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There were a total of 20 winners worldwide, who each received $12,500. Winners were selected based on a 90-second video demonstrating how they would use the funding to support their future business goals. Entrants could submit applications under four possible categories: innovating for environmental sustainability, trailblazing with technology, strengthening community connection, and upskilling for the future.
U.S. winners included:
- Innovating for environmental sustainability:
Sea Quester Farms ' regenerative kelp farm enhances ocean health and supports local food systems through sustainable food production, habitat restoration and training future kelp farmers. The funding will help them bring their new innovative kelp-based food products to market. - Trailblazing with technology:
Ocean Conservation Research is a scientific research and education environmental nongovernmental organization that conducts research, education and campaigns on ocean acoustics to advance national and international environmental laws and scientific standards. The funding will support developing a novel signal-processing technology to get whales up onscreen in ship wheel-houses in order to prevent whale/ship strikes. - Strengthening community connection:
The Chicago Tool Library is a nonprofit library that lends thousands of items to help with home repair, gardening, camping and more in an affordable and sustainable way. It will use the funding to expand its community program, purchase high-demand items and increase staff capacity. - Upskilling for the future: Kendra Baker Veterinary Relief Services offers short-term, onsite veterinary care for zoos, aquariums and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Xero's funding will be used to help Dr. Kendra Baker obtain certification from the American College of Zoological Medicine, enhancing her skills and improving the care provided.
"Xero is proud to support all of the winners of the 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund. Your passion, ambition, and commitment to your communities truly embodies the spirit of what the fund is all about," said Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy. "Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all the entrants for sharing your stories and inspiring us as we pursue our purpose to make life better for small businesses, their advisors and communities worldwide."
This year's 28 country winners for the fund were chosen by a panel of five judges in each country. This year's U.S. judging panel included Ben Richmond, managing director of North America at Xero; Shahir Daud and Shivali Gulab, founders of SuvaNova, a U.S. regional winner of last year's Xero Beautiful Business Fund; Claire Van Holland, principal at CV Ledger; Sarah Prevost, founder of Mintage Labs; and Krista Simpson, project coordinator at Xero.
