Xero Awards SG$630,000 to Global Small Businesses

Xero has announced the winners of its 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund, granting a total prize pool of SG$630,000 across various countries to empower small businesses and nonprofits. The 28 winners, representing regions such as Singapore, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the US, presented their business goals through 90-second video pitches. Each entry competed in one of four categories: Innovating for Environmental Sustainability, Trailblazing with Technology, Strengthening Community Connection, and Upskilling for the Future.

From Singapore, four businesses—Seven Clean Seas, Tack One, Foreword Coffee, and Two Men Bagel House—secured SG$15,000 each for their forward-thinking projects, each demonstrating a commitment to innovation, community, and skill development.

Singapore Winners Showcasing Sustainability, Technology, Community, and Skills

Seven Clean Seas won the Innovating for Environmental Sustainability category for its work on eliminating plastic pollution. The organisation aims to remove 10 million kilograms of plastic waste by 2025. The funding will support the purchase of advanced washing equipment to clean recovered plastic, a crucial step for recycling. “This grant will allow us to recycle far more plastic than before,” said Tom Peacock-Nazil, CEO and Founder. “We’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to enhance our ocean conservation efforts.”

Tack One, an Internet of Things (IoT) company, triumphed in the Trailblazing with Technology category with its flood-monitoring device, FloodFinder. This device monitors rising water levels to alert communities and authorities, providing critical warnings. Co-founder Justin Zhang remarked, “The fund gives us a boost to bring FloodFinder to more communities, enabling small businesses like ours to scale innovation and expand our reach.”

Foreword Coffee, a social enterprise promoting disability inclusion, won in the Strengthening Community Connection category. Over 80% of its employees identify with a disability or mental health challenge, and the funds will help subsidise training to upskill its workforce. “Recognition from Xero provides a credibility boost, supporting our mission of creating inclusive opportunities,” said Nadi Chan, Co-founder and Director.

Two Men Bagel House received the Upskilling for the Future award for its plans to enhance team training as it prepares for international expansion. “This fund will enable us to develop key personnel with skills needed to manage foreign markets,” noted Co-owner Clement Fu. “It’s a huge support for SMEs like ours trying to grow in a competitive environment.”

Recognising and Empowering Small Businesses Worldwide

Xero’s CEO, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, congratulated all winners, saying, “Xero is proud to support the winners of the 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund. Your passion and dedication truly embody what this fund is about—making a positive impact on communities worldwide.”

Koren Wines, Xero Asia’s Managing Director, applauded the quality of submissions, saying, “The ingenuity and resilience of Singapore’s small business community are inspiring. As a former small business owner, I know the challenges of running a business. With the Xero Beautiful Business Fund, we aim to support Singapore’s small businesses and foster an inclusive, resilient, and innovative economy.”

The Xero Beautiful Business Fund not only offers financial backing but also provides global recognition to small businesses working toward a sustainable, tech-driven, and community-focused future.