This list of contests, competitions and awards for small businesses is brought to you every other week as a community service by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.
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Rhode Island Business Plan Competition 2011
Enter by April 4, 2011
The Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, open to everyone, seeks to promote entrepreneurship and development of startup and early stage companies. Winners and finalists in the 2010 Competition shared more than $195,000 in prizes.
Make Mine a Million $ Business
Register by April 4, 2011
M3 1000 Denver gives women entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses for a chance to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card and an unrivaled suite of business growth tools – national PR, professional coaching, expert financial analysis, access to financing, peer exchange and events, and a curriculum of live and online educational resources – all within a robust, supportive and inspiring community.
Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley
Enter by April 13, 2011
The MyEntre.Net “Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley” grant contest will award $5,000 to an existing small business that is looking to grow. The contest is open to entrepreneurs 18 and over who are legal residents of Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Grundy and Tama counties and who have between two and 99 full-time employees. Participants can enter their plans online at www.dreambiggrowherecedarvalley.com. Participants can be individuals or for-profit organizations.
Small Business Advocate of the Year Award
Enter by April 15, 2011
Each year, the CalChamber recognizes several small business owners who have done an exceptional job with their local, state and national advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses.
The CalChamber will recognize the award winners at its Business Summit on June 1 in Sacramento. The nomination form is available on the CalChamber website or may be requested from the Local Chamber Department at (916) 444-6670.
AMD Visionary of the Year Awards
Enter by April 30, 2011
AMD has announced its first ever VISIONary of the Year Awards, honoring innovation in the three passion categories of Foodie, Photography and Entrepreneurship.
Eligible voters can vote and enter to win one-of-a-kind category prizes, including the ultimate culinary trip to New York City (Foodie category), a $4,000 technology shopping spree (Entrepreneurship category), a $4,000 camera (Photographer category), as well as AMD’s $10,000 grand prize.
2011 Small Business Awards
Enter by May 20, 2011
In its 6th year, The New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards honors the achievements and accomplishments of the 500,000+ small businesses throughout the tri-state area. In addition to the Best of the Year Categories, the New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards will honor nine small businesses for their accomplishments and best practices.
The Conway Center for Family Business Awards
Enter by August 4, 2011
The Conway Center for Family Business Awards Program was established in 1998 to recognize excellence in family business and has honored more than 115 Central Ohio family businesses during its first 11 years.
The program honors recipients in categories consistent with the success and longevity of a family business: leadership, planning, communication, support and community service. For more details, see the website.
To find more small business events, contests and awards, visit our Small Business Events Calendar. In addition, we also have a giveaways page; click to learn more about our small business giveaways section.
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. (We do not charge a fee to be included in this listing. )
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.
Its tough for small business doing the day to day grind, trying to become successful, the rewards come after a lot of hard work that often goes unrecognized. The recognition that come from these competitions that honor the achievements and accomplishments of small business helps make that slog worthtwhile
Hi Laura,
Thanks for compiling this list. It’s always nice to hear about these competitions as it not only gives you a chance to participate and win but also provides a platform to meet other competing companies and explore what they are doing in the market. Thanks for sharing!
Riya Sam
So excited, was just chosen as a semi finalist in the RI Biz Plan competition!