• NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

• THIS IS A SKILL-BASED CONTEST.

• VOID OUTSIDE OF THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES AND WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

• AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY / RELEASE OF LIABILITY / PRIZE ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT MAY BE REQUIRED.

• THE PROMOTION IS ONLY OPEN TO SMALL MERCHANT BUSINESSES AS DEFINED BY THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

• ALL DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED SOLELY BY BINDING ARBITRATION AND ENTRANTS WAIVE THE ABILITY TO BRING CLAIMS IN A CLASS ACTION FORMAT.

BY ENTERING (OR OTHERWISE PARTICIPATING) IN THE PROMOTION, ENTRANTS AGREE TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES (DEFINED BELOW), WHICH CREATE A BINDING CONTRACT SO READ THEM CAREFULLY BEFORE ENTERING. WITHOUT LIMITATION, SUCH CONTRACT INCLUDES GRANTS OF RIGHTS AND INDEMNITIES TO THE PROMOTION ENTITIES (DEFINED BELOW) FROM YOU AND A LIMITATION OF YOUR RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

1. Eligibility. Participation in U.S. Bank and Elavon’s 2024 Small Business, Big Ambition Contest (the “Promotion”) constitutes each individual’s full and unconditional agreement to be bound by these Official Rules. The Promotion is open only to individuals who, as of October 10, 2024: (a) are legal residents and physically located in the contiguous United States or the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and other U.S. overseas territories, (b) are at least the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (which is eighteen (18) years of age in most states, but nineteen (19) years of age in Nebraska and Alabama, and twenty-one (21) years of age in Mississippi), and (c) own a merchant business that meets the classifications, definitions and parameters of a small business under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Small Business Administration, as described here: https://www.state.gov/what-is-a-small-business/. Employees, officers and directors of U.S. Bank National Association and Elavon, Inc. (collectively, “Sponsors”), and each of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, distributors and other prize suppliers (collectively, the “Promotion Entities”), and each of such employees’, officers’ and directors’ immediate family members and/or those living in the same household (whether legally related or not) are not eligible to enter the Promotion or win a prize. For purposes of this Promotion, immediate family members are defined as spouse, partner, parents, legal guardians, in-laws, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren and those living in the same household shall mean people who share the same residence at least three (3) months a year, whether legally related or not. Void where prohibited by law. By entering or participating in the Promotion, individuals agree to be bound by these “Official Rules” and the decisions of the Judges (defined below) and Sponsors, which are binding and final on matters relating to this Promotion, including, without limitation, interpretation of the Official Rules. While this Promotion may be promoted via social media websites and other third party platforms, such websites or third party platforms are not affiliated with Sponsors or this Promotion. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, X, or any other site or medium that might host content where information about this Promotion is posted or published (collectively “Content Hosts”). Individuals who enter this Promotion will be providing information only to Sponsors and not to Content Hosts. Participation in the Promotion in any way, including submission of any entry or the partial completion of any act of entry or any other steps taken to participate in the Promotion in any manner, constitutes full and unconditional agreement with all provisions of these Official Rules.

2. Promotion Period. The Promotion begins at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on October 10, 2024, and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 28, 2025 (the “Promotion Period”). Only entries submitted and received during the Promotion Period will be accepted. Sponsors are the official timekeeper of this promotion.

3. How to Enter. To enter the Promotion, during the Promotion Period, visit the Promotion website at www.mybigambition.com (the “Promotion Website”) or by scanning a direct link QR Code found on signage at industry or sponsored events, collateral materials such as brochures and double-sided cards distributed at the aforementioned events, and other advertising promoting the Promotion. The Promotion Website will contain a description of the Promotion and the official entry form. Each individual will be asked to submit an official entry form, which may include, among other things, their full name, business name, and business email as prompted, and may include optional information such as their business address and website URL. Additionally, individuals must write a brief essay on why their business deserves to win the Small Business, Big Ambition Contest prize package (a “Submission”). For purposes of this Promotion, a Submission is an essay that follows the technical, creative, and legal requirements disclosed on the Promotion Website and elsewhere in these Official Rules, including, without limitation, the Content Guidelines (defined below).

Limit of one (1) entry per person/email address for the Promotion. A Submission may, in Sponsors’ sole and absolute discretion, be rejected if it fails to follow the technical, creative, and legal requirements disclosed on the Promotion Website and in these Official Rules. The database clock of the Promotion Website will be the official timekeeper for the Promotion. Those who do not follow all of the instructions, provide the required information in their entry form, or abide by these Official Rules or other instructions of Sponsors may be disqualified at Sponsors’ sole and absolute discretion.

5. Content Guidelines; General Conditions. Submissions that do not meet the following “Content Guidelines” are subject to disqualification and/or removal from the Promotion Website at Sponsors’ sole and absolute discretion, so read and follow these Content Guidelines:

• Submissions must comply with these Official Rules and any terms of use posted on the Promotion Website and meet all specifications or requirements called for on the Promotion Website and other advertising for the Promotion.

• During the Promotion Period, Submissions cannot be displayed or distributed except by us and you must maintain all rights, without third party obligations, to transfer your Submission to us if you are selected as a winner.

• Except for materials that are in the public domain, each Submission, in its entirety, must be a single work of original material created by the entrant, or for which entrant has all rights required to comply with these Official Rules, and suitable for presentation in a public forum.

• Submissions must not have been submitted previously in any contest of any kind or exhibited or displayed publicly (i.e., disclosed beyond your immediate circle of friends and family) through any means previously.

• Except for materials in the public domain, Submissions must include only materials created by the entrant, or for which entrant has all rights required to comply with these Official Rules, and must not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any other person or entity. Sponsors do not permit the infringement of others’ rights and any use of materials that infringe third party rights is grounds for disqualification from the Promotion and may subject you to liability. Do not copy your favorite movie, book, or photo or include materials, images, graphics, music, or trademarks belonging to any third parties or incorporate the names, voices, likeness, or personas of any party other than yourself unless you have obtained all rights necessary to permit you to use same in connection with your Submission and grant the rights herein granted to Sponsors. Entries that contain brand names, trademarks or company logos are subject to disqualification.

• Submissions must not include material that: (a) is sexually explicit, indecent, obscene, violent, hateful, tortuous, defamatory, slanderous, or libelous, (b) is derogatory or promotes bigotry, racism, hatred, or harm against any group or individual or promotes discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age, (c) invades the privacy or publicity rights of any person, living or deceased, (d) is unlawful, (e) is harmful to other users of the Promotion Website such as viruses, trojan horses or other technologies that could adversely impact the Promotion, and/or (f) is disparaging to Sponsors or is inconsistent with the positive images and/or goodwill to which Sponsors wish to associate (at Sponsors’ sole and absolute discretion).

• Submissions should not reveal any personal information about another individual, including another person’s address, phone number, email address, credit card number, or any information that may be used to track, contact or impersonate that individual.

• Entrants must not submit a Submission that if selected cannot be assigned to Sponsors as contemplated below.

By entering or participating in this Promotion, entrant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsors and their authorized representatives, which are final and binding in all matters concerning this Promotion. Entries not legitimately submitted in accordance with these Official Rules are void. Only qualified entries received by Sponsors during the Promotion Period are eligible for participation. Sponsors are not responsible for entries that are made but not received by Sponsors, and such entries are void. All entries become the property of Sponsors and will not be acknowledged or returned. Assurance of delivery of entries is the sole responsibility of the entrant.

Unintelligible entries; entries with incomplete, invalid, incorrect or noncurrent information; entries that are counterfeit, damaged, forged, tampered with in any way or otherwise not in compliance with the Official Rules; and entries with printing, production or typographical errors will be disqualified. Disqualified entries and entries that are late, lost, damaged, misdirected, stolen, or not delivered are not the responsibility of Sponsors and will be disqualified. Sponsors are not responsible if a potential winner does not receive their prize because erroneous, expired, canceled, fraudulent, or fake information was provided during Promotion. Proof of sent entry and/or entry receipt (such as a copy of a "thank you" screen or message) does not constitute proof of actual receipt of entry by Sponsors for purposes of this Promotion.

Participation must be by the business owner. Participation by any other individual or entity, and/or originating at any other website, email address or phone number, including, but not limited to, commercial promotion, subscription notification and/or promotion entering service sites, is invalid and will be disqualified from this Promotion. Any attempt by any entrant to obtain more than the stated number of entries by using multiple email addresses, phone numbers, identities, registrations, or logins; entries through a sweepstakes club or similar entity; or any other unauthorized method of entry will void all of entrant's entries and entrant will be disqualified from the entire Promotion. Submitting mass entries or entries generated by an automated program, script, or macro, or the use of any other similar device, program or method to enter or to subvert this Promotion is prohibited and will result in disqualification.

In the event of a dispute as to the identity of entrant, the authorized account holder of the email address used to enter will be deemed to be an entrant. A potential winner may be required to show proof of being the authorized account holder. The "authorized account holder" of an email address is the natural person assigned to that email address by a service provider or any other organization (business, educational institution, etc.) responsible for assigning accounts to that email address. If the identity of the individual who actually participated in the Promotion cannot be resolved to Sponsors’ satisfaction, the affected individual's entry will be deemed ineligible.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DAMAGE THE PROMOTION OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE PROMOTION IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSORS MAY DISQUALIFY ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES) AND OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

6. Winner Determination and Verification. Selection of a potential prize winner is at the sole discretion of Sponsors. Within a reasonable time after the end of the Promotion Period, each Submission will be reviewed by a team of judges (the “Judges”) assembled by Sponsors, who will review and judge all eligible Submissions based on the following judging criteria (collectively, the “Judging Criteria”):

• 33.33% adherence to topic;

• 33.33% originality; and

• 33.33% persuasiveness.

Based on the total score the Judges assign to each Submission using the Judging Criteria, five (5) winning Submissions will be ultimately selected by the Judges and each individual who submitted a selected Submission will be potential winners, subject to confirmation that the potential winners have met the eligibility requirements and complied with these Official Rules. If there is a tie after the Judges apply the Judging Criteria, Sponsors will bring in a tie breaking Judge to apply the same Judging Criteria to break the tie and determine the winner.

Potential winners are subject to eligibility verification, on an ongoing basis, by Sponsors, whose decisions are final and binding. An entrant is not a winner of any prize, even if notified of being a winner and/or issued any item of value, unless and until entrant's eligibility has been, and continues to be verified to the satisfaction of Sponsors.

To be verified as eligible to receive a prize, each potential winner must fulfill all requirements and continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and not be disqualified for any reason. Each potential winner will be notified by email (subject to Sponsors’ discretion) in a commercially reasonable time after the Judges have determined the winners. Notification is deemed to have occurred immediately upon sending of an email. A potential winner will be disqualified and will forfeit their prize and an alternate winner will be selected, at Sponsors’ sole and absolute discretion, if a potential winner of any prize cannot be contacted using the information provided or fails to respond to Sponsors’ attempt to notify them of selection within twenty-four (24) hours; if any prize or notification is returned as undeliverable or yields an error or undeliverable type "bounce back" email (regardless if the message is ultimately delivered to the recipient); if the notification email or response to the notification email was not received due to any active or passive filtering of any kind or there was insufficient space in an email inbox to receive messages; if any potential winner fails to sign and return the Release or any other required documentation by the date communicated by Sponsors or fails to comply with these Official Rules; if a potential winner is unable or unwilling to accept the prize as stated; if a prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable; if Sponsors are unable to contact a potential winner or a potential winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules; or if a potential winner cannot be verified as eligible for any other reason at any time before, during or after the Promotion Period.

7. Prizes. There are five (5) prizes available to be won (each, a “Grand Prize”). The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of each Grand Prize is five thousand dollars ($5,000). The total ARV of all prizes in this Promotion is twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).

Each Grand Prize consists of the following:

• One (1) two thousand dollar ($2,000) gift card in the form of a Visa, American Express, or equivalent form of merchant pre-paid gift card, to invest in the growth and community enrichment of the winner’s business. Gift cards are subject to the terms and conditions set forth on the gift card and any terms provided by the issuer applicable hereto.

• Up to three (3) consultations in person or virtually based on the winners preference and availability, providing business operation and strategic planning, business to business coaching, and mentorship to guide business growth, by a Business Access Advisor or business coach from U.S. Bank.

• Creative production inclusive of a thirty (30)-second promotional video and professional photography of the merchant’s store, customer amenities and/or products or services available, including up to eight (8) hours of onsite production to include video and photography and post-production required to deliver an approved version of the content.

• Point of sale (POS) equipment upgrade and installation, as determined in Sponsors’ sole and absolute discretion.

Sponsors will coordinate delivery of the Grand Prize elements to each winner via the contact information provided by each winner in connection with their entry; gift cards will be physically delivered to each winner at the address provided by winner to Sponsors. Actual value of the prize may vary. All additional costs, including, but not limited to, security fees, gratuities, tips, taxes, and other personal charges not specifically described as part of the prize above are not included in the prize. No compensation or substitution will be provided for any difference in prize value. Sponsors are in no way responsible for any cancellations, delays, postponements, diversions, substitutions, or any other act, omission, or result thereof, caused by any third party. All prizes must be accepted as awarded without substitution and are not, in whole or in part, assignable, transferable, or available for resale, with no cash redemptions, equivalents, or substitutions except at Sponsors’ sole and absolute discretion. Prizes have no cash surrender value, except where required by law. All prizes are awarded “AS IS,” and Sponsors have made no warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, with respect to any prize. This includes, without limitation, any warranty, representation, or guarantee related to any prize's quality or fitness for a particular purpose. Prizes are subject to availability and Sponsors reserve the exclusive right to substitute a prize (or a component thereof) with another prize (or component thereof) of equal or greater value or to provide the winners with the approximate value of such item in cash, if the prize is not available for any reason, as determined in Sponsors’ sole discretion. Prize details and availability are subject to change and prize provider’s rules and restrictions. Federal, state, and local taxes and all other costs and expenses associated with acceptance and use of any prize not specified herein as being awarded are the winner's sole responsibility. Prize specific terms and conditions apply. If the winner elects not to partake in any portion of the prize, any remainder of the prize that is unused will be forfeited and will not be subject to further or additional compensation. Unclaimed prizes will be forfeited.

Any prize details not specified above will be determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion. If a winner is disqualified, not eligible or for any other reason cannot accept the prize as stated, then Sponsors may select a new winner from the pool of eligible entrants in the Sponsors’ sole discretion. Where legal, the winner may be required to submit, without alteration and in the form provided by Sponsors, a completed and signed Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability & Publicity Release (the “Release”), along with a properly completed U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form W-9, within the required time period to be eligible to receive any prize (if applicable; required time period will be communicated in the Release). The winners may be required to provide Sponsors with a valid Social Security number before the prizes will be awarded for tax reporting purposes. An IRS Form 1099 may be issued in the name of winners for the actual value of the prizes received.

Only the number of each prize set forth in these Official Rules will be awarded. Prize manufacturers and providers do not necessarily endorse the Promotion or Promotion Entities. In the event a winner engages in behavior that (as determined by Sponsors or any prize provider in their sole and absolute

discretion) is obnoxious, inappropriate, or threatening, illegal or that is intended to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person, Sponsors reserve the right to terminate the right to receive a prize, including ending any applicable experience early.

8. Indemnity; Limitations of Liability. By entering or participating in this Promotion in any way, each entrant agrees to release, discharge, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Promotion Entities and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Released Parties”), from and against and any and all claims, liability, costs, losses, damages, or injuries (collectively, “Losses”) of any kind arising out of or related to entrant’s participation in the Promotion and/or related to any prize, including, without limitation, Losses to entrant’s or any other person’s equipment or other property, or to their persons, related to: participation in the Promotion; actual or alleged infringement of any right of publicity or intellectual property rights; actual or alleged Loss to any person, including death and disability; defamation or portrayal in a false light (intentional and unintentional); invasion of privacy; and damage to or loss of property, arising out of such entrant's participation in the Promotion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, entrant agrees that Released Parties: (a) have neither made nor will be in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, in connection with the Promotion and/or with respect to prize, including, without limitation, to any prize’s quality or fitness for a particular purpose; (b) maintain no control over the personnel, equipment, or operation of any air, water, or surface carrier, ship line, bus, or limousine company, transportation company, manufacturer ,or other person or entity furnishing services, products, or accommodations (collectively, “Suppliers”) as a part of the prize provided in connection with the Promotion; and (c) will not be responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss, expense, accident, delay, inconvenience, or other irregularity that may be caused or contributed to: (i) by the wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of the Suppliers or any of their agents, servants, employees, or independent contractors, (ii) by any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrumentality, service, or product that is owned, operated, furnished, or otherwise used by any of those Suppliers, (iii) by the wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other person or entity not an employee of the Released Parties, and (iv) by any cause, condition, or event whatsoever beyond the control of the Released Parties.

Sponsors are not responsible for the actions of entrants in connection with the Promotion, including entrants’ attempts to circumvent the Official Rules or otherwise interfere with the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Promotion.

Entrant further agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold the Released Parties harmless from and against any Losses, to the extent arising out of or relating to any actual or alleged breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made by entrant in connection with their Submission, acceptance of these Official Rules, or Promotion activities.

The Released Parties are not responsible for and entrants further agree to indemnify, defend and hold the Released Parties harmless from any Losses arising out of or related to: (1) technical failures of any kind; (2) incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, any internet or email service provider, any promotional or advertising agency, printing or computing errors, or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Promotion; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (4) technical or human error that may occur in the administration of the Promotion, the processing of entries or the announcement of the winner and prize; (5) any actual or alleged injury or damage to persons or property that may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by entrant's participation in the Promotion; (6) the receipt, use, or misuse of any prize; or (7) any other errors in any materials, information or announcements associated with the Promotion. If for any reason an entrant's entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted by Sponsors, entrant's sole remedy is another entry in the Promotion, subject to availability and provided that the Promotion has not then expired.

For clarity, the Released Parties are not responsible for or lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), website, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties, or other errors or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, computer, network, or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Promotion, or for injury or damage to any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in this Promotion or downloading materials from or use of the Promotion Website. Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Promotion or Promotion Website or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsors, may be disqualified and all associated entries voided, all in Sponsors’ sole judgment. The Released Parties are not responsible for electronic communications that are undeliverable as a result of any form of active or passive filtering of any kind, or insufficient space in entrant’s email or other account to receive messages.

BY ENTERING THE PROMOTION, ENTRANT AGREES THAT TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW: (A) ANY AND ALL DISPUTES, CLAIMS AND CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR CONNECTED WITH THE PROMOTION, OR ANY PRIZE AWARDED, WILL BE RESOLVED INDIVIDUALLY, WITHOUT RESORT TO ANY FORM OF CLASS ACTION; (B) ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, JUDGMENTS AND AWARDS WILL BE LIMITED TO ACTUAL THIRD-PARTY, OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS INCURRED (IF ANY) NOT TO EXCEED TEN DOLLARS ($10), BUT IN NO EVENT WILL ATTORNEYS’ FEES BE AWARDED OR RECOVERABLE; (C) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY ENTRANT BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN ANY AWARD FOR, AND ENTRANT HEREBY KNOWINGLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO SEEK, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS AND/OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES, OTHER THAN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES NOT TO EXCEED TEN DOLLARS ($10), AND/OR ANY RIGHTS TO HAVE DAMAGES MULTIPLIED OR OTHERWISE INCREASED; AND (D) ENTRANTS’ REMEDIES ARE LIMITED TO A CLAIM FOR MONEY DAMAGES (IF ANY) AND ENTRANT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO SEEK INJUNCTIVE OR EQUITABLE RELIEF. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

9. Intellectual Property; Licenses from Entrants. Each entrant, upon submission of their Submission to the Promotion, irrevocably grants to Sponsors and each of their licensees, successors, and assigns, the non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free, no-cost license and right to use and otherwise exploit the Submissions, and all images, text and materials included or depicted therein, in whole or in part, in any manner or medium now or hereafter known or devised (including, without limitation, CDs, streaming media, film, television, videocassettes, print, interactive devices, mobile media, internet and online systems), throughout the universe and in any and all languages, including, without limitation, the right to display, reproduce, recreate, record, perform, exhibit, distribute, copy, edit, change, modify, add to, subtract from, re-title and adapt the same, to combine it with other material and otherwise use and exploit it without having to give any compensation or attribution to entrants or any third party, except for the awarding of the prizes to the winners in this Promotion. Entrants agree that during the Promotion Period, they shall not make, and shall not permit, any other public use, display, or distribution of the Submissions, and they shall maintain all rights without encumbrances so that, if Sponsors desire, entrants can assign all rights in and to Submissions if selected as a winner. Sponsors, and each of their successors, assigns and licensees, will have the right to make unlimited derivative works of Submissions, to assign or transfer any or all of Sponsors’ granted rights and to grant unlimited, multiple-level sublicenses. Without limiting the forgoing, Sponsors will have the right to use the Submissions submitted as part of the Promotion, and all images, text and materials included or depicted therein (if any), in any merchandising, advertising, marketing, promotion or for any other commercial or non-commercial purpose. Entrants hereby forever waive and relinquish all “moral rights (droit moral)” now or hereafter recognized in connection with Submissions submitted as part of the Promotion. Entrants acknowledge that as a condition of participating in the Promotion and/or being selected as a winner, Sponsors may request that the entrant’s Submission, and any rights therein, be assigned to Sponsors and entrants may be required to confirm such assignment by completing and submitting the Release (and any other documents reasonably required by Sponsors) or such entrant will otherwise be disqualified from receiving their prize. Entrants must maintain the ability to assign all such rights to Sponsors free of any limitations, restrictions, or third party obligations. Entrants agree that Sponsors shall have the sole discretion in determining the extent and manner of use of Submissions and are not obligated to use any Submission. Entrants agree that neither Sponsors nor their agents, shall be responsible for return or preservation of the Submissions submitted. All Submissions that are posted on the Promotion Website or elsewhere are available to be viewed by anyone with access to the internet. Each entrant acknowledges that Submissions are not being submitted in confidence or in trust to Sponsors, and that no confidential or fiduciary relationship is intended or created.

Each entrant acknowledges that Sponsors and other entrants may have created ideas and concepts contained in their Submissions that may have familiarities or similarities to their own Submission, and that they will not be entitled to any compensation or right to negotiate with the Promotion Entities because of these familiarities or similarities. Notwithstanding any custom and practice in the industry to pay an individual for an idea (if any), nothing herein shall create an implied or express contract to compensate entrants for their Submissions and there is no obligation for any Promotion Entity to pay or otherwise compensate entrants for any of their ideas or materials in any communications with Sponsors, whatsoever. Submissions are not confidential and the Promotion Entities’ only obligations to entrants regarding Submissions are as specifically set forth in these Official Rules. Sponsors reserve the right to request from entrant at any time proof that entrant maintains all necessary rights in their Submission in order to grant Sponsors the rights required herein in a form acceptable to Sponsors. Failure to provide such proof may lead to, among other things, the entrant being disqualified from the Promotion.

Additionally, to the extent allowed by law, each entrant irrevocably grants the Released Parties and each of their licensees, and its and their successors, assigns and sub-licensees the right and permission to use their name, voice, likeness and/or biographical material for advertising, promotional and/or publicity purposes in connection with the Promotion, in all forms of media and by any and all means and media (now and hereafter known), and on and in connection with related products, services, advertising and promotional materials (now known or hereafter developed), worldwide, in perpetuity, without any obligation, notice or consideration, except for the awarding of the prizes to the winners.

10. Representations and Warranties. By entering the Promotion, entrant represents and warrants that they have read, understand, agree to and will follow the Official Rules. Entrant further represents and warrants that their Submission and all materials and matter therein: (a) (except for elements that are within the public domain or are provided by Sponsors for inclusion in Submissions) are wholly original with such entrant and are not a copy or imitation of any other material or entrant has all necessary rights to grant Sponsors the rights granted hereunder and exercise such without obligation or liability to any third party; (b) will not infringe or violate any right whatsoever, including, without limitation, any personal rights (e.g., defamation, privacy, false light, moral right, etc.) or any property rights (e.g., copyright, trademark, right to ideas, etc.) of any person or entity and the use thereof will result in no third-party liability or obligations; and (c) is not the subject of any threatened or pending litigation, claim or dispute that might give rise to litigation, which adversely affects or in any way prejudices, impairs or diminishes the rights granted hereunder or the value thereof. Entrant further represents and warrants that they have the right to agree to and fully perform consistent with these Official Rules and that he or she has complied and has obtained all permissions, licenses and consents that are necessary for the submission of the Submission and the use of the Submission and to verify compliance with the foregoing requirements. Entrant agrees to provide to Sponsors at Sponsors’ request copies of all such permissions, licenses and consents. Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to disqualify and/or not to post on the Promotion Website any Submission that Sponsors determine does not comply with these Official Rules, to make such changes to any Submission as are necessary to make it compliant, or to require the entrant to do so. Entrant further acknowledges and agrees that they have not previously granted, assigned, or otherwise encumbered their Submission, or any images, text, and materials depicted therein, to any other third party. Further, entrant represents and warrants that Sponsors’ use of any Submission, including any images, text, and materials depicted therein, shall not violate an agreement to which such entrant has signed.

11. Right to Modify or Cancel. Sponsors reserve the right to cancel, suspend, and/or modify the Promotion, or any part of it, for any reason, including, without limitation, if any mistake, clerical or typographical error, omission, fraud, technical failure, tampering, computer virus, or other factors, technical or otherwise, beyond Sponsors’ reasonable control, impairs Sponsors’ ability to properly conduct the Promotion, as determined by Sponsors, in their sole discretion, subject to any applicable law or regulation. Should any portion of the Promotion be, in Sponsors’ sole opinion, compromised by virus, worms, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes which, in the sole opinion of Sponsors, corrupt or impair the administration, security, fairness or proper play, or submission of entries, or should the Promotion be unable to run as planned for any other reason, Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to suspend, modify or terminate the Promotion and, if terminated, at its discretion, select a potential winner from all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to the action taken or as otherwise deemed fair and appropriate by Sponsors.

Further, in the event Sponsors are prevented from continuing with the Promotion by any event beyond its control, including, but not limited to, fire, flood, epidemic, earthquake, explosion, labor dispute or strike, act of God or public enemy, communications or equipment failure, utility or service interruptions, riot or civil disturbance, terrorist threat or activity, war (declared or undeclared), interference with the Promotion by any party, or any federal, state or local government law, order, or regulation, order of any court or jurisdiction, or other cause not reasonably within Sponsors’ control (each, a “Force Majeure” event or occurrence), Sponsors shall have the right to modify, suspend or terminate the Promotion. Sponsors additionally reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion: (a) to modify, suspend or terminate the Promotion should a Force Majeure event or occurrence corrupt or interfere with the administration, integrity, operation, security or proper play of the Promotion; or (b) to disqualify any entrant found to be, or suspected of: (i) tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Promotion; (ii) acting in violation of these Official Rules; or (iii) acting in an un-sportsmanlike manner.

12. Governing Law; Disputes. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules or the rights and obligations of entrants, Sponsors or the Released Parties in connection with the Promotion will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Georgia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of any other laws.

The parties each agree to finally settle all disputes only through arbitration; provided, however, Sponsors shall be entitled to seek injunctive or equitable relief in the state and federal courts in Fulton County, Georgia and any other court with jurisdiction over the parties. In arbitration, there is no judge or jury and review is limited. The arbitrator’s decision and award are final and binding, with limited exceptions, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court with jurisdiction. The parties agree that, except as set forth above, any claim, suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Promotion shall be resolved solely by binding arbitration before a sole arbitrator under the streamlined Arbitration Rules Procedures of JAMS Inc. (“JAMS”) or any successor to JAMS. In the event JAMS is unwilling or unable to set a hearing date within fourteen (14) days of the filing of a “Demand for Arbitration”, then either party can elect to have the arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) or any other mutually agreeable arbitration administration service. If an in-person hearing is required, then it will take place in Fulton County, Georgia. The federal or state law that applies to these Official Rules will also apply during the arbitration. Disputes will be arbitrated only on an individual basis and will not be consolidated with any other proceedings that involve any claims or controversy of another party, including any class actions; provided, however, if for any reason any court or arbitrator holds that this restriction is unconscionable or unenforceable, then the agreement to arbitrate doesn’t apply and the dispute must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Fulton County, Georgia. Sponsors agree to pay the administrative and arbitrator’s fees in order to conduct the arbitration (but specifically excluding any travel or other costs of participant to attend the arbitration hearing). Either party may, notwithstanding this provision, bring qualifying claims in small claims court.

13. No Obligation to Use. Sponsors shall have no obligation (express or implied) to use any or to otherwise exploit any Submission or, if commenced, to continue the distribution or exploitation thereof, and Sponsors may at any time abandon the use of the Submission for any reason, with or without legal justification or excuse, and entrants shall not be entitled to any damages or other relief by reason thereof.

14. Dates & Deadlines/Anticipated Number of Entrants. Because of the unique nature and scope of the Promotion, Sponsors reserve the right, in addition to those other rights reserved herein, to modify any dates or deadlines set forth in these Official Rules or otherwise governing the Promotion. Sponsors cannot accurately predict the number of entrants who will participate in the Promotion.

15. Further Documentation. If Sponsors shall desire to secure additional assignments, certificates of engagement for the Submission, or other documents as Sponsors may reasonably require in order to effectuate the purposes and intents of these Official Rules, then entrant agrees to sign the same upon Sponsors’ request therefor.

16. Privacy. As a condition of entering the Promotion, entrant gives consent for Sponsors to obtain and deliver their name, address, and other information to third parties for the purpose of administering this Promotion and to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and rules, in accordance with Sponsors’ privacy policies, current copies of which can be found here, https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/privacy.html and here, https://www.elavon.com/privacy-policy.html. Any information entrant provides to Sponsors may be used to communicate with entrant in relation to this Promotion or on a Promotion winner’s list, in accordance with Sponsors’ privacy policies. In the event of any discrepancy between Sponsors’ privacy policies and these Official Rules, these Official Rules shall govern.

17. List of Promotion Winners. To receive any legally required list of the winners, send an email with the subject line “U.S. Bank and Elavon’s 2024 Small Business, Big Ambition Contest Winners List,” to SBBA@usbank.com, within sixty (60) days of expiration of the Promotion Period.

18. Identification of Sponsors. This Promotion is sponsored by U.S. Bank National Association, located at 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402, and Elavon, Inc., located at 2 Concourse Pkwy NE, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30328. Reference to third parties in connection with prizes and/or third-party websites or services are for reference and identification purposes only and not intended to suggest endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with Sponsors or the Promotion.

19. Miscellaneous. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules or the Release will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event any provision of the Official Rules or the Release is found invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions will otherwise remain in effect in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was never included. Sponsors’ failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules does not constitute a waiver of that provision. In the event of an inconsistency between these Official Rules and any disclosure or other statement contained in any Promotion-related materials, including, but not limited to, a Promotion entry form or any point-of-sale, radio, television, print, online advertising, or any privacy policy or terms of use on any website or mobile app and the terms and conditions of the Official Rules, these Official Rules will prevail, govern, and control. Participants agree to waive any rights to claim ambiguity of these Official Rules. Headings are solely for convenience of reference and will not be deemed to affect in any manner the meaning or intent of the documents or any provision hereof.

Section Headline

Highlighting payment trends affecting government agencies and municipalities, our inaugural report presents data on the shifting payments landscape representing an opportunity for government agencies and municipalities to enhance the speed, security and customer satisfaction related to billing and payments.

The report highlights consumer preference for digital payment options and, due to COVID-19, this demand will continue to grow.