Wowzitude Newsroom
Press Releases
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - Virtual Travel Company Selected as Finalist in Barclays’ Third Annual ‘Small Business Big Wins’ Contest to Support Small Business Owners
Wowzitude is one of 10 finalists vying for $60,000 grand prize; voting begins April 1
Wowzitude, a Woodcliff Lake live-streamed, interactive virtual travel company, has been selected as a top 10 finalist in Barclays US Consumer Bank’s “Small Business Big Wins” contest and stands to be the only New Jersey-based finalist to be awarded a share of the $255,000 prize pool. Now in its third year, Small Business Big Wins was created during the pandemic to provide a much-needed boost to small businesses with compelling stories of resilience.
Wowzitude edged out nearly 15,000 other small business entrants from across the country – the most the contest has ever seen – to make it to the final 10.
Wowzitude offers weekly immersive, live-streamed virtual travel subscriptions that allow culturally curious individuals and groups to explore over 100 fascinating global cities and villages. Local experts guide armchair travelers from the comfort of their own homes, providing personalized and interactive experiences through real-time moderated questions. Wowzitude's live virtual tours enable everyone to continue exploring the world, regardless of age or ability, while fostering social interactions and meaningful connections.
The public is invited to vote for Wowzitude!
From April 1 through April 10, the public will have a chance to review the stories of the top 10 finalists and vote for their favorite small business. Wowzitude is inviting you to vote for this local business to help them win by visiting BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com before April 10.
About Small Business, Big Wins
The contest, which launched on January 11 and closed February 28, invited small businesses from across the nation to share accounts and challenges of building a business and making their dreams a reality for the chance to win the $60,000 grand prize or one of many cash prizes.
The total prize breakdown for the contest includes:
• One Grand Prize of $60,000
• One 2nd Place Prize of $40,000
• One 3rd Place Prize of $20,000
• Seven Runner-Up Prizes of $5,000 each
Additionally, all businesses that submitted qualifying entries were entered in a random drawing to win one of fifty $2,000 sweepstakes prizes.
The announcement of contest winners will take place the week of May 2 to coincide with National Small Business Week.
WHAT: Wowzitude, a Woodcliff Lake-based small business, has been selected as a top 10 finalist in Barclays US Consumer Bank’s “Small Business Big Wins” contest and stands to be awarded a share of the $255,000 prize pool – but needs the local community to vote!
WHO: Interviews available with:
Susan Black, Founder & CEO
201-286-2767
WHEN: April 1 – 10, 2023 Monday – Friday between 8am –8pm]
WHERE: 75 Winding Way Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
or via Zoom https://susanjblack.youcanbook.me/
For more information and to vote for the finalists, visit BarclaysSmallBizBigWins.com.
To view a press release about Small Biz Big wins, go here https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/third-annual-barclays-small-business-big-wins-promotion-supports-small-business-owners-301718544.html
# # #
Press Releases
Wowzitude brings the world’s wonders to senior adults where they live
through community-based, interactive livestreamed remote guided tours
Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – At a time when older adults are experiencing unprecedented isolation, Wowzitude offers a powerful antidote. The new subscription-based virtual travel club is reconnecting seniors with the world beyond through highly engaging, real-time tours livestreamed to groups within 55+, senior living communities, library groups, churches and synagogues, and other senior-oriented organizations.
Each 60-minute interactive program features both an expert moderator to facilitate discussion and a hand-picked, trained local tour guide eager to introduce armchair travelers to their favorite spots. Wowzitude’s community-based model means participants experience their tour with people who are part of their real-life circle. The programs are tailored, unscripted and unedited, so every experience is unique.
Wowzitude members currently can explore more than 100 destinations across the globe via full-screen video stream, from Paris, Las Vegas and Berlin to Santiago, Budapest.
Tours can be streamed into community rooms or directly into residents' rooms using the Zoom platform. They require no special equipment or downloads, aside from an internet-connected computer and screen. Tour guides are provided high-quality equipment and trained in its use to ensure a seamless experience.
Wowzitude is the brainchild of Susan Black, principal of Susan Black Associates and a seasoned travel industry executive. Inspired by her own experience moving her 96-year-old mother into a long-term-care facility just before the pandemic hit, Black saw an opportunity to help communities connect through virtual enrichment and entertainment.
“As I reached out to senior living communities around the U.S., it became clear that engaging armchair travel was the number-one area of interest for residents across the board,” said Black. “By bringing travel experiences to them, in real time and with real interaction, Wowzitude helps older adults stay social and engaged both within their own circles and with the outside world. And that will continue to be as important in the future as it is during this time of isolation.”
Optional cooking activity offers a more immersive experience
Each tour program incorporates a recipe from the featured location, which is provided to the group in advance for an optional pre-tour cooking activity. Participants might enjoy New York cheesecake during a virtual stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge or scones with clotted cream during a tour of London’s Soho.
Annual subscription packages are affordable and flexible
Wowzitude’s virtual community travel club is a monthly subscription, which includes content curation and production, visual presentations, and live, interactive facilitated discussions with both a moderator and local tour guide. Programs are live-streamed.
For more information, visit www.wowzitude.com
# # #
Media Contact
About Wowzitude
Wowzitude's Travel Club connects seniors to live, remote, virtual tour and travel programs. Twice-weekly tours are conducted in 100+ global cities. Our guides provide real-time, live-streamed tours and discussions that promote connections and conversations among mature adults and their communities.
Wowzitude not only live-streams tours around the world, that may be enjoyed in community rooms and/or individual residences.
Wowzitude's tour and travel programs are perfect for long-term care residences, 55+ senior living and retirement communities, senior programs, church and synagogue groups, and even families - any group that aims to help older adults stay social and connected will benefit from compelling travel, and fun, stimulating conversations.