Three small businesses will receive 'strings-free' awards to invest in hiring, expansion, or the needs that matter most to their businesses' future

DETROIT, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Credibly, the AI-powered working capital company that champions small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today opened applications for its third annual Credibly Small Business Awards. This year, the company will once again award $60,000 in total to three small businesses having a positive impact on their customers, employees, and communities.

Applications will be open from September 1st through September 30, 2026. The first-place winner will receive $30,000, the second-place winner will receive $20,000, and the third-place winner will receive $10,000.

The award money comes with no repayment obligation and no restrictions on how the funds should be spent. Winners are free to use the award money to support their business, whether that means hiring employees, purchasing equipment, expanding services, improving cash flow, or moving forward with an idea that's been delayed due to capital constraints. "Small business owners are never short on ideas. What they typically struggle with is the necessary capital to turn those ideas into action," said Ryan Rosett, co-CEO and co-founder of Credibly. "The Small Business Awards are our way to support entrepreneurs by giving them free capital and trusting them to know what their businesses need most."

Credibly established the awards in 2024 to recognize and honor the resourcefulness and resilience of small business owners across the country. Since its inception, winning businesses have used the award money to hire employees, purchase necessary equipment, introduce new services, and improve cash flow during critical stages of growth.

What began as a new initiative has turned into an annual Credibly tradition.

This year's awards kick off as Credibly introduces its refreshed brand identity focused on two principles that have long guided the company: innovation and responsible stewardship. The Small Business Awards showcase that commitment in action by pairing financial support with the belief Credibly was founded on - that small business owners deserve to be trusted, championed, and given the resources to build their businesses on their own terms.

"It's always one of our favorite projects of the year to open up the awards. While there are grants and other sources of capital available to small businesses, as a small business lender we felt it was our responsibility to give back to the customers we serve," said Minyang Jiang, Credibly's Chief Strategy Officer. "We want business owners to tell us their stories, tell us what they've built, and show us what they could do with additional resources behind them. We also want to make it easy for them to apply."

The awards are open to eligible small business owners throughout the United States. Credibly encourages applicants to share the story behind their businesses, the challenges they have overcome, and how the award money could help them take their next step.

Winners will be announced in Q4 this year.

How to Apply

Applications are open from September 1 through September 30, 2026. Apply at: LINK

About Credibly

Credibly is a working capital company that improves the speed, cost, experience, and choice of capital for SMBs. The company provides balance sheet, syndication, and off-balance-sheet funding options.

Founded in 2010, Credibly has provided access to over $3 billion in capital to more than 65,000 SMBs, while maintaining a strong emphasis on risk management and a culture of compliance. Credibly made history by becoming the first company in its field to acquire the servicing rights to another alternative working capital company's portfolio ($250 million). The company has achieved steady growth, is one of only two alternative business financing companies to maintain its asset-backed securitization through the COVID-19 pandemic, and has recorded exceptional origination numbers.

Credibly's headquarters are in Southfield, Michigan, with offices in New York and Arizona. To learn more, please visit www.credibly.com.

Media Contact:
Jenny Beres
Pink Shark PR
jenny@pinksharkpr.com
941-993-7222

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SOURCE Credibly