Interesting contest - Microsoft announces search for the most creative small-business

[theideawins]

Guys.. just wanted to share this with all of you..big prize for the winner.

Microsoft Corp. today announced the Ultimate Challenge, a nationwide search for the most creative small-business idea in the country.

The contest, which is live at http://www.ideawins.com (direct link - http://www.ideawins.com/contest/ ) , has been designed to spur the imagination and spirit of entrepreneurism that drives small businesses.

If you want to get a head start, Microsoft will start reviewing applications received through the website via the email submission today. If you want to wait, come back on Nov. 27 when you can submit your application in a very innovative way.

The winner - the business with the most innovative business idea - will receive $100,000 in business startup money, funding to Manhattan-area storefront for one year, and infrastructure and software to help run the business.

The deadline for submissions is Jan. 31, 2007.

The contest also supports the recent launch of Microsoft® Office Accounting Express 2007, Microsoft's newest financial management solution, which is still offered on the site as a free download!

[Matic]

what kind of protection? if I submit my business idea, why won't they just steal it :-D?

[Matic]

Just as I thought. My idea becomes their idea. Thanks but no thanks. Perhaps I'll enter one of the ideas I don't really care for and keep the one that is in the works right now mine.

[robyang!]

Nobody wants to steal bad ideas. And furthermore read the damn contract.

[akula]

Just as I thought. My idea becomes their idea. Thanks but no thanks. Perhaps I'll enter one of the ideas I don't really care for and keep the one that is in the works right now mine.

ideas are not property

they can not be mine, or theirs, which are words used to describe beneficial claims in property

a pen or a boat, or a debt can be mine, or someone elses

an idea can't, unless it is transformed into a kind of intellectual property

[MahWay]

I'd like to learn how much eqiuity they're looking for...

If the idea is capable of winning 100k from microsoft, imagine how much more that can be collected from VCs and angel investors.

[akula]

I'd like to learn how much eqiuity they're looking for...

If the idea is capable of winning 100k from microsoft, imagine how much more that can be collected from VCs and angel investors.

none

http://www.ideawins.com is a PR exercise

it's not designed to result in a profitable company

it's designed to result in a PR magnet

[jg_macarthy]

yea it gives everyone a chance to become exposed to their software.

[StockTrading101]

http://www.ideawins.com is a PR exercise

it's not designed to result in a profitable company

it's designed to result in a PR magnet

Yes, this event is setup to promote Microsoft's new accounting software. Read through the rules and fine print, imo Microsoft doesn't offer too much protection for your idea once they have it.

http://www.ideawins.com/contest/down...cial_Rules.pdf

Not sure what to make of it. It is a cool idea though.

[The Stealthy One]

Consider this: it's not an idea that makes a successful business, but the people executing the idea. Microsoft has shown a failure in its ability to execute as of late; I don't think they pose much of a threat there.

[Mad Muppet]

to be honest unless your idea is amazing they wont show much interest in it, and if it was amazing they would most likly get you involved on it. Plus i doubt that they would risk the chance of bad PR which could in the long run cost them alot more.