Phoenix Based Companies Compete to Win $250,000 Small Business Grant

MESA, Ariz., June 20, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Thanks to a program launched by Chase and Living Social called Mission: Small Business, dozens of valley companies are competing to win a $250,000 business grant, says AKA Internet Marketing. The contest is still open to those who have not registered, but time is ticking.

To qualify, a business must meet certain requirements such as having been in business for at least two years and have less than 100 employees; but that’s the easy part. The bigger challenge for these businesses is generating the required 250 votes that they need to be considered for the prize.

Two local participants shared their views on the voting process.

Anthony Kirlew, founder of AKA Internet Marketing, said “I am not one inclined to beg for votes, and I know people are busy. I hope that people see that value that my company has brought to the business community enough to where they would take a literal 2 minutes to vote for us.”

Kirlew’s company (www.akaim.com) provides Internet Marketing and Social Media consulting services to small business and says the grant would help them provide more training resources to business owners nationwide. In Kirlew’s words, “A win for us is a win for small business America.”

Another local participant, Vikki Green, of Sandlot Studios said she was “not surprised at how difficult collecting votes is, given that people are very busy and don’t always get emails or messages sent via social media” but she remains hopeful that her friends and business community won’t let her down. More information on Sandlot Studios: http://www.sandlotstudios.com.

There are dozens of local businesses in the competition, which include:
* Health Synergy;
* Bada Bling Cupcakes;
* AZ Dance Group;
* National Comedy Theatre;
* Talent Team Performing Arts;
* Red, White & Brew;
* Clear Auto Spa;
* Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila.

Casting a vote for any (or all) of these businesses is a great way to show support to local businesses and it only takes about a minute to do. It’s also a great way to keep money in Phoenix by helping a local business win.

For more information or to vote, visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com, login (must login with Facebook), search for the business, then click the “vote” icon.

- Photo Caption: Anthony Kirlew, founder AKA Internet Marketing.

News Source: AKA Internet Marketing :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

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