Who's your favorite small business?
Independent businesses across the US compete for People's Choice. Their customers vote, one free vote a day. Entries open November 28.
The schedule
All times Eastern. Each round cuts the field until one business is left.
- Nov 28 Entries open Small Business Saturday
- Jan 3 Entries close Groups are set
- Jan 5 to 18 Group Stage Top 10 per group advance
- Jan 19 to 25 Top 5 Votes carry over
- Jan 26 to Feb 1 Group Finals Votes reset, 1 per group
- Feb 2 to 4 Wildcard Runners-up, 2 spots
- Feb 5 to 13 Finals Votes reset, winner decided
How it works
Independent businesses enter with a free iSupport Small Biz listing. Customers can nominate a favorite too. We review every entry within 3 to 4 business days.
Every approved business gets a vote page, a share graphic and a printable counter sign with a QR code. Customers verify their email once, then vote free every 24 hours.
Groups narrow from the Top 10 to the Finals. Votes reset in later rounds, so steady support beats a single push.
Six categories
Businesses compete against others in their category. Big categories split into regional groups so a neighborhood favorite gets a fair shot.
Prizes
| People's Choice winner | Up to $50,000 in marketing services: a website revamp, a customer follow-up system, a marketing strategy, a commercial and 3 months of coaching. Plus a year of featured placement on the iSupport Small Biz homepage, a feature video and the People's Choice badge on their listing. |
|---|---|
| Group winners | Winner badge, featured placement in their category and a free profile optimization. |
| Community Pick | Chosen by a judging panel from the Group Finalists for community impact. Same prize as a group winner. |
| Every approved entrant | A free profile review and an invitation to a free marketing diagnostic. |
Full prize details, values and conditions are in the Official Rules.
Questions
Who can enter?
Independent US small businesses in all 50 states and DC: not a chain or franchise, not part of a private equity or DSO group with more than 5 locations, and not hospital-owned. The owner must be 18 or older.
Does it cost anything?
No. Entering is free, listing on iSupport Small Biz is free and voting is free. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
How often can I vote?
Once every 24 hours, after you confirm your email the first time. That is one vote per person per day in total, not one per business.
What are bonus votes?
During some rounds, voters may be able to add bonus votes by donating to our charity partner. Bonus votes are optional and are not active yet. Businesses cannot buy votes for themselves.
What happens to my email address?
We use it to confirm your vote and send Awards updates and our Support Local newsletter about independent businesses. You can unsubscribe at any time. Text reminders are optional and only sent if you ask for them.
My favorite business is not listed. What can I do?
Nominations are open from November 28 to January 3.