Business contest is a competition or rivalry between firms and or individuals to win revenue. It is a fundamental economic force that benefits customers as firms are under pressure to constantly improve products and offer attractive prices.

Top Contests and Competitions for Growing Companies

1. Laka Competition ’20: Architecture that Reacts

Laka invites designers around the world to submit their ideas of ‘architecture that reacts’. The subject of the competition is architectural, urban, technological or product design that is capable of dynamic interaction with social, natural, or built surroundings.

2. Launch Lewiston-Auburn Maine Contest

The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council (LAEGC) and the Androscoggin County Chambers of Commerce have launched an entrepreneurial contest for youths who have roots in the local community. They are encouraged to start a business in Lewis-Auburn, Maine.

The award for the competition includes an equity infusion of $10,000 – $20,000 in seed money and a number in-kind service for a year (which includes business consulting, accounting services, legal fees, advertising agencies, rents, and more). Runners-up may receive in-kind services.

3. Start-up Open

Start-up Open is a competition for start-up businesses created during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The aim is to select 50 most promising start-ups launched during the week based on a range of criteria which include the strength of concept, knowledge of the market and growth projection. One entrepreneur would receive a free trip to Richard Branson’s private island to network with experienced entrepreneurs.

4. CMIT Makeover Contest

CMIT Solutions is accepting entries for its $75,000 office technology makeover. The awards include:

• Dell server, laptops/desktops and peripherals.
• Microsoft Windows Operating System.
• Desktop/workstation care, backup, email filtering and security services from CMIT Solutions.

5. ACCO Brands Everyday Heroes Contest

ACCO Brands awards the sum of $1000 to one winner each of the categories – business, home/office and school.

Visit accoheroes.com for more information.

6. The CleanTech Open Idea Competition

Just for sharing your idea, you could win a prize package of services worth $100,000 to help you start a business. Winners of each individual National Competition get to represent their country as Global Ideas Finalists in San Francisco.

7. Constant Contact Developer Challenge

Constant Contact is looking to attract innovative, functional and original applications to feature in the Constant Contact Marketplace. Contestants are to design and submit an app for a chance to win prizes up to $15,000.

8. Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award

The award is sponsored by Sam’s Club and is designed to honor U.S. job creators and recognize their significant contributions towards economic growth.

9. PC Mall Small Business Network Supreme Office Makeover Contest

The contest is targeted towards small businesses with 1 – 100 employees. The cash award is valued at $17,500 for businesses with 11 – 100 employees and $7000 for businesses with 1 – 10 employees. Other awards include PCs, notebooks, printers, small business networking equipment, back-up software and so on.

10. Breakthrough Innovation Grant (BIG) Competition

BIG is an international competition sponsored by the Fisherman Foundation and the SEVEN Fund, in partnership with Micro-Ventures Incorporated in the Philippines.

To enter the competition, send a business proposal that is scalable, innovative, resourceful and fit for the particular needs of the Philippines.

The cash award ranges from US$500 to US$2,200.

11. Global Start-up Competition 2020

The competition is open for start-ups who want to join the 7^th edition of the Global and Startups Pitching Competition. The top 250 most promising startups will be selected through public votes.

The award is worth €10 million.

Top Business Contests in Africa

1. MEST (Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology) Africa Challenge

Selected applicants will receive up to $50,000 in equity investment from the Ghana-based accelerator and space in a MEST incubator in either Lagos, Accra or Cape Town. Tech Startups based in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ivory Coast and Ghana are eligible to contest.

2. Netpreneur Prize

The founder of global e-commerce giant Alibaba, Jack Ma has launched programme called Netprenuer with $1 million to be awarded to 10 African entrepreneurs. The focus of the award is small business growth, innovation and women founders.

3. Get in the Ring

This is a Dutch startup platform that has planned to release about $11.36 million available to participants in their annual events involving startups from over 100 countries. Top companies at each local level will compete at the global finals.

4. Startup of the Year

This is open for African startups which are less than six years and less than $5 million in funding. The 100 top finalists will be notified by the organizers, after which they are expected to display their solutions at the event.

Business Contests for International Students

1. Rice Business Plan Competition

The competition is open to full-time or part-time U.S graduate students. The grand prize is $125,000.

2. University World Cup

The competition is open to only student startups. The award for the competition is $25000.

3. PITCH

Open to university students or graduates within the last six months. The award is $5000.

4. Richards Barrentine Values and Ventures Competition

This is open for all students who are into ventures that make a profit and solve problems. The award is between $250 and $40,000.

We have compiled a list of various Business Contests to apply to; start here to apply.