June, 2009

Boosting Revenue with Reseller Web Hosting: a Q&A

In these challenging economic times, entrepreneurs and small businesses are looking for effective ways to boost revenue by adding on to existing services and up-selling customers. Reseller Web hosting is one area that has emerged as a reliable revenue stream for entrepreneurs. Idea Cafe discusses the topic with Stephen Holford, Chief Marketing Officer at Fasthosts Internet, Inc.

Idea Cafe: What is reseller web hosting, and why should entrepreneurs consider it as a reliable revenue stream?

Finalists for Seventh Idea Cafe Grant Announced

Idea Cafe's editorial team has selected 50 finalists out of the list of semi-finalists, which was announced on May 26th. Congratulations to the finalists, and a sincere "Thank you" to everyone who applied for the seventh Idea Cafe grant! It is always a great experience to go through hundreds of innovative and inspiring ideas; and this is what Idea Cafe grants are all about--inspiration.

Presenting the Entrepreneurial Spirit 2009 Grant Finalists, Part I

In a two-part feature, we will present the business ideas that made it to the final phase of the Idea Cafe grant. Read below, be inspired. You can vote for your favorite finalist (free registration is required).

Presenting the Entrepreneurial Spirit 2009 Grant Finalists, Part II

In this second part of the brief finalist introduction, we present you the other 25 finalist for the Seventh Idea Cafe Grant (a.k.a. The Entrepreneurial Spirit 2009 Grant). We have sent questions to all finalists, asking them to provide more information about themselves. Look for their Q&As here, on the Idea Cafe Blog. Pick your favorite business idea, and vote--your votes will determine the winner.

Idea Cafe Regulars are welcome to ask questions in the comment section of the respective finalist Q&A, once the Q&As start appearing on our blog.

Updates on the Seventh Idea Cafe Grant

Now that we have selected the finalists (read more about them here and here), voting for the winner of the Seventh Idea Cafe Grant is now open, and will continue until July 7th. Visit the voting page (free registration required).

Today we start presenting our finalists in more detail. Every finalist who sent in answers to our question will be featured on the Idea Cafe blog. Regulars can learn more about the competing businesses, and help us determine the winner with their votes. We will be presenting preliminary results, while voting is underway.

Finalist Q&A: Spring Fever Outdoor Living Center

Spring Fever carry ergonomic tools, rare seed and plants, pottery from around the world and quality embellishments to adorn any style of garden. They also provide landscape design and install landscapes and hardscapes of all styles.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what, or who, is your main source of motivation?

Finalist Q&A: AMMO Arts

AMMO presents monthly exhibitions by emerging to established artists. The gallery opened in December 2008, and is located in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street. They provide a cultural service by representing living artists, many of whom have connections to the city of New Orleans.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what, or who,is your main source of motivation?

Finalist Q&A: Bean Sprouts

Bean Sprouts is a hip and healthy kids' cafe, that provides a place for families that is both healthy and fun. Under the guidance of a child nutritionist, Bean Sprouts built its menu with the help and enthusiasm of Gale Gand--renowned chef, author, and Food Network star, who believes in Bean Sprouts’ mission.

Finalist Q&A: HomeSpot HQ

The HomeSpot HQ web application allows home and property owners to organize three key groups of information: routine maintenance tasks, projects and weekend to-do items, and historical facts about their property. Further, users of HomeSpot HQ will have access to special content and discounts from Home Improvement centers and local service providers. HomeSpot HQ is designed as a single, central repository for the critical information about one's home and property.

Finalist Q&A: Advertising Spark

Advertising Spark teaches very small businesses how to advertise effectively using free and low cost tactics. They do this through an affordable tutorial that is a culmination of their 20 years of experience at some of the world's best known advertising agencies, coupled with scouring the best-selling books and the Internet for the latest ideas. They also teach classes in a traditional classroom setting.