This suggestion would be a bit shameless and idealistic but, I hope you hear me out.
Seeing that only few would always join the SSSC. I think the prize was not that kind of appealing to authors (e.g. nitro discord? i dunno heh). I'm not saying that it was bad but we also have to take into consideration that not all authors use discord especially readers (most of them), i bet.
So my suggestion would be to add in the prizes a chance to get the (winning participant's work be put at a special place on SH site -- maybe banners in the sssc box?). BUT For a certain duration only. This way the author would have his short limelight and let the readers discover more of his masterpieces.
Though in the end, it would be up to the author how to 'market' or garner audiences to read and then give comments/feedbacks on his works.
Note: I wrote this keeping in mind that This would not apply to all authors since some were like me, writing just for fun, hobby, growth as a writer, or for some, a living - maybe?
Feel free to advice/reprimand me on this. ~I know nothing~