Feeling lucky? Here are some contests to try:
Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award Program
To reward innovative small businesses for a smart use of technology, Dell and the National Federation of Independent Business have teamed up on this award. The winner gets $30,000 in technology and services, plus face time with founder Michael Dell.
UPS’s Best ‘Out-of-the-Box’ Small Business Contest
Think your business is original, either through products and services or overall business concept? Then submit a 500-word entry detailing why you should be recognized. First-place winners get computers, software and either $10,000 cash or $10,000 in free UPS shipping. Second-place winners get $5,000 cash or $5,000 in free UPS shipping.
Inc.’s Entrepreneur of the Year Contest
Nominate someone or submit your own entry for this contest. Inc. magazine says it looks for an entrepreneur ‘with extraordinary creativity, drive, acumen, vision, socially responsible practices or other talents that add up to remarkable success.’ The winner gets a splash in Inc.’s print magazine, as well as the web site.
Make Mine a $Million Business program from Count Me In
If you are a woman business owner who’s hankering to get past the $1-million-revenue mark, this is the contest for you. Finalists are chosen to compete in a program that’s a cross between American Idol and The Apprentice. Winners can get a line of credit from OPEN from American Express and a business loan from nonprofit Count Me In; a year of intensive business coaching and mentorship from a ‘dream team’ of successful women entrepreneurs and professional coaches; and marketing and technical support. Other program sponsors include Count Me In, QVC, Cisco Systems, FedEx and Intuit.
Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund
Wells Fargo, LATINAStyle Magazine and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce got together in 2002 to start the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund for Latina entrepreneurs. Each year, 10 winners are selected to receive cash awards of $5,000. The Fund is a tribute to magazine founder Arias, who died in 2001.
PlanetOut Inc.’s Entrepreneur of the Year
Gay entrepreneurs should take a look at this contest, which can earn you $10,000 in cash, plus $10,000 worth of advertising on PlanetOut’s web sites.
Small Business Administration’s State Small Business Awards
Each year, the SBA honors small-business owners from all 50 states (as well as some U.S. territories) at its Small Business Week conference. This past year, an extra award, the American Spirit Awards, recognized the accomplishments of small businesses in areas devastated by the hurricanes. An extra plus: Winners get to hobnob with important government types, which this year included President Bush.
The following are 2 current promotions:
MasterCard’s Build Your Business Sweepstakes
Got a MasterCard? You could win $50,000 to spend on your business as you see fit. You’ll be automatically entered if you use a MasterCard BusinessCard or Debit MasterCard BusinessCard between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2006. (There’s also double entry for certain things, like using your MasterCard BusinessCard at office-supply store Staples).
Visa USA’s Hired For You
Got a Visa? Visa USA is offering small-business owners an unusual grand prize: a full-time employee for a year (or more precisely, a $50,000 check to pay for an employee’s salary), plus another $50,000 in gift cards for office merchandise. You’re automatically entered if you used your Visa Business card in August or September 2006.
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