Something every entrepreneur or small business owner has in common is that they have a story. Whether you quit your job in the middle of the recession (like me!) or you went from garage to glory in three years, we all have a startup story that is unique and inspiring to others. And now we all have the chance to win $10,000 simply for telling it.
Oh, you’re paying attention now, aren’t you? 😉
Hiscox, the small business insurance specialists, are challenging entrepreneurs, SMBs and consultants to share their startup stories for the chance to win $10,000 and other prizes through their MyStartUpStory Contest. What compelled Hiscox to put together a contest like this?
Hiscox’s Director of Small Business Insurance, Kevin Kerridge, said:
“The stories we hear on a daily basis from our customers and prospects are inspiring, and we wanted a way to share these and hear from other small businesses about how they got started and overcame challenges along the way. The submissions we’ve seen so far show the sheer will and determination of the U.S. small business owner and offer some advice for getting over the challenges that are part of every new business.”
To enter the contest, entrants have the choice of submitting a 500-word essay or a 2- to 5-minute video describing their startup and offering small business advice. Entries will be judged on their responses to the following questions:
- What does your business do?
- Why did you start your business?
- What is the best advice you’ve received?
- What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
- How did you overcome these challenges?
- What is the biggest lesson you learned from these challenges?
All submissions will be featured on the Hiscox Small Business Insurance Facebook page during the contest. Small business owners can also check the company’s Facebook page to find inspiration from the startup stories of entrepreneurs like Pete Cashmore (Mashable), David Karp (Tumblr) and others.
In addition to the $10K grand prize, the second- and third-place winners are eligible to win business essentials like a possible iPad, printer/copier/scanner, an office chair and other small business tools, as well as a free ticket to an upcoming small business conference from a list provided by Hiscox.
While the prizes surely sweeten the pot, the contest represents a great way for small business owners to share their personal experiences running a startup and to motivate those reading them.
According to Kevin:
“The MyStartUpStory contest is an opportunity not only for businesses to win prizes, but also to publicize their business and share their advice through our Facebook page, small business blog, Twitter account and other marketing channels. I think entrepreneurs will benefit from seeing others who have come through the tough times and lived to talk about it and share their experiences through this contest.”
If you want a chance at the loot, the contest runs through November 7, and is open to all U.S. small business owners and entrepreneurs. Full details can be found on the Hiscox Facebook Page.
Good luck!
Great idea! Hearing about how others are succeeding despite the crappy economy is inspiring and motivating for me.
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My business is one of Creative Ventures. My current excitement is regarding my Driver/Vehicle Safety Device Invention. An nomaly that concerns everyone.