ENISA calls for greater cyber test cooperation

European countries need to cooperate more in testing preparedness for cyber attacks against critical infrastructure, according to an EU advisory body.

Governments should work more with the private sector to run cyber exercises, the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) said in a statement on Thursday.

"There is an essential need to intensify publicâ€"private cooperation on cyber exercises, as the ownership of most of the critical information infrastructures lies in private hands," ENISA said.

Over the last decade, 41 per cent of cyber exercises have only involved the public sector, said ENISA.

Cyber exercises have increased in number over the past two years, with 71 per cent taking place between 2010 and 2012. Member states are running more exercises due to an increasing threat of cross-border attack coupled with a greater emphasis on strengthening information security, ENISA said.

Brian Clark of Copyblogger: Context, Customer Service & Mobility in Content Marketing

In this new world of free social media marketing, standing up to be counted can prove difficult. All of the messages, information, education and chatter taking place everywhere makes it all a bit overwhelming and easy for others to overlook you.  So what's a small business to do?  The answer is simple â€" listen first, share next.  Tune in as Brian Clark, Founder of Copyblogger, joins Brent Leary to discuss the importance of social listening, context, customer service and mobility in content marketing.

* * * * *

Small Business Trends: What's the biggest thing that has impacted content marketing over the last couple of years?

Brian Clark:A few things stand out. When I started in 2006 talking about this stuff, we didn't even call it content marketing. I think Joe Pulizzi and those guys established that as the term that should be used online, and we adopted it.  That was the development, agreeing on a term, even though we all kind of don't like it.

Another big development was in 2011, when content marketing went from us Internet guys, to a more mainstream thing. I think that had to do with the mainstreaming of social media.  Because people were like, “Oh my gosh, this is the greatest marketing channel in the world!” Except people do not want to be pitched in social channels.

That's how our business was built â€" by people who shared content in social media. And then, of course, that gets you into a relationship with people over time, where eventually they become interested in your products and services.

The other big thing would have to be Google. The Panda Update of 2011 just destroyed what people thought was SEO up to that point.  Then something called Penguin came along and destroyed the other half.  Now it has come down to what we have been preaching for 7 years:

“Great content gets shared naturally, and results in organic links and natural social sharing. Google can't take that away. Twitter can't take that away. That is how our whole company was built out of a blog. No advertising, no investment capital, and now we're a software company just shy of 100,000 customers, so it works.”

Small Business Trends: How important is context to content?

Brian Clark: It is absolutely crucial. But I think I just took for granted that it is context marketing not just content. Without context, i.e. in the sense of your business objective, it is not marketing â€" it is just stuff on a webpage that doesn't work. I think people are short with that. That is why you hear a lot of people talking about context more and more.

Because we shouldn't have taken it for granted. Let's face it, most people aren't good at old style marketing, right? And now we are asking them to do new style marketing, and people are struggling with it. So there is an entire industry being built around content marketing.

Small Business Trends: What role does social listening play today when it comes to content marketing?

Brian Clark: It's everything. You have the greatest market research environment in the world and it is free. It's just overwhelming and we call it social media. But it is has to be responsive to relevant stimuli and that comes in the form of content. So if you put stuff out there first, it is hard to get attention. There's a lot of content out there.

Every day on Twitter, or Facebook, or Google Plus we see something break. Good content always gets attention at the beginning, and I can tell you from my personal experience; the first three months of Copyblogger were the most unknown, lonely, trial and error period ever. Everyone does it. I was absolutely unknown, and everyone starts out that same place. With two subscribers, you and your other email address.

Small Business Trends: I think the best way to build a brand is to pay attention to customer needs, create better experiences, and then let the customer say how great those experiences are.

Brian Clark: I think you just nailed it. That's the real power of so-called social media marketing. It is not what you are saying about you, it's what they are saying about you.

Small Business Trends: So in other words, content marketing is a great opportunity to show your target audience how much you've listened to them?

Brian Clark: Yes, you are giving them value up front, which people love. You are basically educating them enough to do business with you, but your point is â€" they are educating you as well.

Small Business Trends: How important is content marketing once you already have the customer?

Brian Clark: I think that's probably one of the most valuable and perhaps under served markets. If you do general content marketing that educates people in the arena of knowledge, they need to know how to succeed with your products or services. That does not end just because they gave you some money.

The most valuable customer is the one that pays you again and again and again. Monthly is my favorite.

Small Business Trends: How is mobile impacting the future of content marketing?

Brian Clark: It wasn't long ago where everyone was saying they've gotta have an app. Then it was about getting people to download your app. Think about how social media works, specifically social media sharing. People aren‘t going to download an app to read your site. That is why you are seeing the rise of mobile responsive design, which sounds complicated, but all it means is that when I come to your site on my laptop it looks like you would expect it to.

When I go on my iPad, it is different, but it's optimized perfectly. It detects that it is an iPad, it's a tablet. Same thing for a phone. That is where it's at. The open web is going to win this, because the way people share links still rules and apps will work for certain relationships with content. But if you can get the same experience out of a mobile responsive site, then why not? Does the app actually add value you can't get with your mobile on the responsive website?

That is where the terms have been this year, and that's going to continue.

This interview is part of our One on One series of conversations with some of the most thought-provoking entrepreneurs, authors and experts in business today. This interview has been edited for publication. To hear audio of the full interview, click the right arrow on the gray player below. You can also see more interviews in our interview series.

Whether you're growing your business or starting a new venture, BlackBerry solutions provide you with the freedom you want and the control you need. [Series sponsor]

Brian Clark â€" Copyblogger by smallbiztrends

OpenTable Offers Restaurants Free Mobile Sites

Mobile-friendly websites are becoming more and more essential for all types of small businesses. There are some DIY platforms out there to help create these sites, but finding the time and the resources can be a challenge.

Now, online restaurant reservation platform OpenTable has launched a new program to give its restaurant partners mobile-optimized websites, free of charge.

The free service is thanks to a partnership with DudaMobile, a DIY mobile website building tool. Restaurants that use OpenTable can customize these mobile-friendly versions of their websites that work on any smartphone device. Sites can include menus, locations, hours, and of course a way to book reservations.

Since so many Americans are using their phones and mobile devices rather than computers to search and look up information, including restaurant hours and menus, having a mobile-friendly site is becoming less optional for restaurants. In fact, according to OpenTable's website, one in five diners who book online reservations now use their mobile phones to do so. So particularly for restaurants that use flash or have downloadable menus or forms, this type of service could greatly increase the usability of sites for potential customers.

And since many of OpenTable's restaurant partners are small and medium-sized restaurants, they might not all have the resources or the skills to put together a mobile site on their own.

For OpenTable, this move not only helps keep their restaurant partners thriving and happy, but it could also make booking reservations online much easier for consumers. Since many still shy away from reserving tables online in favor of calling restaurants, any step to make booking online easier is a positive step for a company like OpenTable.

OpenTable currently has about 25,000 restaurants partners, all of which pay a subscription fee to use the reservation tool. So this extra service is available without any additional cost to restaurants. All businesses need to do is sign up and take their site live before February 1, 2013.

Getting In The Game Puts Your Start Up Investment on the Board

Leave it to a lawyer to put together a splendid finance book.

A while back, I lamented about the dearth of good finance books aimed at small businesses and entrepreneurs.  So while I have not had counsel correct my statement, a counselor has “objected” nonetheless.

Matt Crowley, a corporate lawyer veteran with a Los Angeles practice that specializes in entrepreneurship, added to the start up universe with an excellent book, Getting In The Game: Guiding Your Startup Through The World of Venture Capital and Angel Investors.  The publisher sent a review copy, and I am pleased with how it untangles the complicated world of business finance.

Making A Venture a Rewarding Adventure

The book is similar to a recent VC book I reviewed, David Gladstone's Venture Capital Investing, but with a twist.  Crowley's background, having served as a senior manager for a software development start up, provides legal perspective compared to the questions outlined in Gladstone's book.  A great mention towards the end of the book explains why venture capitalists do not sign NDAs:

“During any given year a VC that invests in social networking companies will probably see several dozen business plans describing social networking ideas…If the VC agreed to assign NDAs with all of them, the VC would be liable to get sued by the ones that didn't get funded, with claims that the VC shared startup 30 brilliant idea with start up 6, which the VC eventually will invest in. VCs would be straight jacketed… “

Crowley also offers solid advice on, well, seeking legal advice:

“Entrepreneurs frequently tell each other stories about the lawyer who billed every phone call and charged for emails. Make it clear in the engagement letter how phone calls and emails will be handled.  A good lawyer won't charge for a two-minute phone call…but you need to give some assurance you won't be making two-minute phone calls ten times a day. “

I liked the comment on research that followed the aforementioned quote.  And I liked his honest approach. Crowley mentions the word “shark” in Picking The Right Shark, but the advice will not read like a shark teaching you how to be in shark-invested waters.

Beyond Stellar Legal Eagle Advise

Not every chapter is influenced by legal perspective, but just like the NDA example Crowley references his industry experience with aplomb.  Chapter 2 notes about the value of budget.  Chapter 7 notes when money should be raised and when it is too late.

A few points outside of business structure will need refinement by your objectives.  For example, I did not fully agree with the launching a website template â€" do a cursory Google search of template debates from web designers and developers and you'll get how contentious that topic can be.

But I'm being nit-picky. Crowley efficiently gets to useful points for essential business aspects outside his experience scope.  He simply does not want you to overvalue or undervalue aspects in your start up.  As an example, here's what he goes on to note from website development:

“The key points to note here are ownership, cost overruns, timing, and misuse of other people's content….understand that cheap and fast doesn't always equal quality and efficiency…”

Like the writing of Navigating Social Media Legal Risks, the tone is straight-forward language that can aid that two person app developer looking to attract investment as well as the service business that is looking to add board members.  The explanations on what goes into a board, cautions about securities fraud, and the value of trademarks are worth standing in the bookstore, staying longer in the library, or staring at the Kindle just a little longer.

But above all, get this book. Getting In The Game is a great compliment to books like Locavesting.   You will feel better prepared for the challenges that come from creating boards, selecting partners, and anticipating the responses venture capitalists will offer.

Getting In The Game will make you an entrepreneurial winner.

Small Businesses: Check Out a Contest or Competition For Funding

Small businesses:  do you need some cash to expand?   Do you need to find funding to kickstart development of a new product, or pay for the first few months to hire a new employee?  There are lots of ways to fund growth, but a quick source of funds and resources can be a competition or contest.  Check out our hand-picked list of quality contests specifically for small businesses:

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vFlyer Build the Best Website Contest
Enter by November 1, 2012

Entrants must create their sites using vFlyer Sites. The first phase of voting will take place on Facebook to select the ten finalists, and then three guest judges will select the winners. Websites will be judged on their effectiveness, ease of use and overall look and feel.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $2,500, and the first and second runner-ups will receive $500 and $250, respectively. All entrants will receive a service credit on vFlyer's website service.

Mobile Apps '12 Contest
Enter by November 4, 2012

Do you have a great idea (or maybe a prototype) of a great new mobile app? The next Concept To Company event, which looks to spur Utah startups, is focused on new mobile applications, with a prizes of $45,000. Concept To Company has been running a series of competitions which awards both cash and services to aspiring startups, to help small businesses in Utah get off the ground.

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.

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.

StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition
Enter by October 31, 2012

The fifth annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition is now open and accepting entries. The Competition is a ranking of outstanding home businesses and the amazing people behind them. With more than 18 million home-based businesses in the United States, StartupNation's competition is aimed at celebrating the most successful businesses in this important segment of the market. Entries are accepted until the end of October. The 100 winners will be published in mid-December 2012. Winners can receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take their business to the next level.

The Small Business Challenge
Enter by October 31, 2012

The Small Business Challenge is a way for companies to compete for up to $50,000 in cash & prizes, while creating new jobs in the USA. Starting September 1st, you can register, nominate or vote for your favorite small business & help create new jobs in America.

Eligible Small Businesses can compete for $25k prize value (1st Place), $15k prize value (2nd Place), and $10k prize value (3rd Place) to help create new jobs in America.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Enter by November 24, 2012

Grow your business with a small business grant of up to $25,000.
Entering is simple. Click the contest registration button below and submit your business story and photo by November 17. Once your application is approved, you can vote for yourself once a day â€" and get all your friends, customers, and associates to vote as well â€" through November 24.
Winners will be chosen from the top 100 companies in the contest based on how compelling your story is and how many votes you can get for your business. So tell us your story today, and you could walk away with up to $25,000 to invest in your business.

The Dough to Grow Award
Enter by November 30, 2012

The recession has claimed thousands of small businesses in recent years. Valpak wants to do its part in fueling local business growth with the Dough to Grow Award.

The winner will receive $10,000 to help grow their business. Entrants do not need to be Valpak customers to nominate their business.

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.

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.

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.

Increase Your Video ROI With In-Video ‘Calls-To-Action\'

The concept of deploying video online is no longer only a business model leveraged by big business. Online video technology company Viewbix, along with economic growth in the sector, are helping many small operations to change their business model to include videos that actual improve conversion rates.

“The problem is very simple,” says Jonathan Stefansky, CEO of Viewbix, an Israel-based company that adds apps and calls to action around video to help drive engagement. “When most small businesses think of video, they focus on content creation. They spend time and money creating content for their YouTube channel and website and Facebook and after few weeks the excitement is gone and the business guys are left asking. ‘what is my ROI on this?'”

In fact, shrinking costs and rising benefits of video have spurred many small businesses into action, with 43 percent of small business owners saying they increased their budget for online video last year, an impressive jump from 17 percent in 2010, according to the Ad-Ology study, “2011 Small Business Marketing Forecast.”

And while the technologies for creating and deploying video across a wide range of platforms â€"YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, blogs, company websites, and social media in general â€" have gotten much easier to use, monetizing those efforts for the small businesses owner has remained a difficult obstacle and conversion rates remain low for those who try to navigate that hurdle.

According to eMarketer's 2012 Digital Media Usage Report, there will be 169 million video viewers this year. That's a lot of opportunity, but many small business owners need to learn how to turn a viewer into a buyer.

What Stefansky, and others such as Brightcove, are recommending to the small business owner who may lack technical savvy or resources, is implementing some basic concepts that drive Web design: You need calls to action that encourage viewers to buy a product or sign up for newsletter or request a quote or request more information in general â€" a convenient way to turn that viewer into a customer and increase business opportunities. Without these prompts most viewers are likely to leave.

However, what Viewbix offers is a free basic app that businesses can install in under five minutes that provides automated calls to action that will appear in their videos. Among the 10,000 or so businesses that currently use Viewbix, says Stefansky, 20% of their viewers will click on the call to action button or engage with at least one of the apps inside the player itself. The average engagement rates with no type of calls to action hover somewhere near 1.2%. That can potentially mean a huge spike in business.

And, in turn, Viewbix tracks every action that occurs in the player and reports those results so that clients can optimize their players with the best performing apps.

The idea of video isn't just to create something cool to show your friends, it's to help grow your business. And new technology companies like Viewbix are stepping in to feel this void.

“So many business are spending so much time and money building content but are wasting it by not using engagement technologies like ours,” said Stefansky.

 

Have You Fallen Victim to These New Digital Threats?

Which do you think is more likely to contain Malware: an adult website or a religious website? If you guessed an adult website, unfortunately you guessed incorrectly. As shocking as it sounds a recent study by Symantec has shown attackers have recently evolved their styles of attacks to include mainstream sites now that the adult sector has been heavily scrutinized by  security researchers for years. Today, the reality of being on the web is that you are never safe. Even if you use a Mac, work in a small business, and/or are an ordinary employee at a company, you can be subject to an attack. Over 100 million pieces of Malware are being created each day, making it impossible for users to rely on anti-virus software to protect them from digital threats.  Rather in order to remain safe, it is important to employ common sense to avoid threats which go undetected by conventional means.

Social engineering is the art of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. The rise of social media has greatly changed the sphere of computer security because rather than getting messages from strangers, attackers can now send messages which appear to be from:  family, friends, coworkers, or acquaintances of victims. If you've ever gotten a message on Facebook or Twitter saying something along the lines of “OMG did you see these shocking photos of you online?!?!” followed by a link, if clicked, that link will most likely take you to a malicious website. In this situation it is important to ask yourself, “How likely is it that someone is posting pictures of me on Twitter?” Unless you are a celebrity, chances are the link points to a malicious website.

How about apps promising to let you see who has visited your profile, or so called “dislike buttons” being readily available by installing an app. Just like the above, such apps are probably malicious. If it's too good to be true, it probably is. In this case, core features which claim to fulfill missing features of websites must be taken with a grain of salt.

When checking your email, never click a link in any email notice pertaining to any of your online accounts. Today phishing, defined as the act of attempting to gather user information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity, attacks most commonly come in the form of emails which appear to be from:  banks, social networks, online merchants, shipping companies, and virtually any business which requires customer information for transactions. Rather than clicking the links in the email, it is simply best to go directly to the company website in your own browser, and if a call is required, pull the number from their website. DO NOT trust the phone number provided in the email.

Although the facts of this article sounds alarming there are a few simple tips that, if followed, will ensure that you minimize your risk of falling victim to a digital attack. First, before clicking any links, you should make sure that they are legitimate. How is this done? Just ask yourself if you were expecting the link or if the link is along the lines of something you would receive from the sender? Second, take shortened URL's with a grain of salt (i.e. bit.ly and Tiny URL as they can conceal malicious destinations). Third, use up to date anti-virus software from a reputable firm.

Finally, don't give up using the internet. Although Malware and phishing attacks are common, having a hybrid of common sense and  digital assistance is and always will be the best way to ensure you are protected.

Three Reasons Why Windows 8 Matters for Small Businesses

There's been an undercurrent of media reports over the last few days that corporations are not going to snap up Windows 8, that companies are only now still working in Windows 7, a great operating system. This may be true, however, in taking a closer look at Windows 8, I believe there are three main features that it brings in which might make it very appealing and worth the upgrade for businesses (including small businesses) to consider.

Before I dive into the reasons, I do think that the growth of online applications makes it less and less important OVERALL which operating system you use on your computer â€" be it Mac or Windows. In my own little world, I'm increasingly only opening up a web browser to access all the software I need.

I still heavily rely on Microsoft Powerpoint and Intuit Quickbooks - and they remain the only two desktop applications I have. Why have I not moved to Prezi and Sliderocket (for presentations) or Quickbooks online or Xero - eventually I just might.

The FIRST big reason that it might  worth it to switch to Windows 8, is the touch features and tile features built into and natively supported in Windows 8.

We've grown up using our mouse and keyboard to control our computers. When Apple launched the iPhone and subsequent iPad, it birthed an entire generation of finger interaction with technology. We all have gotten quite used to and comfortable with touch.

Windows 8 is all about touch. Until you experience a few minutes of a “touch” computer you don't realize how easy and practical it is to use.

Imagine being able to effortlessly touch every aspect of your computer to open programs, slide panels and more. Imagine being able to scroll through dozens of new emails, on our computer, as you do on your smartphone.

Sure, there have been MANY touch computers and big screens around â€" for years. However, Windows 8 is built from the crowd up to be a “touch based” operating system.

The SECOND reason that Windows 8 should be considered is its living tiles of rich information. Instead of looking at a cluttered and quite useless desktop, Windows 8 has tiles that can be populated with new information â€" email alerts, photos and more. When you look at your desktop in Windows 8 â€" it's a dashboard of data/information/content that's useful to you.

THIRDLY, you'll find that Windows 8 is built to run apps. Microsoft is investing a lot of time and money to nurture an ecosystem of developers who can build apps for Windows 8 mobile (competing head to head with Apple iPad and Google Android devices) and that also work within the Windows 8 desktop environment.

I'm not advocating that you RUSH out and buy Windows 8 TODAY. I am advocating that you seriously consider if Windows 8 is indeed an operating system that will bring increased productivity to your business.

Dell and HP have launched entirely new lines of computers built to optimally run Windows 8, as have other vendors. So whether you buy a new computer or upgrade the one you have â€" you do have choices.

No Business Is Too Small To Implement A Document Management System

When you talk about document management, you think first of those large businesses with 200+ employees that will save tons of money and speed up their processes by implementing a document management system. But think again! Small businesses can also profit from implementing document management systems; even a car wash business.

Bubbles Car Wash from Houston, Texas has been in the business for over 20 years now and by implementing a document management system they have improved their office efficiency. Being a two-part business, Bubbles Hand Wash â€" a boutique car full service car wash and detailing center, and Bubbles Express â€"  a high volume value driven car wash, they needed a solution that would remove manual paper-based procedures and turn them into efficient, automated workflow processes.

The system Bubbles Car Wash went with is Cabinet SAFE â€" a complete document management solution that allows small businesses to increase efficiency and security, migrate compliance risks and save physical space in the office. It offers much easier searching and archiving of files and your employees can treat it just like they would treat any other real-life filing system. Of course, you can try other document management software as well â€" like DocStar, which will allow access to your documents anywhere in the world; simply log in into their cloud system and your files are waiting for you right there.

When asked what their business life was like before implementing a document management system, a Bubbles spokesperson said “We would spend hours saying ‘If I were Natalie, where would I have filed this?”… and sometimes never even find a document. We'd spend hours searching instead of getting more important work done and meeting deadlines. Our offices would probably be messier with paper files and lots of filing cabinets and we'd be spending a lot of money on consumables like paper, filing folders, printer ink, etc.”

A business of any size can implement a successful document management system, it's just a matter of finding the process and/or technology that works for your business.  That can be something as simple as email or a web based service.

So, if you're running a small business and you have trouble handling your files, maybe a document management system can help you out. Don't be frightened by the word “system” â€" document management is helpful, both for big and small businesses.

Contests & Awards: Best Website, Mobile Apps, Homebased Business and more

Welcome to a fresh list of awards, contests and competitions for growing companies and entrepreneurs.

There are some great contests and awards in this week's roundup.

If you've entered and won a contest or award listed here, let me know so we can share your news.

This list is brought to you every other week by Small Business Trends and Smallbiztechnology.com.

*****

vFlyer Build the Best Website Contest
Enter by November 1, 2012

Entrants must create their sites using vFlyer Sites. The first phase of voting will take place on Facebook to select the ten finalists, and then three guest judges will select the winners. Websites will be judged on their effectiveness, ease of use and overall look and feel.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $2,500, and the first and second runner-ups will receive $500 and $250, respectively. All entrants will receive a service credit on vFlyer's website service.

Mobile Apps '12 Contest
Enter by November 4, 2012

Do you have a great idea (or maybe a prototype) of a great new mobile app? The next Concept To Company event, which looks to spur Utah startups, is focused on new mobile applications, with a prizes of $45,000. Concept To Company has been running a series of competitions which awards both cash and services to aspiring startups, to help small businesses in Utah get off the ground.

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.

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.

StartupNationStartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition
Enter by October 31, 2012

The fifth annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition is now open and accepting entries. The Competition is a ranking of outstanding home businesses and the amazing people behind them. With more than 18 million home-based businesses in the United States, StartupNation's competition is aimed at celebrating the most successful businesses in this important segment of the market. Entries are accepted until the end of October. The 100 winners will be published in mid-December 2012. Winners can receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take their business to the next level.

The Small Business Challenge
Enter by October 31, 2012

The Small Business Challenge is a way for companies to compete for up to $50,000 in cash & prizes, while creating new jobs in the USA. Starting September 1st, you can register, nominate or vote for your favorite small business & help create new jobs in America.

Eligible Small Businesses can compete for $25k prize value (1st Place), $15k prize value (2nd Place), and $10k prize value (3rd Place) to help create new jobs in America.

FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
Enter by November 24, 2012

Grow your business with a small business grant of up to $25,000.
Entering is simple. Click the contest registration button below and submit your business story and photo by November 17. Once your application is approved, you can vote for yourself once a day â€" and get all your friends, customers, and associates to vote as well â€" through November 24.
Winners will be chosen from the top 100 companies in the contest based on how compelling your story is and how many votes you can get for your business. So tell us your story today, and you could walk away with up to $25,000 to invest in your business.

The Dough to Grow Award
Enter by November 30, 2012

The recession has claimed thousands of small businesses in recent years. Valpak plans to do its part in fueling local business growth with the Dough to Grow Award.

The winner will receive $10,000 to help grow their business. Entrants do not need to be Valpak customers to nominate their business.

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.

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.

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 Events & Contests Submission Form. (We do not charge a fee to be included in this listing.) Only events of interest to small business people, freelancers and entrepreneurs will be considered and included.

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.

[photo credit: Shorts and Longs Flickr]