Our Latest List of Small Business Contests and Awards


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Here’s our latest roundup of contests, awards and competitions — specifically for small businesses. Find one to participate in. Enter. And get financial rewards or just recognition (we know you need that!).


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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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Pitney Bowes Entrepreneurial Competition

Deadline extended to September 14, 2012

Pitney Bowes, working with the Stamford Innovation Center, has launched an Entrepreneurial Competition to create connections with promising entrepreneurs and startups and to explore new business opportunities built upon Pitney Bowes technologies and capabilities. Winners receive one year of free office space and internet access in our Pitney Bowes WHQ in Stamford, CT, plus an introduction and access to our partner, the Stamford Innovation Center, along with their mentoring and coaching services for PB Entrepreneurial Competition companies.

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Intuit Love a Local Business Grant Competition
Current contest period through September 15, 2012

To enter, share a few brief thoughts about why you love serving your customers and your community.
Then use the tools in the Winner’s Playbook (on contest website) to increase your chances of winning. Each vote is like a raffle ticket (only one vote per fan): the more votes you get, the more chances you have to win $5,000.

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Hands Off My Stapler Contest
Enter by September 30, 2012

To enter, contestants must email a photo in jpeg format to stapler@ofminc.com with a short description of how they make sure their stapler stays at their desk—whether it’s attaching it to a chain made out of rubber bands and paper clips, writing their name on it with white correction fluid, or some other creative idea. Brought to you by OFM and Swingline, first prize is an OFM desk of your choice and a red Swingline stapler.

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FIU 2013 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Awards
Enter by September 30, 2012

The annual Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame celebrates the College of Business Administration’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship and honors alumni who not only are successful entrepreneurs but who also have contributed significantly to the entrepreneurial business community.

The Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame was established in 1999 to recognize Florida International University alumni who have achieved distinction as founders and builders of new business enterprises.

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Best Places to Work in Connecticut
Enter by October 5, 2012

To be eligible for consideration, companies must meet the following criteria:
Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity
Be a publicly or privately held business
Have a facility in the state of Connecticut
Have a minimum of 15 employees working in the state of Connecticut*
Must be in business a minimum of 1 year

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MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series
Enter by October 26, 2012

The 2012-2013 MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series (MUES) business plan competition is now open and accepting entries.

Since 1999, MillerCoors has invested more than $1.7 million in the dreams of entrepreneurs. This year brings new opportunities for entrepreneurs like you. Enter your business plan for a chance to vie for a $50,000 business grant and potentially become a MillerCoors supplier.

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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.

1 Comment ▼

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.

One Reaction
  1. Another worthy addition to your Small Business Contests list is the Small Business Challenge. They’re giving away $50,000 to small businesses across the country and the nomination period lasts until October 31st. You can find additional information here: http://bit.ly/SMB25K