UPS X-Port Challenge Helps Small Businesses Grow Globally

• Less than one percent of American companies export
• 58% of U.S. companies export to just one country
• #XPortChallenge awards $10,000 in international shipping

ATLANTA, Aug. 30, 2017 -- UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced a competition to help small businesses grow globally. The UPS X-Port Challenge allows qualifying start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses to compete for $10,000 in international shipping credits with the company.

“The majority of the world’s commerce lies outside the United States, yet exporting remains a challenge for most small businesses,” said Bill Seward, UPS U.S. International President. “Our business solutions help remove some of those barriers, and this contest is another innovative way to help our customers grow in international markets.”

Here’s how it works: Interested companies that qualify in participating markets submit an application online at https://global.ups.com/x-portchallenge2017/ listing their specialty, global appeal and market challenges. A team of UPS employees will evaluate the applications based on criteria such as uniqueness, presentation, market demand and global readiness. Application deadlines vary by geographic market.

The top 10 applicants from each participating market will pitch their business to a panel of judges from the local international business community. The judges will then select the top three finalists as prize winners. The second and third place winners will receive $2,500 and $1,000 in credits respectively in UPS export shipping.

The winner of each market competition will be included in a virtual run-off where UPS employees will vote on which product is export worthy.  The top 3 contestants with the most votes will be invited to a national competition held in the first quarter for an opportunity to win a grand prize of $25,000, 2nd Place: $15,000 or 3rd Place: $10,000.

In its third year, the X-Port Challenge exposes participants to valuable insight and resources from an expert panel of judges and industry peers. Previous winners have increased their understanding of international markets, grown sales in other countries and acquired new customers abroad. 

The X-Port Challenge is open to eligible businesses incorporated and registered to conduct business under the laws of the states where UPS is running the competition. Visit https://global.ups.com/x-portchallenge2017/  for official rules, eligibility requirements and a list of participating markets.

About UPS
UPS (NYSE:UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com or pressroom.ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter.

Contacts: 
Vikki Conwell                                     
404-828-6091                                                  
[email protected]