The United States is home to nearly 30 million small businesses, and 22 percent of these businesses are concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic. In states like Virginia, small businesses employ about 50 percent of the private workforce.
Small businesses can make a big difference as they generate economic growth, provide valuable jobs and serve as an important voice in their communities.
UnitedHealthcare works with many small businesses across the country and has a unique understanding of their potential to contribute to better community health.
That’s one reason why UnitedHealthcare is bringing its Community Care Award program to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. One small business in the area, with an innovative idea to improve community health and wellness, will receive a $10,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare. Applications for businesses with 2 to 100 employees are being accepted until Dec. 31, through an online application.
Judges, including local health care experts and business leaders, will evaluate the project submissions and select finalists based on criteria such as community impact, creativity and feasibility. The top applicants will be invited to a live pitch and networking event where the winner will be selected.
“UnitedHealthcare’s Community Care Award program was founded in Virginia to empower and recognize small businesses with ideas to give back to our communities in a creative and innovative way,” said Joe Ochipinti, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic. “The Hampton Roads region is full of dynamic businesses and organizations accomplishing remarkable things. We’re looking forward to participating in that innovation and goodwill.”
The Community Care Award program is in other cities across the country, including Richmond, Virginia and Charleston, West Virginia. This is the first year the program will be offered in Hampton Roads.
UnitedHealthcare is collaborating with the Old Dominion University Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a leader in the region’s business and entrepreneurial community, to identify the winning project and support its implementation in the community.
“At Old Dominion University, we are always looking to support and cultivate small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Nancy Grden, interim associate vice president of the ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “We’re pleased to team up with UnitedHealthcare for a project that both supports our small business community and encourages wellness for citizens in our region.”
For more information on the UnitedHealthcare Community Care Award, including the official contest rules, visit: http://www.uhctogether.com/community-care/.