Supporting Small Business Entrepreneurs in New Venture Creation
About the Small Business Prize
New for 2026, the Small Business Prize is an additional prize awarded within the Tufts New Ventures Competition to celebrate small business founders who embody the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset through their bias to action. To win the prize, student founders must have founded and launched their own small business, and demonstrate early traction through customer acquisition and revenue generation. Eligible small businesses include food and beverage, apparel and footwear, personal and professional services and more.
This year’s winning team will receive a cash prize of $2,500, split evenly among the student team members.
How To Apply
As the Small Business Prize is an additional prize administered along the Tufts New Ventures Competition, there is no separate application to fill out. Teams applying to the New Ventures Competition simply need to indicate their eligibility within the application and they will be considered for the Small Business Prize.
Evaluation And Winner Announcement
Applications are reviewed by a separate panel of experienced entrepreneurs and small business experts. Finalists may be invited for brief interviews to discuss their progress and learning.
Winners will be announced at the Live Finals for the New Ventures Competition.