Global companies do not hesitate to share their expertise—and money—with aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. Among those who come out to support little companies and help lead their country out of the global financial are Facebook, Dell and Starbucks to name but a few, and this list is growing. MillerCoors is one of those who provide aspiring businessmen with a monetary support to develop their companies, diverse and promising—though its MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series (MUES) program, the alcohol manufacturer has been giving away five grants of $150,000 annually for over a decade. Now, the company is announcing a new submission round (this year, the period was extended by nearly a month), which is running through October 28 at www.MillerCoorsMUES.com.
Photo: The logo of the MillerCoors Urban Entrepreneurs Series program
“This competition is well worth the challenge. Both the prize money and feedback can help set the foundation for your business. If you plan on entering the competition and want a chance at the $150,000 prize pool make sure to get your plan written and reviewed early. You definitely don’t want to miss out,” shared Rex Wills, 2009 $100,000 winner.
To enter the contest, entrepreneurs, whose companies are not older than five year, are asked to submit their business plans to the website. The winners (one of them will receive $50,000 and up to four companies to be awarded with $25,000) will be announced by April 2, 2012. The 2011 winners, named earlier this year, include a company that reuses coffee grounds to grow mushrooms (they received the biggest grant), a job search consulting firm, a certified food safety project management, a gift bags manufacturer, and a medical information provider. MillerCoors also provides budding entrepreneurs with relative content in the Resources section, arranges webinars and also hosts a range of activities during National Urban Entrepreneurs Week (August 1-5 as declared by the company), educating businessmen on how to create a winning business plan.
“At MillerCoors, we know that jobs are needed to build great communities. We want to do our part to empower small business development, which is helping to drive our economy. The MUES program is a resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Through this competition, entrepreneurs compete for much-needed capital to fuel and grow their businesses,” noted Larry Waters, director of multicultural relations for MillerCoors.