woman smiling while holding FedEx package

Meet the 2018 winners

Meet the 2018 winners

Meet the 2018 winners

FedEx Small Business Grant program

FedEx Small Business Grant program

FedEx Small Business Grant program

Get inspired by their success

A photo of Scott Edwards from Drop Water showing their new alternative water bottles
A photo of Scott Edwards from Drop Water showing their new alternative water bottles
A photo of Scott Edwards from Drop Water showing their new alternative water bottles

Drop Water

This business owner reinvented the delivery of bottled water to help solve the world's plastic waste problem.

A photo of a Fiddlershop's Pierre Holstein surrounded by violins and violas
A photo of a Fiddlershop's Pierre Holstein surrounded by violins and violas
A photo of a Fiddlershop's Pierre Holstein surrounded by violins and violas

Fiddlershop

He built an online audience for his video violin tutorials and instrument reviews. Then he and his son built a thriving business.

A photo of a platter of bratwurst from Booze Dogs
A photo of a platter of bratwurst from Booze Dogs
A photo of a platter of bratwurst from Booze Dogs

Booze Dogs

Find out how the story of one lovable boxer dog is helping sell an innovative brand of liquor-infused bratwurst.

A photo of Dahlia Rizk, founder of Buckle Me Baby Coats, standing in front of a display of coats
A photo of Dahlia Rizk, founder of Buckle Me Baby Coats, standing in front of a display of coats
A photo of Dahlia Rizk, founder of Buckle Me Baby Coats, standing in front of a display of coats

Buckle Me Baby Coats

This mom struggled removing her child's winter coat before loading her in a car seat until she took matters into her own hands.

A photo of Ben Martin from Dauntless Wine Company
A photo of Ben Martin from Dauntless Wine Company
A photo of Ben Martin from Dauntless Wine Company

Dauntless Wine Company

Founded by three Iraq war veterans, this company crafts premium wine while helping veterans transition to the home front.

A photo of a girl standing outside of a school with a Blended Designs backpack
A photo of a girl standing outside of a school with a Blended Designs backpack
A photo of a girl standing outside of a school with a Blended Designs backpack

Blended Designs

A husband and wife team created school bags and travel gear that speak directly to children of color to help empower them.

A photo of Scott Baum, founder of ZZZ Bears, holding a little girl with a teddy bear that's wearing an Army uniform
A photo of Scott Baum, founder of ZZZ Bears, holding a little girl with a teddy bear that's wearing an Army uniform
A photo of Scott Baum, founder of ZZZ Bears, holding a little girl with a teddy bear that's wearing an Army uniform

ZZZ Bears

Justin Baum's business, making teddy bears for children of military families with nighttime anxiety, overcame challenges.

A photo of someone wearing a Locker Lifestyle Wrist Locker
A photo of someone wearing a Locker Lifestyle Wrist Locker
A photo of someone wearing a Locker Lifestyle Wrist Locker

Locker Lifestyle

A college student's experience having her belongings stolen while she was at the gym drove her to invent this unique solution.

Back of the Yards A photo of founders Jesse Iñiguez and Mayra Hernandez in their Back of the Yards Coffee Co. shop
Back of the Yards A photo of founders Jesse Iñiguez and Mayra Hernandez in their Back of the Yards Coffee Co. shop
Back of the Yards A photo of founders Jesse Iñiguez and Mayra Hernandez in their Back of the Yards Coffee Co. shop

Back of the Yards Coffee Co.

This South Side, Chicago coffee shop planted the seeds for growth in their community and beyond.