Small Biz Contests: Win Big in 2012


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There are a variety of contests and awards still going on for the rest of 2012. We’ve compiled this hand-picked list of small biz contests.  These are contests and awards worth checking out, to potentially win additional cash, products and/or services to grow your small business:

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Dell $100M Innovators Credit Fund
Ongoing

Dell has launched a $100 million Innovators Credit Fund, with the purpose of helping entrepreneurs “maximize potential for innovation, speed to market and job creation.” The credit fund will offer both funding and technology resources with IT support, depending on what each start-up needs.

To be eligible, you must have already received some angel funding or venture capital before you can apply. Start-ups can get up to 10% of its current funding or up to $150,000 with limited credit terms. See website for details and application.

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The Big Reboot
Multiple Contests & Entry Dates

Toshiba, Intel and Staples have teamed up to help small businesses share their stories and win thousands of dollars in new technology. Throughout 2012, they will award $10,000 technology makeovers to American businesses and free Intel-powered Ultrabooks to the people who support them.

Categories include Powering Knowledge, Powering Innovation, Powering Service, Powering Products, and Powering Good. See website for details and entry guidelines.

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FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Enter by November 24, 2012

Grow your business with a small business grant of up to $25,000.  Entering is simple. Click the contest registration button below and submit your business story and photo by November 17. Once your application is approved, you can vote for yourself once a day – and get all your friends, customers, and associates to vote as well – through November 24.
Winners will be chosen from the top 100 companies in the contest based on how compelling your story is and how many votes you can get for your business. So tell us your story today, and you could walk away with up to $25,000 to invest in your business.

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The Dough to Grow Award
Enter by November 30, 2012

The recession has claimed thousands of small businesses in recent years. Valpak wants to do its part in fueling local business growth with the Dough to Grow Award.

The winner will receive $10,000 to help grow their business. Entrants do not need to be Valpak customers to nominate their business.

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SMB Innovator AwardSMB Innovator Awards by PhoneBooth.com
Enter by November 30, 2012

Are you a small business mover and shaker?   The SMB Innovator Awards celebrate the trailblazers among today’s small business owners and recognize their courageous approaches to driving business success.

If you’re an SMB innovator, nominate your company now. You could win $20,000 as the grand prize winner in this contest by PhoneBooth.com. As a top 10 winner, you may also have the opportunity to win $2,500 through a People’s Choice Award.

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Infusionsoft Battle of the Apps
Enter by December 31, 2012

Do you have a great idea for an Infusionsoft App, integration or plug-in that will enhance the Infusionsoft user experience? Then you have a shot at being crowned the Kick Apps Champion in the Battle of the Apps 2013. First prize is $10,000. See website for details.

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Shopify Build-A-Business Competition
Enter by December 31, 2012

Shopify has teamed up with four world-class entrepreneurs to help you build a million-dollar business in just months. Come up with a product to sell, open your online store and pick a mentor. The Shopify community and your mentor will give you great advice and guidance along the way. At the end of the competition, the four stores that sell the most over a two month period will each win a $50,000 investment from their mentor.

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The list of awards and competitions is brought to you by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.

To find more small business events, contests and awards, visit our Small Business Events Calendar.  If you are putting on a small business contest, award or competition, and want to get the word out to the community, please submit it through our Small Business Event and Contests Form (it’s free).

Please note: The descriptions provided here are for convenience only and are NOT the official rules. ALWAYS read official rules carefully at the site holding the competition, contest or award.

2 Comments ▼

Laura Leites Laura Leites plans and manages events for clients through her company, L2 Event Production. Laura's projects include the Small Business Influencer Awards, The Small Business Summit, and many of SmallBizTechnology's live and virtual events, including the five-city Small Business Technology Tour.

2 Reactions
  1. Rahul Varshneya @rahulvarshneya.com

    Fantastic list! Am sure many entrepreneurs will stand to benefit knowing about these.

    Please do update this list on a regular basis as many get added later on.

  2. Wow this is a great step I’m so happy to know that start up contest exist…I’ve always hear of talent contest in the entertainment world never heard of it in this field..Kudos!