http://yourbiz.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/12/1260351.aspxAt a time when banks are reining in loans to small businesses, it's not surprising that there has been an explosion of contests promising seed money for budding entrepreneurs. There's an endless stream of entrepreneur contests available out there runen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://yourbiz.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/12/1260351.aspx#1267958Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:38:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1267958Erick B, Santa Monica, CAIn addition to the $10k monthly prize, ideablob.com is really focused on providing a place for people to give and get advice about ideas for new and existing ventures. It's amazing to see how many people are ready and willing to share their experience to help others. For the idea submitter, the advice comes from people that extend far beyond friends and family. Also, by putting an idea 'out there,' without the need for a formal business plan, it's a first step in taking an idea more seriously and increasing the chances of it becoming a reality. http://yourbiz.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/12/1260351.aspx#1279016Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:28:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1279016Nancy Spivey, Atlanta, GA 1Being a part of Ideablob's contest is not only fun but useful because of the advice received.  I am currently competing in the contest with my idea, Transform a Neighborhood.  Several very important and valuable resources and recommendations have been shared on the site.   Being in the contest has also raised the awareness around my non-profit idea and generated interest from volunteers, mentors and more. http://yourbiz.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/12/1260351.aspx#1864967Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:29:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:1864967SDDDoesn't it seem strange that not one male appears on this or the AmEx (make mine a million $ business) sponsored site!  Don't get me wrong, I love women, but this slant is disturbing. I can only emagine what young men must be thinking.