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Do you have a brilliant business idea, a promising start-up, or an existing business that is poised for growth? Sometimes a cash infusion is all you need to take your concept to the next level.

The upcoming Grow America Springboard competition presents an excellent opportunity to compete with other Utah entrepreneurs for $1 million in cash awards. Grow America is now accepting entries for Grow America Springboard, a regional business competition designed to reward and support Utah’s best entrepreneurs, help create jobs, and lift local economies. Grow America, www.growam.com, will provide $1 million in cash awards and resources over the course of three events in 2012 and a statewide championship in January 2013.

The first 2012 competition will take place on May 21. The Round 1 deadline for entry is midnight, April 6. Grow America expects thousands of entries and will award prizes in three main areas of focus:

• Idea Category : I have an idea for a business; I don’t have a complete plan for my business; I have not invested significant resources into validating my business assumptions; I am looking for money I can use to validate my idea.
• Start-up Category: I have a plan for my business and have started validating my assumptions; I have started talking with potential customers; I know what resources it will take to build my product or service, and I am looking for money to get started.
• Ramp-up Category: I am currently operating the business; my business is breaking even and has generated profits; I have established sales and sales projections; I am looking for money to go to the next level.

To compete, you must be 18 years or older and live in Utah or have business operations and jobs located in Utah. You will also be requited to attend the May event in person.

The Grow America Springboard competitions are judged by a panel of business experts who have started and successfully grown their own businesses. The panel also includes angel and venture capitalists who know what to look for in a business that has the potential to grow, create new jobs and strengthen the economy.

Don’t forget to turn in your entries by April 6 and mark your calendars for the first-round May 21 event.