Intuit’s Stimulus Package :: $300K in Small Business Grants!

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Deadline has been extended through April 24th!

Intuit Small Business United Contest Entry

Financial software maker Intuit recently reached out to us to let us know about a completely cool new program they have launched to help small biz owners get through the economic mess we are in. Personally, I’m hoping they thought I would be a shoe-in for the grand prize. But honestly, this is such a great program I really wanted to share it with everyone, as I think all of our businesses could use a little ’stimulation’ right about now!

Intuit recently unveiled its own version of a ’stimulus package’: one that gives America’s small businesses the chance to redeem about $1,000 in products and services from the company. In addition, Intuit is giving away more than $300,000 in small business grants, as well as $50,0000 in donations to nonprofit organizations committed to the health of small businesses including The Latino Coalition, National Black Chamber of Commerce, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, and Women Impacting Public Policy.

Instead of waiting for the government to give entrepreneurs a bailout, the company put their own plan in place, calling it “Small Business United.” Some of the products Intuit is offering include QuickBooks Simple Start, Intuit Online Payroll, and a really cool Web site building service called Intuit Websites. You can check out all the specifics at www.smallbusinessunited.com.

On top of the free products the company is offering small business stimulus grants of up to $25,000. To apply for a grant, small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs may submit and share their success stories and advice to an online forum. They provided us stats that said that nine out of 10 small business owners surveyed said they rely on peers for support and advice. Fifty-one percent of small business owners said they feel a special bond or connection with other small business owners, while 53 percent believe they can learn from their peers mistakes and successes. (To which I say, DUH, because that’s how Sparkplugging started and why we continue to grow!!)

To enter, just go to Small Business United to share your experiences and survival tips. Judges will select 50 finalists to receive $5,000 and a Pure Digital Flip Video^TM camcorder. These finalists are eligible to supplement their story with a video that will be posted on the site for public viewing and voting. This group will be narrowed down to four first prize winners, who will each receive $10,000 plus $2,500 worth of Intuit products. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000 and $2,500 worth of Intuit products and services. Entries are due by March 23 and finalists will be selected by April 1 April 24. Winners will be announced in May.