The Gusto Impact Awards Grant

The Gusto Impact Awards Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Gusto
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: November 10, 2025

Summary

The Gusto Impact Awards, launched by Gusto, honor small businesses making significant contributions to their communities. With $325,000 in prizes across five regions, winners will receive advertising and cash rewards to enhance their impact. Eligible candidates are small businesses in the U.S. with under 75 employees and less than $7 million in revenue. This initiative celebrates local heroes, from baristas to nonprofits, showcasing the vital role of small enterprises in driving community progress.

Overview

Launched in 2012 as ZenPayroll, Gusto serves more than 400,000 businesses nationwide. Each year we process tens of billions of dollars of payroll and provide employee benefits—like health insurance and 401(k) accounts—while helping companies create incredible work places. Gusto Impact Awards 5 regions, $325k in prizes, 1 big celebration of small business. From the barista who remembers your name to the nonprofit changing lives, there are so many ways small businesses make impact. The Gusto Impact Awards celebrate those businesses making a real difference, no matter how small. So, why are
 we doing this? Small businesses are the heartbeat of America. The Gusto Impact Awards recognize those who are committed to their communities—the makers, risk-takers, movers, and shakers that inspire progress. We can’t do what we do without you, and it’s time we showed you some love. No business is too small to make a difference. “Impact” can be defined in many ways, from how you serve your customers and community, to who you hire or how you volunteer. What are the Gusto Impact Awards? The Gusto Impact Awards are Gusto’s effort to celebrate and support small businesses and the communities they serve. What are the prizes? Five grand prize winners (one per region - Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West) will receive a total of $50,000 in prizes comprised of $40,000 in advertising, $10,000 in cash, and one year of free Gusto payroll. For the $40,000 advertising buy, grand prize winners will receive a free initial consultation with the Gusto creative team to design one advertisement featuring your small business, with up to two rounds of revisions. Gusto has ultimate discretion on the final design and distribution of the advertising. In addition, 150 finalists (30 per eligible region) will receive $500 in Visa gift cards.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Small businesses located in the United States who have no more than 75 employees, annual gross revenue of less than $7 million in fiscal year 2024, and must have been registered with its secretary of state and been active business for the previous year. Additionally, the business must have an active website, valid email, and internet access. All other persons (i.e., members of the general public) are NOT eligible. The judges will score each submission based on the following: the strength of story and mission of the business, community impact, and the impact of winning on the business and its employees.

Ineligibility

Are franchised or direct-seller businesses eligible? No, these business types are not eligible to apply. Examples of direct seller businesses are Mary Kay, Rodan and Fields, Doterra, BeautyCounter, Young Living, Color Street, etc.Examples of franchised businesses are any businesses where you are not the creator of the brand (McDonald’s, Budget Blinds, etc).