Citizens Bank has launched its annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest, recognizing the positive contributions of small businesses in their communities. The contest will award $10,000 to 30 small businesses across Citizens' footprint, including 10 minority-owned and 10 women-owned businesses, with five of the 30 awards reserved exclusively for veteran-owned businesses. Citizens' program has awarded over $1.2 million to 112 small businesses, enhancing local economies and communities by expanding operations, providing valuable products and services, and supporting community growth. Eligible for-profit small businesses can enter for a chance to win $10,000 by answering questions about how they would use the award to strengthen and sustain their business and support their community's growth. The contest is open from January 18 to February 1, 2024, requires for-profit small businesses with $3 million annual revenue, five employees or contractors, and age 18 or older.