Comcast Business, with Inc. Magazine, is holding an “Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs” contest aimed at entrepreneurs that are resourcefully leveraging technology to enhance customer and employee experiences. The Contest entry period is from now through April 30, 2014 and is open to business owners at least 18 years of age or older that are located within the Comcast Business service area and own an independent, non-franchised business with 50 employees or less.
Based on an essay submission, entries will be judged and two winners will be selected in each of the 16 Comcast Business Regions: one best use of technology to enhance the customer experience and one best use of technology to enhance the employee experience.
Each winner will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize plus Comcast Business Internet and TV services for two years plus up to $2,500 Comcast Business Account Credit services, along with services from Comcast’s Upware partners Cisco, Microsoft, Symantec, DocuSign, Soonr and Swiftpage Engage for one year. The total approximate value of cash and prizes is up to $15,000. Winners will then be eligible for the grand prize, worth up to $40,000.
From the 32 regional winners, six will be named as grand prize winners and will receive an additional $20,000 and a special trip to New York where they and a guest will have one-on-one consulting with four business experts: Michael Angelakis, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer for Comcast; Amy Banse, Managing Director and Head of Funds for Comcast Ventures; Marcus Lemonis, Businessman, Investor, TV personality and Philanthropist; and, Robert Irvine, Celebrity Chef and Entrepreneur. They will also receive a VIP tour of 30 Rockefeller Center and an awards dinner prepared by Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit business.comcast.com/i4E to submit their application and essay. Entries are due by April 30, 2014.
Regional winners will be notified the week of May 19, 2014. From May 20 – June 1, 2014 there will be public voting on the 32 regional winners to help determine the six grand prize winners. They will be announced on June 23, 2014 with the New York awards event planned for August 26, 2014.