Bob Evans’ ‘Making a Difference, Bite by Bite’ shopper marketing campaign is again giving its support to veterans through a $100,000 donation to the USO to be used for business grants. The veteran grant program will award a grand prize of $50,000 to a U.S. veteran launching a new venture, with five runner-up finalists, each receiving a prize of $10,000.
This donation marks Bob Evans’ fifth annual Our Farm Salutes “Heroes to CEOs” grant-giving program that offers American Veterans the opportunity to vie for a substantial first prize. Their business proposals will be judged by a judging panel comprised of corporate executives. The program is part of the company’s national philanthropic effort dedicated to assisting veterans and their families.
“Heroes to CEOs provides more than just a grant to servicemen and women; it gives Veterans the opportunity to have access to counsel and mentorship from some of the top C-Suite level executives in the United States,” said Mark Delahanty, CEO and President of Bob Evans Farms. “We are inspired by the brave men and women who served our country and are proud to offer the opportunity to live out their dreams as successful entrepreneurs.”
With the aim of choosing the best business grant application from the many veterans who apply, the Heroes to CEOs grant contest has set up criteria for the evaluation of submitted proposals. Each will be scored based on reason, presentation, feasibility, opportunity and anticipated future success of the business or plan submitted. Veteran entrepreneurs are required to submit a plan demonstrating a solid business concept, multimedia assets in a video format and field questions about their business or business concept.
“We launched the Our Farm Salutes program to honor American service members, Veterans, and their families through awareness, donations, strategic partnerships, grant opportunities and volunteerism, and we are beyond excited to keep the momentum moving with the Heroes to CEOs program,” said Thyme Hill, CMO of Bob Evans Farms.
Those applying for the veteran business grants must own an independent registered business or have a plan for an independent business. The contest is open to any person who is a Veteran of all U.S. military branches, a legal resident of the United States or District of Columbia and at least 18 years old.
Winners will be announced after September 2, 2021.
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