PLYMOUTH — The deadline is nearing for startup companies and entrepreneurs in Michigan and the U.S. to compete for $30,000 in a competition sponsored by Comcast Business. Contest applicants must submit a 250-word essay explaining how they would use the winnings in technology investment to enhance their business. Entries are due by Sunday.
“Startups and entrepreneurs play a critical role in driving our nation’s economy and creating new jobs, and we want to recognize and assist startups and small businesses that are using technology to make a difference for their customers, employees and our economy,” said Bill Stemper, president of Comcast Business. “The Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs program is designed to take the next step in innovation and continue to grow their business.”
Startups and entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit business.comcast.com/i4E to submit their application and essay and review the full program details. Last year’s winners came from a wide range of industries; including a women’s clothing designer from Delaware, a health care management company from Maryland, a business video producer from California, a mobile pet grooming service from Texas, a knitting materials supplier from Georgia and an animal hospital from Florida.
Entries will be judged and two winners will be selected in each of the 16 Comcast Business Regions: one winner for startup companies (in business less than two years) and one winner for entrepreneurs (in business for more than two years). The 32 regional winners will each earn $10,000 in cash.
From the regional winners, six grand prize winners will be selected — three startups and three entrepreneurs — who will earn an additional $20,000 in cash, plus a trip to Philadelphia and business advice from industry experts, including Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, Wharton entrepreneurship lecturer and DreamIt Ventures’ Director Patrick Fitzgerald, Comcast Chief Development Officer Sam Schwartz, and Managing Director of Comcast Ventures Louis Toth.
Regional winners will be notified beginning the week of April 8. Public voting for the 32 regional winners will be held April 27 – May 10. The six grand prize winners will be announced the week of June 1 with an awards event planned for August. For more information, call 866-429-3085.
