with her own production company and community initiatives in Savannah.
Last year's winner, Nourish + Bloom Market, was the first autonomous grocery store with robotic delivery and EBT acceptance.
AT&T is also introducing Dynamic Defense, a new cybersecurity tool embedded in fiber networks. New fiber customers who subscribe to Dynamic Defense during May receive two months free.
The contest combines financial incentives with community building and storytelling, reflecting a broader shift in how major corporations engage with entrepreneurship, according to AT&T.
