Major League Baseball has teamed up with Mastercard in effort to help small businesses who may have struggled or are struggling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Through the partnership, MLB and Mastercard are inviting small businesses in Atlanta, Boston and Los Angeles to enter the Home Team Advantage Small Business Contest, which offers the chance to win $10,000, a Mastercard Digital Doors toolkit, in-stadium assets and a trip for winner and one guest to attend a 2021 MLB World Series game.
“While small businesses had to contend with extreme challenges throughout the pandemic, they demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination in the process,” Mastercard executive vice president of marketing and communications in North America Cheryl Guerin said in a statement.
“Alongside our partners at MLB, we’re committed to celebrating and supporting the small businesses that serve as the backbone of our communities and are thrilled to provide the resources and digital tools to help them continue to grow and thrive.”
To enter the contest, small businesses in the three aforementioned cities must apply during their respective city’s application period as determined by Mastercard. The application requires businesses to create a PDF presentation no longer than six pages in length outlining the reasons they are a worthy recipient of the grand prize.
All submissions will be reviewed, and five finalists from each city will be chosen for for a virtual business pitch. Each finalist will be invited to attend a dinner at the MLB stadium in their respective city and will be allowed to bring four guests to the event. Following a Q&A session after the business pitches, one grand prize winner from each city will be chosen.
MLB, Mastercard calling on teams’ participation
The Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers will all provide benefits to the winning business in their cities.
Each winner will be awarded a half-inning advertisement during a game, a pre-game video board graphic during a game and one hosting opportunity in a suite for the winner and guests. The Braves will allow 19 guests, the Red Sox will allow 22, and the Dodgers will allow 13.
Each city’s application closes on Monday, August 1. Click here for further details on the contest.
