(PRESS RELEASE) ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Chesapeake Bay Dog Company (BAYDOG) announces that it has been selected as a grand prize winner of the 11th annual FedEx Small Business Grant Contest. The contest, started in 2012, is open to U.S.-based for-profit businesses with less than 99 employees. BAYDOG was chosen as one of 10 winners from over 8,000 applicants to receive a $30,000 grant from FedEx, as well as several other prizes including $1,000 FedEx Office print credit and access to FedEx Premier Customer Service amongst others. BAYDOG also won the veteran-owned business prize and will receive an additional $20,000 grant courtesy of USAA Small Business Insurance. “I was in shock when we learned that we were not only the winner of the of the FedEx grant, but also the USAA Veterans Grant,” said company founder and CEO, Barton O’Brien. “We are honored to be chosen as one of only 10 winners from over 8,000 applicants. As a small and growing business we need to constantly be innovating and investing in new product development, and that’s exactly what this grant will allow us to do. Also, the exposure from winning such a prestigious award will hopefully introduce BAYDOG to many new dog owners.”
Now in its 11th year, the FedEx Small Business Grant has awarded over $1.67 million in total grant money and other prizes to 111 small businesses to help grow and enhance their business. Past winners include Sand Cloud (2019), Kanga (2020), Niche Snowboards (2022) and Terra Beauty Products (2022). “We are thrilled to have BAYDOG join our elite community of grant winners and to be able to share their story,” said Kelli Martin, FedEx digital marketing advisor and strategy lead over the contest. Larry Williams, vice president of USAA Small Business Insurance, added “USAA is honored to partner with FedEx to recognize BAYDOG and their founder, Barton, as our inaugural veteran grant winner. The skills learned serving our country prepare and inspire countless veterans to start their own businesses. It’s a privilege to serve those who have served us.”