Prize Is $35,000 in Free Technology Products and Services
One lucky Illinois woman business owner will soon receive a complete technology makeover, thanks to a competition being held by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in conjunction with Microsoft and Comcast.
Illinois women business owners can enter to win $35,000 in free technology products and services to help their business grow. The business technology makeover competition begins November 11, 2009, and the deadline for entries is December 18, 2009.
Women business owners face so many challenges due to the economy and ever-changing technology,” said Hedy M. Ratner, WBDC co-president. “This competition was created to address their needs.
The prize package includes: a server and network upgrade; web site design and development; Microsoft Small Business Server and five copies of Microsoft Office; two months free high-speed internet, e-mail, anti-virus protection, telephone and cable service; Microsoft Office classroom training for up to five people; Microsoft SharePoint portal; and a Xerox Phaser color network printer and supplies.
To be eligible, a woman-owned company must have been in business for at least two years, have a minimum of two work stations and be located in Illinois. Applications will be judged on the strength of the business or marketing plan, the financial strength of the company and her explanation of how a business technology makeover would increase the business’s productivity.
For a complete list of rules, and to apply, visit http://www.wbdc.org/ResourceCenter/TechnologyMakeover.aspx. Entries must be submitted electronically and only completed entries will be considered. The WBDC, Microsoft, Comcast and other sponsors will select judges, who in turn will select five semi-finalists. A representative judge will visit each finalist at her place of business for a short interview.
The winner will be announced in January 2010. In addition to Microsoft and Comcast, other sponsors include Techcare, Market M, Synergetic Networks, Directions Training, MXOT and Chicago Office Technology Group.
The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is the largest, oldest and most comprehensive and successful women’s business assistance center in the U.S. Established 24 years ago, the center has initiated and helped develop women’s business programs in six states and is nationally recognized for its responsive, innovative and effective programs. For more information please visit www.wbdc.org.
 The prize package of the 2009 Business Technology Makeover Competition, presented by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in conjunction with Microsoft and Comcast, is $35,000 in free technology products and services, which will help the woman business owner winner grow her business. Sponsors of the competition are (front, from left) Joanna Sobran, president, MXOTech; Hedy M. Ratner and Carol Dougal, co-presidents of the WBDC; Elizabeth Gardner, director of the WBDC’s Retail/Franchise Program; Tracye Foy, business development manager, Microsoft Strategic Alliances and Local Engagement; and (rear, from left) Nadine Adam, manager of Indirect Sales, Comcast Business Services–Greater Chicago Region; Courtney Hill, chief executive officer, Market M, LLC; Karen James, principal/director of sales, TechCare; and Gregory Jiede, president and CEO, Synergistic Networks, Inc. (Not pictured are Jessica Burnett, marketing manager, Directions Training Center and Dina Giurdanella , Chicago Office Technology Group).
CONTACT: CHRIS RUYS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
645 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
|
