Market Mommy's S.T.A.R. Mom Entrepreneur Award

Funky Finds is a proud sponsor of Market Mommy's first annual S.T.A.R. Mom Entrepreneur Award! Read the below information from Market Mommy to learn more.

Are you {or someone you know} a S.T.A.R. {successful, tenacious, accomplished, remarkable} Mom Entrepreneur? If so, Market Mommy wants to honor you for your continued dedication to your business and your family!

Are you a leader? Are you balancing your business and family in a creative way? We want to hear what sets you apart from the thousands of other mom entrepreneurs! Why are you determined to succeed? Have you invented a product that is helping others? What have you done to show the world that you’re confident, remarkable and steadfast? Tell us, and you’ll be entered to win an absolutely awesome prize package.

We know it’s far from easy to balance a family and grow a business at the same time. And, many of you put in hour after hour and jump hurdle after hurdle in the pursuit of success. That’s why Market Mommy created the first S.T.A.R. Mom Entrepreneur Award...to recognize you for all the sacrifices you make in the name of entrepreneurship.

Not only will this award garner you the respect you deserve, it also comes with an unprecedented prize package! The winner will receive more than $3,500 in prizes. Visit the Sponsor Page for a full list of prizes & their sponsors. Once you’re nominated, you’ll be listed in the S.T.A.R. Mom Entrepreneur Award photo album on Facebook. There, your supporters can endorse you with their ‘likes’ and comments!

A fabulous panel of judges will review nominations and endorsements and chose the mom who best exemplifies success and tenacity. Market Mommy wants to honor a mom who is accomplished, has overcome adversity to make it and aims to balance her business and family life seamlessly. An all-around remarkable mom!

Is that you? It’s easy to nominate. Visit the Nominations Page to fill out the short form, and then e-mail one image {your logo, headshot, product image or another photograph that represents your business} to star@marketmommy.com. Once your nomination form & image is received, your image will be posted in the Facebook album & you will officially be registered. Nominations are being accepted through February 29, 2012. For a complete list of Official Rules, click here.

Timeline

Nominations Open: January 16, 2012

Nominations Close: February 29, 2012

Endorsements Accepted on Facebook until:
March 16, 2012

Winner Announced: On or around March 30, 2012

Smaller Box

Smaller Box is a site that was founded by busy indie entrepreneurs and is full of helpful info & tips for small biz owners. The about page says, "We're not anything like the Best Buys and Walmarts of the world. We're not big box, we're smaller box." Definitely something we can relate to, so I wanted to direct your attention to the site in case you're not already familiar with it. I subscribe to the Creative Entrepreneur's Newsletter that is always filled with links to great information.

The latest newsletter included:

• Selling at Shows - How We Sold Thousands of Dollars in Product in 14 Hours Despite Pouring Down Rain

• Getting Your Products in Stores: Consignment, Wholesale & Drop Shipping

• 14 Questions Your Product Page Should Answer

And much more! The Smaller Box blog is filled with similar content that is sure to help out any small biz owner. I hope you find it as helpful & inspiring as I do! Check 'em out on Facebook, too.

Helpful & Inspiring Blogs

I read TONS of blogs & wanted to share a few with you today. These blogs are very helpful to creatives and those running a small business.

1. Blacksburg Belle is a blog that aims to help creative women lead more fulfilling lives while doing what they love. Written by April & Linda, the site is frequently filled with tips on how to reach your goals, interviews with small biz owners, and much more. Facebook

2. Imaginative Bloom is where I first learned of April Bowles-Olin of Blacksburg Belle. She is a regular contributor to the site & shares equally important information & tips on this site, too. Facebook

3. The Handmade Business Blog is written by Sheryl Westleigh, a sculptor & jewelry designer from Maine. She shares videos & information that covers topics like how to handle copyright issues and how to use Google Analytics on your blog.

4. Just Something I Made is full of great craft ideas, free downloads and more. Check out the DIY Projects by Cathe section for past projects the author has shared. Facebook

5. A Beautiful Mess is Elsie Flannigan's blog. I'm sure you all know who Elsie is, but in case you don't, she's a young, inspiring entrepreneur who shares lots of good info & eye candy on her blog. Facebook

6. Whether you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth (Texas) area or not, DFW Craft Shows is a great source for those who sell at craft shows. Don't miss the helpful articles relating to the Craft Show Survival Kit! And, if you are in the DFW area, check the site frequently for updated craft show info. Facebook

7. Martha Latta of Sunday Afternoon Housewife always shares helpful info on her blog, too. I've learned a lot about Twitter, LinkWithin, and much more by reading Martha's articles. I also guest blog over there once a month! Facebook

Small Business Saturday

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. This year, November 27th is the first ever Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy & preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday is a national movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the United States. Join Facebook group here.

Four Reasons to Support Small Business:

1. Your Community - For every $100 spent at local small businesses, $68 returns to the community. (Civic Economics)

2. Employment - Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees. (Small Business Administration)

3. The Economy - Small businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms. (Small Business Administration)

4. Local Jobs - For every year over the last decade, 60-80% of new jobs were generated by small businesses. (Small Business Administration)

Indie Business - Starting, Surviving, Succeeding

Indie Business 2.0 - Starting, Surviving, Succeeding is a six week online class perfect for those wanting to build an online or local creative business. The course will focus on starting, surviving and succeeding in small business and everything in between! Taught by Leigh-Ann of Freckled Nest, Jill of Lune Vintage, and Elsie of Red Velvet Art, the course runs March 7 - April 16. Hosted in a members only blog, the 26 sessions, seven DIY projects and three live chats are sure to give you all the tools you need to establish yourself and achieve success with your small business! The course also includes a printable workbook with original illustrations by Elsie and has room for all your homework, notes and ideas. Visit the indie business site for full details and registration info. Email questions to Leigh-Ann at indieworldwide@gmail.com.