UnitedHealthcare, a leading national provider of healthcare benefits, will award $10,000 in funding to a small business with the next big idea for enhancing community health and wellness in greater Charleston. Businesses in and around Charleston with two to 100 employees are eligible to submit project ideas for enhancing their communities’ health and wellness through an online application now through July 25.
Judges, including local health care experts and business leaders, will evaluate the project submissions and select the top five based on criteria such as community impact, creativity and feasibility. The top five applicants will be invited to a live pitch and networking event where the “UnitedHealthcare Community Care Award” winner will be selected.
“UnitedHealthcare’s Community Care Award was created empower and recognize small businesses with ideas to give back to their community in a creative and impactful way,” said Chris Mullins, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic. “Charleston is a vibrant city full of businesses and organizations accomplishing remarkable things. We’re looking forward to participating in that innovation and goodwill.”
UnitedHealthcare has held the Community Care Award in a variety of markets including Richmond, Virginia and Syracuse, New York. This is the first year that UnitedHealthcare will bring the program to West Virginia to support local businesses and encourage community wellness.
Local business development organizations—the Charleston Area Alliance, WV State University Economic Development Center and the West Virginia Small Business Development Center will partner with UnitedHealthcare to identify the winning project and support implementation in the community.
“The Charleston Area Alliance is proud to partner with UnitedHealthcare to support small businesses making a positive impact in greater Charleston,” said Matt Ballard, Alliance President/CEO. “The Community Care Award is an inspiring program that will make a positive difference in the health and wellness of West Virginians by leveraging the expertise of our small business community.”
“The West Virginia Small Business Development Center is helping to build a diverse community of entrepreneurs by giving small business owners the tools they need for success,” said Erika Bailey, Director. “By teaming up with UnitedHealthcare on the Community Care Award we are contributing to Charleston’s growing entrepreneurial base while giving back to and supporting the larger community’s health and wellness.”
Addressing the state’s unique health challenges is more important now than ever. The latest health rankings report from the UnitedHealth Foundation show that the state is struggling in many areas of health and wellness, including obesity, smoking and drug overdose. In overall health and wellbeing, West Virginia is ranked 46th in the country.
To apply, and for more information about the UnitedHealthcare Community Care Award including the official contest rules, visit http://www.uhc.com/communitycare.
