How to win $10K to boost your business
Starting and growing your own business takes courage. We want to recognise and celebrate the people who are actively turning their ideas into reality. You’re showing up, making progress, and staying committed, even when results are still taking shape.
Join the Namecheap Business Starter Kit $10,000 Contest, where four chosen winners will get these bundles of cash to help grow their businesses:
- $10,000 — First Prize
- $5,000 — Second Prize
- $1,000 — Third Prize (2x)
Plus, five runners-up will get $100 credited to their Namecheap account. So nine prizes are up for grabs in total.
How the contest works
You’re eligible to win one of these nine prizes if you have a US-based business with a legally registered business name, such as LLC (Limited Liability Company) or DBA (Sole Proprietor, Doing Business As).
We want to hear about the real-world progress you’re making. Even small steps count, but you’ll need to be able to show that you’re actively building. Commitment matters more than results or fancy branding.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Sign up – If you don’t already have an LLC or DBA registered in the US, get your LLC for free (just pay state filing fees) with the Business Starter Kit.
- Fill out the form – Before the deadline, click on the Contest Application and get going. Summarize your business, and explain what inspired your idea.
- Showcase your work so far – In the application, show us how you’re actively building your business with descriptions, links, and uploads.
What the judges are looking for
Our judges are a panel of experts in Namecheap leadership positions, across Business Development, Product, and Marketing.
They’re not looking for perfection, advanced experience, or major success. What matters is demonstrating a go-getter mindset and being authentic.
Your application will be evaluated using these criteria:
- Proof of execution (50%) – Show us what you’ve already built. This could be your website, product or service, social presence, including social media posts made for this contest, or anything else that demonstrates real progress and follow-through.
- Vision & feasibility (20%) – Explain the problem your business solves, and who you’re solving it for. Does your idea make sense in the real world, and is there a clear path forward?
- Storytelling & motivation (15%) – Tell us about yourself. Why did you start this business, and what are your goals? We want to understand the motivation behind what you’re building.
- Plan for the prize (15%) – Explain how you would use your prize money to support realistic growth. Clarity and practicality matter more than ambition.
Bear in mind that heavily AI-generated responses will lower your score. Our judges want to hear your authentic voice, not ChatGPT’s.
Competition timeline
- Launch date: January 6, 2026
- Application deadline: March 22, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time
- Winners announced: May 2026
Just getting started?
Another way we’re helping people shift from startup to thriving is by giving entrepreneurs like you everything you’ll need for liftoff. With the Business Starter Kit, you’ll get an LLC for free (just pay state fees). This shows the world you’re credible from the get-go, while also protecting your personal assets.
On top of that, also get (free for one year) a .com domain, hosting, business email, social media manager, and SEO manager. Here’s a quick summary of this package. It’s never been easier to explore your ambition.
Ready to win? Let’s grow your business!
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I haven’t launched my business publicly yet?
Absolutely. As long as you have a registered LLC or DBA, and some proof that you’re actively working towards your launch.
Do I need to have a finished website?
No, but you will need to show some real progress, like a landing page, product mock-up, or active social page.
Can I apply if I don’t have an LLC or DBA?
You’ll need a registered business name to apply, because it shows you’re not just in the idea stage. If you don’t already have an LLC or DBA, you can get one for free with the Business Starter Kit.
Can international businesses apply?
Sorry, the current content is open only to US-based businesses.
Will using AI disqualify me?
Not automatically, but overly AI-written entries will lose score ranking, because the judges are keen to see your authentic voice and vision.
Where can I learn more about this contest?
Contest is open only to business owners/designated representatives who are legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Entry Period starts at 12:00 a.m. EST on 1/6/26 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on 3/22/26. See full Official Rules for how to enter, judging criteria, prize details, and restrictions. Sponsor: Namecheap, Inc., 4600 East Washington Street, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85034.
