Xero Beautiful Business Fund FAQs

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply for the Xero Beautiful Business Fund?

You can view full eligibility criteria here and terms and conditions are available here.

Do I need to hold the subscription for my Xero account?

No - if your accountant or bookkeeper holds the subscription that is totally fine.

If our business is a non-profit, can I apply?

Absolutely - the Fund is open to both for-profit and non-profits. You can view the full eligibility criteria here and our terms and conditions are available here.

What do I need to do to prove I’m a Xero subscriber?

Yes - in the application form you’ll be asked to upload a screenshot of your Xero dashboard with your business name (top of dashboard in menu bar), which will help us verify you are a Xero customer. Please make sure to upload a screenshot where your business name is clearly visible. This information will remain confidential and will only be used for judging purposes.

Can my accountant/bookkeeper/someone else apply on my behalf?

The small business owner or a designed employee will need to complete the application. However, you should indicate if you/they have been referred by an accountant/bookkeeper or Xero employee in order for the accountant/bookkeeper or Xero employee to be eligible for our referral incentive program.

Why can’t business owners in Quebec participate in the Xero Beautiful Business Fund?

Unfortunately, the Xero Beautiful Business Fund is not running in the province of Quebec. You can view our official rules here, which we unfortunately can’t change as the contest has already started. We appreciate your interest in the Xero Beautiful Business Fund.

Application process

I’m trying to start the process but the button takes me to an upload screen?

That’s right - the first step is to upload your video. Once this is uploaded you will be taken to the form to capture your details, select the category and verify you’re a Xero customer. Then you’re all set.

Can I see the application form?

Once you’ve uploaded your video, you will be taken to the short application form, where you will be required to provide:

• Business name (this should match what is in your Xero subscription)

• Full name of individual submitting application (can be the business owner or an employee)

• Email address

• Phone number

• Registered business mailing address (please include the country)

• Country where you are based (this must match what is in your Xero subscription)

• Please upload a screenshot of your Xero dashboard with your business name (top of dashboard in menu bar), which will help us verify you are a Xero customer

• How many permanent employees does your business have at the time of your application submission?

• Were you referred to the Xero Beautiful Business Fund? If so, who were you referred by?

• Please list name, and if applicable, practice/firm name of your referrer

• Select one (1) entry category you are applying for

• I confirm I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and I agree to Xero’s privacy policy

What format does the pitch video have to be in?

Please upload your video as a .mov, .mp4, and .m4v file, not to exceed 90 seconds (1 minute, 30 seconds) in length. The file size must be 120 MB or less, so it’s recommended that you film your video in 1080p. You can view more application video filming tips to follow here or on our microsite: xerobeautifulbusinessfund.com.

What will Xero use my video for?

Entrants and winners of the Xero Beautiful Business Fund may have their video submitted as part of the contest used in future communications and marketing materials from Xero. This is outlined in the Terms and Conditions and might include case studies, filming, photography and any other promotional materials.

Am I allowed to seek [professional] help with my pitch video?

That’s entirely up to you. We do however have some guidelines for filming videos at xerobeautifulbusinessfund.com which might be useful.

Feel free to get creative with your entry. For example, you can cut in video, add captions, images, slides or prompts that can help you get your key points across.

Can I edit my video once I’ve submitted?

No - unfortunately not.

I’m a Xero customer but I’m not in one of the seven countries listed, why can’t I apply?

We’re only offering the fund in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec) and the United Kingdom. Full eligibility criteria available here and terms and conditions are available here.

Judging

What is the judging criteria and how will entries be judged?

You can check out the eligibility and judging criteria here.

Prizes

What do the businesses win?

The Xero Beautiful Business Fund offers more than NZ$750,000 in funding to winning small businesses. Funding will be awarded to winners at a regional and global level.

You can read more information about the prize breakdown here or on page 7 of the T&Cs here.

Will I need to pay tax on any winnings?

Prize winners are responsible for any and all applicable federal, state, provincial, territorial, and local taxes, if any, and any other unspecified expenses associated with acceptance or use/misuse of the funding prize.

How will the funds be paid to winners?

The individual will receive the prize money directly via bank transfer to their bank account.

Can a small business win in multiple funding categories?

Each regional winner can only win in one funding category (even if they enter in more than one) and each global winner can only win in one funding category. You can read more information on page 8 of our T&Cs here.