The U.S. Small Business Administration and Visa Inc. are offering $30,000 in prize money for the best videos highlighting how a small business became a successful exporter.
The first prize winner is to receive $10,000; $8,000 for second place, $6,000 for third place, $4,000 for fourth place and $2,000 for fifth place.
To submit a video, first register and create an account here. The submission period is from Feb. 25-April 5 (5 p.m. EDT). The judging period is from April 8-9.
To be eligible a small business must have used a federal government program or assistance to get its goods abroad, according to a Feb. 25 SBA news release.
The company also must be a small business as determined by SBA’s size standards and comply with a set of requirements that include successfully completing at least one export transaction.
The SBA defines a small business as one that is independently owned and operated, is organized for profit, and is not dominant in its field.
Depending on the industry, size standard eligibility is based on the average number of employees for the preceding twelve months or on sales volume averaged over a three-year period.
Click here to receive the specific size standards.
The video is to be judged on the inspirational nature of the message for potential exporters and its effectiveness in promoting exporting.
Judges will consider the creativity and uniqueness of the video concept and the value of the lessons as well as the applicability of the government program or service. The content is to be educational and not promotional.
The video is to be no longer than three minutes and in high-resolution format.
To learn more about the contest click here, or call Mark D. Gibson of the SBA at 404-331-0100, ext. 215.