Small, midsize merchants compete in First Data's CloverAchievers

First Data Corp. and its Clover platform division recently launched CloverAchievers, a program designed to award up to $100,000 in cash, prizes and business grants to qualifying small and midsize merchants. Applicants must be based in the United States and have 1,500 or fewer employees, Clover representatives stated. Winners will receive a combination of a cash grant, a Clover technology makeover and donations made in their names to charitable organizations.

John Beatty, founder of Clover, noted that CloverAchievers is designed by and for entrepreneurs. "As an entrepreneur myself, launching a business and watching it grow, I personally understand the daily challenges business owners face in running and growing their businesses," he said. "As part of our commitment to empowering small business success and providing innovative solutions, we're excited to launch CloverAchievers and spotlight entrepreneurs who have a passion to succeed."

The program application deadline is July 31, 2019; the company will publish a list of finalists at the end of August. In September 2019, a panel of First Data and Clover judges will assist in determining the three contest winners.

Contest open to non-Clover merchants

Applicants do not need to be Clover merchants or users, event organizers noted. Entrants can improve their odds of winning by meeting contest objectives, including the following criteria:

• Practicality of idea presented
• Sincerity and credibility of statements shared
• Ability to effectively share uniqueness of business
• Clear, compelling expression of message
• Perceived personality and inspiration to others
• Current potential social/community impact
• Marketability/appeal

Celebrating entrepreneurship

First Data and Clover representatives pointed out that the CloverAchievers contest, launched during National Small Business Week, is meant to recognize and celebrate small business owners while showcasing Clover platform's unique features and benefits. Winning entries will receive the following awards:

• 1st Place $50,000: $40,000 in grant money, $5,000 toward a local philanthropic/nonprofit organization approved by First Data and Clover; up to $5,000 in "Clover Makeover Credit," which can include equipment upgrades; a statement credit up to $750 for one month; and money toward future equipment purchases.

• 2nd Place $30,000: $20,000 in grant money; $5,000 toward a local philanthropic/nonprofit organization approved by First Data and Clover; up to $5,000 in "Clover Makeover Credit," which can include equipment upgrades; a statement credit up to $750 for one month; and money toward future equipment purchases.

• 3rd Place $20,000: $10,000 in grant money; $5,000 toward a local philanthropic/nonprofit organization approved by First Data and Clover; up to $5,000 in "Clover Makeover Credit," which can include equipment upgrades; a statement credit up to $750 for one month; and money toward future equipment purchases.

At the conclusion of the application, entrants receive an automated thank-you email and pre-written message that can be shared on favorite social media platforms if entrants so desire.

Contest organizers indicated that employees of First Data and Clover and affiliates and their family and household members are ineligible. Federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations will also apply. Additional terms and conditions for the online applications are available at www.firstdata.com/clovercontest .

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