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IDEA Competition Opens for Fifth Year!
  
The IDEA Competition opens for the fifth year on September 1, 2012.  If you have an innovative idea, one that could lead to being a profitable business venture, consider entering this year's IDEA Competition! 

Why enter?

Here's what you get when you participate:
    • Access to valuable tools and resources
    • The opportunity to refine your investor pitch
    • Attention in the media
    • A chance to pitch your idea to qualified potential investors and leaders in the business community
    • The chance to receive substantial funding for your venture, including individual cash awards of $10,000 each, for up to five winners 
Applications will be accepted until November 30. The regular application fee  is $150, but applicants who are able to get their forms in earlier can take advantage of the reduced, early-bird rate of $125. To be eligible for the early-bird rate, applications must be postmarked on or before November 15.
Visit the IDEA website for information on how to enter the competition.
  


2011 IDEA Winner, Craft Night Out,
Opens Their Virtual Doors
Craft Night Out, owned and operated by sisters Kristine "Kiki" Goddard- Anderson and Elizabeth "Beth" Petersen, has just opened its "virtual" doors.  The sisters' innovative business model brings the joy of crafting to the home-party setting.  It turns the home-party sales model on its head by eliminating in-home sales and instead, creating a pre-party, web-based sales model.  Craft kits will be shipped direct to the party hostess, complete with all the supplies needed for each guest to complete a pre-selected project of her choice.  (Kits can also be purchased for individual use.)  Craft Night Out takes the focus off the sales pitch and gives women more time for fun, creativity and connection with friends.  Check out their newly launched website and maybe even book a party!  


Thank You Sponsors!
The IDEA Competition has been sponsored by generous contributions from the following businesses and organizations:
  • 360 Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence
  • Arvig 
  • Blandin Foundation
  • Bremer Bank, Crookston and Warren
  • Headwaters Regional Development Commission
  • Northwest Minnesota Foundation
  • Northwest Regional Development Commission
  • University of Minnesota Crookston

IDEA would also like to recognize the generosity of the Blandin Foundation.  Without their support, the IDEA Competition would not have been possible.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an IDEA sponsor, please drop us an email, or phone 218-435-2834.

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