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Contest for Innovative Moms
Jul 13 2008

I recently received the following email from one of Whirlpool’s PR reps.  Although I don’t recall being upset (maybe disappointed) about not knowing about the program (which I can’t recall at the moment) she was referring to, I figured I’d share her email about this contest because it seems like a cool idea.  I do have a vague recollection of commenting on a Washington Post article and if I didn’t, she’s a pretty good PR rep to tell me about this contest, because I like to post about programs that support entrepreneurs! 

The cool thing is that if you win you not only win cash but also appliances!  Also, upon reading their site you cannot submit a company/idea for a new appliance.  Your business idea has to be totally unrelated to Whirlpool’s primary business of appliance creation and manufacturing.  

I also noticed that one of the guest judges is Julie Aigner-Clarke, founder of Baby Einstein! 

I haven’t figured out yet if I can apply for Babble Soft (no issue about us being an appliance 🙂 ) but I haven’t read all of the fine print yet.  The application looks pretty simple and straight forward so chances are I will apply.  I encourage you all to check it out too and tell other mom-inventors out there about the competition. 

Hi Aruni,

I saw that you commented on a Washington Post blog entry about a grant program and that you were upset you didn’t know the program was going on.  Just wanted to share with you another grant program that I thought might be of interest to you and your readers.

Whirlpool brand has recently kicked-off the fourth annual Mother of Invention Grant Program. In the past three years, Whirlpool brand has recognized and helped more than 15 moms turn their innovative ideas into reality.

The Whirlpool brand Mother of Invention Grant Program provides seed money and expert guidance to moms to turn their invention, business or service ideas into full-fledged businesses.  Contest winners receive:

  • A $20,000 grant for the grand prize winner
  • $24,000 in grant money for the four runners-up
  • Appliance prizes
  • Invitation to business boot camp where winners will receive guidance from Whirlpool and industry experts

This year, we are greening the program by adding a new category focused on moms who create an environmentally friendly product/service or use natural/recycled materials to create their invention. 

More information and entry forms can be found at www.whirlpool.com/moms. Entries are accepted through July 31, 2008.

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information about the program.  I’d also be happy to share information about our past winners, should you be interested. 

Best,

Laura

Author: | Filed under: competition, entrepreneurship, FYI, mom, mother, working mom, working mother | Tags: , , , , , , | 9 Comments »

9 Comments on “Contest for Innovative Moms”

  1. 1 Katja @skimbaco said at 10:36 PM on July 13th, 2008:

    Thanks for sharing this! I just submitted a new product idea for them!

    Katja @skimbacos last blog post..Huge Giveaway Month! Savvy Auntie Coffee Mug

  2. 2 Aruni said at 6:49 AM on July 14th, 2008:

    @Katja – no problem. Good luck! I’ll cross my fingers for you! I haven’t verified if I can apply yet since Babble Soft is already beyond the idea stage…but maybe for a product extension? Hmmm.

  3. 3 Laura said at 7:48 AM on July 14th, 2008:

    Thanks, Aruni for the post! Good luck to everyone that enters!

  4. 4 Deborah Smith said at 8:52 AM on July 14th, 2008:

    Hi Aruni,

    Thanks for posting this. I just entered, but I think you have a better chance because they give “product originality” 50% of the scoring. Unfortunately, my new service will offer a new twist, but it does have two competitors providing the same basic service. Your product is so unique. I think this will serve you well in the contest.

    Deb Smith
    NannyClassifieds.com

  5. 5 Aruni said at 7:52 PM on July 14th, 2008:

    @Laura – thanks for sending out the information to me.

    @Deborah – I’m glad you applied. A new twist on things can be pretty original. 🙂 I will submit and see how original and market worthy our web/mobile applications are!

  6. 6 Win a $20,000 Grant from Whirlpool at Women On Business said at 8:27 PM on July 14th, 2008:

    […] is holding a contest where the grand prize winner called the 2008 Whirlpool Mother of Invention Grant contest.  The prizes […]

  7. 7 Carole said at 7:28 AM on July 16th, 2008:

    I hope you find a way to enter, because you definitely deserve to win. Good luck!!! : )

    Caroles last blog post..Twitter Updates for 2008-07-14

  8. 8 Carole said at 7:39 AM on July 16th, 2008:

    Hey! I just noticed that they have a “green” category — I’ll bet you could enter in that one! You’re saving people from using a lot of paper….

    Caroles last blog post..Twitter Updates for 2008-07-14

  9. 9 Aruni said at 6:28 PM on July 16th, 2008:

    @Carole – thanks. I thought about that green aspect too of saving paper. I’ll have to throw that piece of info in to the application! 🙂