Citizens Launches 9th Annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest

On Jan 22, 2026

Citizens has opened its ninth annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest, designed to recognize and empower the business owners whose work strengthens neighborhoods and drives economic growth.

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 Feb. 10.

“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.”

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.

To enter, business owners must answer the following questions:

• How would you use the Citizens Small Business Community Champion Award to strengthen and sustain your business? (100‑word maximum)
• How would you use the Citizens Small Business Community Champion Award to support your community’s growth and evolving needs and behaviors? (150‑word maximum)

Official rules, including eligibility, entry and submission requirements, and additional instructions are provided on the contest website.

When: The contest opens for submissions at 10 a.m. ET on Jan. 20, and closes at 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 10.

Winners will be announced in May to celebrate the honorees during Small Business Month.

Where: Eligible businesses can apply by visiting this link.

Who: Applicants must be for‑profit small businesses with up to $5 million in annual revenue that have been in business for at least two years and maintain a minimum of three full- or part-time employees for no less than 51% of any calendar year. Businesses must be a Citizens Bank, N.A. business banking account holder in good standing prior to Feb. 10. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Additional restrictions apply.

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