And the Semi-Finalists for the 10th Idea Cafe's Small Business Cash Grant are...

We are thrilled to present the semi-finalists for the 10th Idea Café's $1,000.00 Small Business Grant. It was tough since there were so many super candidates. But now we've selected the cream of the crop from nearly one thousand exceptional applicants. 40 grant applicants impressed us with their creativity, business wisdom and the intent to leverage their business and personal talents to help others. Below you can learn more about our semi-finalists' businesses and ideas.

If you are on the list -- congratulations! If not – cast your vote to determine which companies will continue to the next stage of the grant campaign. Those five of the semi-finalists who receive the highest numbers of your votes will make it to the final round and eventually compete for the cash prize.

The voting page is located at http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/small_business_grants/grant_vote.php . Free Idea Cafe registration is required in order to cast a vote. Voting closes on November, 1st.

Vote now, because YOUR vote will determine which companies and their owners most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

In the following couple of weeks, we'll be contacting the semi-finalists and asking them to answer several brief questions about their business. While the voting is open, we will feature those stories on Idea Cafe, so that Regulars can learn more about other people's entrepreneurial approach, while deciding who deserves their vote best.

And finally, here they are, our semi-finalists ordered by the date of their application:

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Courtney Griffiths
Hoboken, NJ
http://tinyurl.com/projectBBgreen

What does your business do?
Meshing historic preservation, eco-tourism, and promoting local sustainability and community outreach, Project B&B Green will set a new “green” standard. The goal of Project B&B Green is to acquire a historic structure in NJ. While preserving the historic and cultural value, the house will be renovated into an all “green” bed and breakfast (B&B), environmental outreach center.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Currently, Project B&B Green does not have funding. This grant money would enable us to continue our business planning and establish a strong internet presence with the creation of an official website.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Everyday, tangible links to our past, in the form of historic structures, are torn down and demolished to make way for next "best" thing. Project B&B Green is innovative because it utilizes preexisting, historic structures as income generating businesses. Aside from cultural centers and museums, historic structures can be transformed into hand-on learning opportunities.
"We can't build our way out of the climate change crisis, we have to conserve our way out."
Project B&B Green gives new life to otherwise abandoned historic structures though eco-tourism and local, community sustainability. As Project B&B Green developers a standard of operating, a similar property can be applied to any town or city.

Over the next three years, Project B&B Green will procure a historic structure and begin the journey of unifying a community around the initiatives to restore aesthetics, local pride, sustainability and our environment.

Vote now!

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Adam Grace
Forest, MS
http://spoonfudge.com

What does your business do?
We produce gourmet fudge. It is a creamy fudge which is packaged in jars and eaten with spoons! We are also huge supporters of the handmade movement and small business. We allow other small businesses to promote their product by placing samples in our boxes at no charge.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
The grant would enable us to hire a food scientist who could extend our product's shelf life. This would open up a whole new market for our business.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
As mentioned above, we are HUGE supporters of the handmade movement and small businesses. We already allow them to place samples of their products in out going shipments of our product. So far this year, we've shipped 1,500 samples from other small businesses which ultimately equates to 1,500 connections we've made between a small business and a consumer.

We'd continue this program. Also, with the extended shelf life, we'd like to move into a retail location in our dilapidated downtown area. With our move into the downtown area we'd focus on renovation and a reduced lease program for the other buildings to make it possible for other small business owners to see their dreams of having a retail location come true.

Vote now!

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VJ
Madison, GA
http://fanta-seadivers.com

What does your business do?
We teach people how to blow bubbles.. what? That's right, we teach about the wonders that can be found below the water's surface and share the joys of the underwater realm with our students and clients. We are Scuba Divers of course, but there's more to it than just diving. Teaching divers, folks who want to be divers and customers of the importance of recycling, conservation, keeping plastics and pollution out of the Ocean and other waterways. Teaching folks about sustainable Seafood and how to make good decisions when it comes to selecting seafood. It's important to keep our waterways clean so we also participate in local area lake clean up activities.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Purchase pool time and get the message out into the community

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We would like to sponsor a boy scout troop and help offset the cost of them earning their scuba merit badge. they also learn about Eco systems while earning the scuba merit badges. It's important to teach our youth the importance of keeping the environment clean.

Vote now!

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Athena Gough
Akron, OH
http://www.lovearthouse.com

What does your business do?
My organization is an Arts marketing and advocacy organization. Love Art House serves to get communities more actively engaged in the Arts, and help artists find ways to get more exposure for their work. Currently I am connected to more than 1100 artists and art lovers, and provide free marketing of their work.
Love Art House is also a publisher. Work is published in various formats. Most work is available, and will be created in electronic format to reduce costs, so artists can earn more. 75% of Love Art House's revenue goes to the artists that have work showcased in each particular publication, event, etc. Additionally Love Art House sets aside between 5-15% of revenue to help agencies assisting with hardships.
Love Art House is seeking new ways to get people more actively engaged in artistic activities and events. A rewards program is being developed to encourage people to buy work from and interact with artists, as well as taking up their own artistic pursuits (art supplies, publishing, etc.)
I believe it is vital to emotional and physical health for everyone to participate in the Arts. For that reason, the majority of all revenue made by my organization goes to the people, from the artists to the art lovers, to the communities they live in. The mission of my organization is to spread the Arts to as many as possible, and to help create revenue for artists to continue to pursue their craft.
Love Art House is also committed to providing services for free to artists, working on as an agent does, not receiving profit, until profit is made for the artists.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
I cannot work with Lightening Source until I contact the ISBN organization to secure my block of ISBN numbers for future publishing. That purchase is $300. But it will allow Love Art House to publish and price books extremely competitively, given the economy (example, a 200-page color photo book would cost $3.00, there by allowing the book to be sold for a modest amount). They also print on demand, so I don't have to invest in inventory. The other promotional items would help kickstart sales of the published work, so the artists can begin to earn money, and Love Art House can begin launching free and low-cost art/music community events.
I am currently self-funded, and cannot afford these expenses yet. However with this assistance, the publishing and rewards aspects of Love Art House can be launched, creating revenue for artists, and incentives for art lovers to purchase work and interact with artists.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I would permanently reserve up to 5% of revenue to go to Idea Cafe's business grant program. If I can be helped, I would want to make it possible for many others to be helped.
Additionally, if there are some other businesses who offer services that Love Art House's artists and fans could benefit from, I would offer some form of free advertising.

Vote now!

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Jessica Fulks
Raleigh, NC
http://www.4lache.com

What does your business do?
Lache' is a fashion forward clothing line that caters to the sophisticated, urban man and woman. It is a mix of cultures and enables one to capitalize on where they have come from with the world of European and Cotoure fashion.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
As of right now I cannot afford to register my company with the government or afford to purchase a heavy duty sewing machine, which will allow me to enter more fashion shows and fulfill more orders. I also am not able to give back more through my fashion design because of low funding for my business. The grant will help me complete each of these tasks and successfully start up my business.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I would like to start a nonprofit organization that educates and provides opportunities to children in the fields of art and design. I feel as if there are many children who express their frustrations and potential problems at home in the wrong ways. Art and design would be creative and positive ways to keep a children occupied and influenced. It could ensure an exciting and fulfilling future in and out of the art fields.

Vote now!

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Yvonne Esquilin
Bronx, NY
http://nitelinemagazine.com

What does your business do?
Our internet magazine showcases new talent all around the world. We reach out to people that are having a hard time getting their work or talent promoted. Our magazine covers all aspects of The Arts. We discuss music, engineering, poetry, productions and we recently added film making.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Pay for the printing expense.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We will definitely help others by pushing their work. Our magazine is a great resource.

Vote now!

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Crystal Acupanda
Seattle, WA
http://www.iconchicfashion.com

What does your business do?
We sell vintage fashion accessories. We have an online boutique www.iconchicfasion.com. Our mission is simple (please check out our About Us Page), to Feel Pretty! I'm a working mom and can appreciate that sometimes you walk out of the door, hair a mess, no makeup and that's just how it is. But sometimes, its a matter of putting on your favorite bracelet or necklace, maybe a handbag or clutch...and you just feel a little better about the day. Its that moment when a girl can feel pretty that we live for.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
It will enable us to join networking groups and also use the remaining money to spend on marketing. Currently we are utilizing every free way possible. You can find Icon Chic on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc, etc, etc.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I will direct other small business owners to your site. I will also help educate other small business owners on free ways to market their company and how to utilize all avenues of networking. I want to be a role model for other small business owners.

Vote now!

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Bryan Knox
Cicero, IL
http://www.knoxspice.com

What does your business do?
We create and manufacture gourmet all natural spice blends.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
We would be able to purchase the labels, jars and lids for our new line of salt free spice blends and create new and better sales collateral and incentives to aid in jump starting new client.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We are always happy to help businesses even in out own sector. Ramping up the product line and
having better sales collateral would give us more time to do so. Having time to aid our retailers in
cooking demos and classes would become a reality.

Vote now!

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Correda Rizer
Calumet City,IL
http://www.customflipz.com

What does your business do?
We give low income individuals and families the chance to custom design a rental property with the option to buy. We believe if a person feels that they helped create the design they will feel more obligated to better maintain the property. This could in the long run help maintain neighborhoods property value and help less fortunate people feel that to can have "a piece of the American pie."

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
The grant money will be used to:
- change the legal form of the business from a sole proprietorship to a L3C, a low profit organization whose main focus is not to make money but to help the community. $500.00
-Another portion of the money will be used for promotional materials that include business cards, flyers and web design -$320
-The remainder portion of the money will be used for office space rental from a local incubator for the first two months- $180
This is a new business and funds are limited.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Custom Flipz will be registered as a L3C, which is a low profit business whose main goal is to help the community. In addition to helping low income families we are in the process of forming a non for profit community center which will have a variety of programs that cater to the needs of the community. The center can open many doors for people to have a place to advertise their own unique business.

Vote now!

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Lisa Blanton
Windfall, IN
http://www.facebook.com/sassycreations

What does your business do?
I make candles. Not just your typical candle, though. Mine are 100% Palm Wax candles. I make them personally, in small batches, and hand pour each one. The name of my candle line is *Palm*Scents*. I offer over 40 different scents. I also make hair bows and accessories, as well as baking and making decorated cakes to sell at our local Farmer's Market.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
To get my product out there to the consumer. I am confident in my product, I just need more exposure. I currently sell at our local Farmer's Market. Recently a gift shop in town started carrying my candles. I also use Facebook as a networking tool. I have an ad on placemats at a local restaurant. I have tried to be creative in getting my business 'out there'.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I have done a couple of fund raisers. That makes me feel good, when I am doing well, but someone else benefits from my success as well. I did a fund raiser with our own church, in which they raised enough money to pay for Vacation Bible School. That really made me feel great!

Vote now!

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Jason Phillips
Hernando, FL
http://www.cartstore.com

What does your business do?
We have created a shopping cart platform and we sell this and build online stores with it.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
We need money to pay for the development, with this we would be the only shopping cart platform as robust as ours that works on smart phone devices.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
WE can place a link on our website to let others know of you.

Vote now!

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Kinsey Bond
SPOKANE, WA
http://www.sixstringinstruction.com

What does your business do?
Teaching Guitar lessons to anyone who wants to learn! We also have a website (www.sixstringinstruction.com) where people can learn online. Our goal is to create artists!

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
It would allow us to purchase chairs and music stands for our group lessons and also to produce high quality promotional pieces.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We would LOVE to help other entrepreneurs start up their businesses! We have a plan to start that business as soon as we get this one ultra successful. We also have 3 other businesses currently running besides this one. One is a web and graphic design business which offers small business owners the ability to have a high quality website for a small amount of money. Also, a website for property managers of apartments to help them out with monthly market surveys. (this was my old profession) www.whatsyouroccupancy.com. And yet another website for finding yard sales in your area that will have the items you are searching for! people list their yard sale and what items they have, then shoppers search for what they want so they dont have to drive all over town. Its called www.yardsalehound.com.

Vote now!

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April Redbird
Bellingham WA
http://www.nmbhr.com

What does your business do?
It provides a free website to anyone who needs information about mental health services in New Mexico. This includes consumers of mental health services for them there are many links to non-profits, that can help them. There is also all the AA meetings listed in the state, support groups, governemental agencies and their contact names and numbers. It has sections for providers of mental health services where people can advertise their events for free, or their conferences etc. There is another section for articles on recent research in the field of mental health. And there is still another section which has many many pages of just a mental health dictionary for people to look up conditions and their is even a section for people to see what the current acronyms are in the staet of New Mexico surrounding mental health and available services.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
I can't contact providers of mental health services to buy a online ad listing ( which is really cheap, $25.00 a year) try to get something that cheap through the Yellow Pages. I spent 2 years reserching and creating this site, and another $2,000 to web designers and hosting companies to get it going and keep it going. Now I am unemployed and want to make this happen. There are 4,000 providers of mental health services in New Mexico. And Agencies pay a little higher fee like $50.00

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I would love to help others out. I could offer my own small grant loan. I really believe in the concept of community and helping others in your community. In my community it would be small business owners who are entrepeners. And other mental Health professionals. I could evebn give some struggling new business a free listing. I have already actually done that for over a year.

Vote now!

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Heine Nzumafo
Hinesville, GA

What does your business do?
Business will develop, launch and a mobile application for smartphones that will allow users to call other users with the same application via email address only (no phone numbers needed). (Patent Pending)
In the future, a desktop version of the app will be developed so users can place calls from desktop (or laptop) to mobile phone with only the email address of the person they are trying to reach. (Patent Pending)

Thus, our service will ensure users an added degree of privacy, comfort, control and security in the event that numbers change (intentionally or unintentionally) or user wants to cease communication altogether with another user. All this would be made easy through the users profile by updating contacts and current phone number.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
At this point, I cannot afford to attend this event. Not with my present cash flow pattern. This grant will allow me to attend this event without borrowing from a friend or family or otherwise incurring personal debt.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Considering that I plan to lunch my business soon, as I get more successful, I plan to contribute to this initiative either by funding a grant for someone else, or by providing feedback, advice, counsel about my experiences and achievements.

Vote now!

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Ahshlanda Murphy
Atlanta, GA
http://www.vixenvaletservice.com

What does your business do?
We provided a beautiful parking experience to various events. All of our attendants are professional, classy females who are fully trained and capable of hard work.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
It would enable us to be more environmentally friendly by not having to use a paper system.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Vixen Valet Service is dedicated to giving back and helping others. We will take on a charity each year and raise money for the cause.

Vote now!

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John Kapidis
Bourbonnais, IL
http://www.mjscooling.com

What does your business do?
Heating and cooling sales, service and installations.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Give our company during this tight economy more capital for advertising.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
With advise on how to be creative in this tough economy.

Vote now!

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Daniel Brewster
Bend, OR
http://www.cascadecouriers.com

What does your business do?
We use cargo bicycles and trailers to haul a variety of different items such as periodicals and wholesale bakery goods. We also provide a curbside composting service where we pick up food waste from residential and business customers. We then deliver the waste to local farmers to create compost.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
It would enable us to get a good start on expanding our services to other business customers.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Regardless of getting the grant or not, we try to support other local businesses. By getting this grant, not only would Cascade Couriers benefit but also our local frame-builder and any potential advertisers.

Vote now!

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John Baldwin
Tunnel Hill, GA
www.karzforu.com

What does your business do?
We are a licensed, family owned and operated independent automobile dealership. We sell later model cars and trucks at very fair prices, due to our low overhead and our ability to be picky and wait for deals at the auctions since we are small.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Right now we only get one "spotlight ad" a month, the grant would allow us to purchase a package of 15. Since we are located in a very small town, we rely heavily on the internet to draw customers from all over the south east. We have been able to draw customers from as far away as 230 miles using these ads, but as I stated, we only get one per month.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
The best way that I can think of to pay this forward would be to offer any insight I can to others trying to either market on the internet or to sell cars. Other than that, we would also be able to help other small businesses in our area, because with every car that we buy and sell, we have to buy fuel and parts for the cars and we are able to buy more products that we consume that do not go into the cars themselves.

Vote now!

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Amber Coronado
Fort Worth, TX

What does your business do?
C4 Volleyball provides a Club Volleyball expirience at a lower cost. It wasn't that long ago when I was playing Club VB, and watching my parents struggle to pay the cost. During that time I saw first hand a handful of my team mates and friends not able to participate because of the financial obligation. I have been out of HS for 5 years and am now a student at UTA, and have a younger sibling currently going through the same expiriences I did with the sport. I truely believe that Sports, or any extracurricular activity during adolecent years is vital to assisting in the success of building a responsible Adult. Being apart of a team, and working to be the best, shows these youths to be responsible, and what hard work feels like. They learn to always do their best. Club Volleyball also increases the chances of being noticed and offered College Aid. I want to offer Club Volleyball to everyone who wants to have the opprotunity, without "shaving" the benifits.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
It will ensure that each team and player that signs up with C4 recieves everything they need to have a sucessful season; both in the sport, and in confidence outside of the sport. I am currently buying equipment slowly in anticipation of the upcoming C4 Club season, having funds available to purchase and ensure everything needed is provided to the girls at no additional cost is Vital to not only C4's success, but to the Players as well.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Once off the ground, I hope to have at least one Full team of athletes who can participate, and have all the same benifits the other teams have, on a solely "Scholarship" basis. No cost except transportation.

Vote now!

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Robert Abeyta
Roseville, CA
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000910657907&ref=ts

What does your business do?
Avision Fitness is a health supplement resource based in Roseville, CA. We provide services to our clients that are unparalleled by any company in the industry. We’re CA’s 1st mobile supplement company. We offer 1 free personalized diet to ALL customers, free delivery in Placer/Sacramento Counties, & ship orders anywhere in the U.S. Our coaching program is free to all. We cater to those unable to afford personal training/nutrition programs, which we feel should be available to all Americans.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Produce products in a timely manner to our customers, without a 2-3 day wait.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We will do all that we can to help other small businesses and entrepreneurers in our area, by coaching, advice, and with financing when we are able to. Most importantly, we will continue to offer/expand the free services we believe everyone deserves.

Vote now!

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Mandee Widrick
Adams, NY
http://chargedupmedia.com

What does your business do?
ChargedUp Media is an online branding company that helps businesses take charge of their niche through the use of social media and internet marketing. Simply put, we manage social media profiles on networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. We also offer coaching for entrepreneurs (like us!) who want to learn more about social media marketing since they might not be quite ready to hire us to manage their profiles full time.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
As a young entrepreneur, my budget is very limited. The grant would enable me to try new things I've only been able to write down on paper now with hopes to attempt later on when revenue increases. Some of those things include offering monthly workshops in my hometown, starting a webinar series, and joining the local Chamber of Commerce. I would be very grateful to be able to accomplish those things.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I'm often times asked to take on new projects "pro bono". This grant would give me more opportunities to be able to give in my community whereas I can't always afford to do so now. I am committed to seeing growth in not just my own community, but also amongst entrepreneurs and small business owners around the world. I'm here to help in any way I can. Let's make the world a better place!

Vote now!

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Jacki Anderson
Clarks Grove, MN
http://www.prairieessence.com

What does your business do?
Prairie Essence LLC promotes healthy skin and a healthy environment through the use of its own hand crafted natural skin care products. Formulated using only renewable plant source ingredients and enhanced with prairie botanicals, these products nourish and promote healthy skin. Being packaged in post consumer and totally recyclable containers, Prairie Essence exhibits its great care and concern of the Earth.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Grant money would enable Prairie Essence LLC to increase and enhance its efforts to educate the public about today's skin care market and how some products being marketed as 'natural' are in fact far removed from what they (the manufacturer) are calling natural or naturally derived. This would be accomplished through sponsorship of radio media ads and creation of printed media brochures and fact sheets. It’s all about education and being able to make an informed decision when it comes purchasing personal care products.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Prairie Essence LLC will 'pay forward' its success through community involvement, sponsorship, and donations to projects or activities, which benefit the local environment, such as lake clean up efforts and prairie restoration. By becoming involved in public activities, this action clearly shows the commitment of Prairie Essence LLC has in caring for the earth and its people.

Vote now!

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Justin McCoubry
Cambridge, MA
http://www.therealityexperience.com

What does your business do?
The Reality Experience provides groups with the opportunity to experience their favorite reality TV shows! Survive the vote, race against fierce competitors, or prove you can sing and dance like a star – We deliver a fun and one-of-a-kind experience that provides a true taste of reality stardom.
After years of being a fan and never appearing on a reality show, I figured I couldn’t be the only one to have this unrealized craving. Though our programming concepts are slightly different in execution and on a smaller scale, they closely parallel those shows we all watch from our couches and think: "that would be so much fun" or "I could do that!" The Reality Experience brings the excitement of being a reality star and opportunity to be a part of some of the most revolutionary concepts on television!
We are also a full service social events company - so we can do trivia nights, casino nights etc. beyond our niche.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Everything. Its very frustrating to have a fantastic idea that I believe so strongly in, but don't have the resources to move forward with. I really feel with a little money, I could grow this into a successful enterprise.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
If this business could be successful, I would love to use the connections I make in the community to do some fundraising events for charities and maybe bring my programming to communities that it could really help (kids in hospitals, special needs, etc). I'd also like to help encourage other young entrepreneurs who have ideas and maybe through Idea Cafe give back my $1000 as a grant to someone else who is struggling.

Vote now!

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Lucy Matulich
Austin, TX
http://www.thecoffeetrailer.com

What does your business do?
We serve locally roasted, directly traded, and family owned coffee to a niche
neighborhood that does not currently have a high quality, locally owned cafe. We do this all out of a 6' x 10' yellow trailer!

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Pay someone to design a logo, get biz cards and flyers made, get large signs made to direct people to our cafe, get a few local advertisements in print, and maybe even get our trailer "wrapped" with name and logo on it.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We are very open with other entrepreneurs about how we have started and continued our business. I would gladly tell others about the grant we've received and help them apply for this and other types of grants. We have been blessed with so much help over the past 2 years, we hold no secrets!

Vote now!

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Rebecca Poe
Indianapolis, IN
http://www.passionatewriterpublishing.com

What does your business do?
We are an African American owned independent publisher of fiction and nonfiction books of all genres.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
The grant funds would go toward printing and design costs of the materials and promotional products for sale.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
The money raised would go to literacy programs in the areas we visit in order to help promote literacy and fund programs locally.

Vote now!

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Randy Wegrzyn
Monument, CO
http://www.wegsolar.com

What does your business do?
We install Thermal Solar systems for residential homes and small businesses. We are a family owned and run business with over 12 years experience. My daughter Kayli, who is 5, is a part of this business because we want to make a way for her generation to be less dependent on fossil fuels.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
I would enable me to advertise on a larger scale.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We give regularly to non-profit organizations such as "Compassion International", Missionaries, our Church and different ministries we believe are making a positive impact on our society through rehab centers, soup kitchens etc.

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Lisa Hall
Annapolis, MD
http://www.lisahallstaging.com

What does your business do?
Home staging services for people selling their homes. Home staging is a specific type of interior design focusing on homes for sale. It accentuates homes best features, de-clutters and de-personalizes and strives for the model home look that appeals to buyers. Staged homes sell 50% faster and for 6-10% more money. In today's market, there are a huge number of vacant homes on the market and staging helps home sellers sell their properties quicker and for more profit.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Market my business on a larger scale. Now I am sending a few postcards here and there and have placed one ad. But this needs to be done on a much large scale to really make an impact.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I would be happy to be a resource for Idea Cafe to provide any insight and helpful tips to people just starting a business.

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Lorrie Hird
Clinton, OH
http://www.glassesfair.com

What does your business do?
Our business sells prescription eyewear online. We offer almost 100 frames for $24.99 and 39.99 including single vision lens.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
We cannot afford to give our glasses away. We have kept our profit as low as possible to sell them at an affordable price. This would allow us to sell them at a flat rate and make up the difference with the grant monies.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
As explained in the previous questions, this money would be used to make up the difference our customers have to pay for their eyeglasses. We get call almost everyday where these people are crying because they need glasses and cannot afford what retail stores are charging. We would like to be able to offer to them a quality pair of glasses at a price they can afford. We would let AOA know of the fund available and would have the customer fill out a form to insure that the money is applied to individuals truly in need of this.

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Shirley Dietrich
DuBois, NE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverside-CA/Shirleys-Place-Senior-Alterna...

What does your business do?
My name is Shirley Dietrich and I am 75yrs old and I own a small, family run cafe in rural Southeast Nebraska. We provide affordable food in a family atmosphere for the local communities, most of which have lost their food service businesses due to reduced populations.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
This grant would pay local people with the proper equipment to resurface our parking lot and make it safer. It will also improve the overall appearance of our business and community.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Shirley's Place has already held a fund raiser for our local community building and will donate goods for upcoming events. Church gatherings and memorial gatherings will be given donations and we are members of the Womens Auxilary and prepare goodie baskets for the soldiers overseas.

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Isa Kirk
Pringle,SD
http://www.paintingsbyisa.com

What does your business do?
As an artist I produce painted portraits in pastel from 1 or more photos, LE prints and inspirational greetingcards using my art work or my photos.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Produce my own greeting cards as well as LE prints (lateron, when I can afford a art printer) more reasonalbe and in the high quality and color accuracy I would like them to be.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
Offering sample cards to local businesses. Lateron I plan to purchsase a good LE art printer (for up to 16 x 20 print size)which will allow me to not only produce my own prints, bt also take in orders from other local artist.

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Amy Bybee
Pinellas Park, FL
http://www.pinellasmma.com

What does your business do?
We offer mixed martial arts training to children starting at 3 years old through adults. Our biggest program is out After School Program where we provide a constructive alternative to day care. We provide childcare for K-8 graders looking to get social values, discipline, and structure with their after school pgm.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
We will be able to help in the community more by allowing a student that cannot afford the program to be able to attend. The grant will allow us to pay for their expenses so that it does not hurt us financially.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We will be giving this grant as a scholarship. We spend about 50 hours in the public schools free of charge giving bullying/self defense seminars to children K-12. Allowing us to be able to use the grant money for people in need is the BEST way to pay it forward.

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Rosalyn Fay
San Francisco, CA
http://www.truecolorstv.com

What does your business do?
Agora Films Inc. is a non-profit media organization. Our primary focus at this time is creating True Colors TV, one of the first online video networks for women and girls as a resource to assist them in creating the lives they really want! TCTV offers a wide array of inspiring and empowering programs, interviews and other content showing how women, at any age or circumstance, can have happier, more authentic, creative and fulfilling lives.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
The grant would enable us to have more than two women guests on camera at once which is important for the launch of our new talk show, True Talk. Currently we only have two microphones. Having studio lights would enable us to shoot at any time of the day and in any location. Currently we don't have lights so it is a constant struggle to find well lit locations to shoot it. Having the funds to hire a professional editor would really help give our content that polished, professional look necessary to attract viewers and sponsors.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
True Colors TV's mission is to empower women and girls to live up to their highest potential and features women and girls who are doing this-- pursuing their passions and leading happy, creative, fulfilling lives. All of our content is available at no cost to the viewer.

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Abel Stephen
Martensville, CA
http://www.iCareNOW.tv and http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/icarenow-coupons/id333510535

What does your business do?
The exciting answer is that after almost two years of research and development, the iPhone app "iCareNOW Coupons" is about to be released as a commercial version: http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/icarenow-coupons/id333510535
"iCareNOW Coupons empowers you to make a difference for yourself and others. Choose from great offers provided by good businesses in your own neighborhood. Get their coupons, see their commercials and get to know the local charities they support and so much more. Rate and recommend their service while at their location to show your appreciation in real-time. You can 'do more...doing the everyday' for yourself and your community, by using "iCareNOW Coupons".'i Care NOW'. Do you?"
In addition to geo-location, a corresponding multi-media classified on iCareNOW.tv, the app also delivers business intelligence metrics and is tied into social media like Facebook and Twitter!!

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Spent a lot of time, effort and money into innovative, technology development of both www.iCareNOW.tv and iPhone app "iCareNOW Coupons" ( http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/icarenow-coupons/id333510535 )
THE TIME HAS COME TO MAKE SALES!!
The grant money will basically serve as the "seed money" to kick-start the telesales campaign and after the projected sales closes are achieved, it will become a self-sustaining cycle of revenue generation.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
The entire iCareNOW business model is to help non-profits by providing the best cause-marketing technology and services for corporations to leverage.
The publicity of the grant is sure to raise more interest from other entrepreneurs, businesses and non-profits. It will be a pleasure to help others interested in making a difference by "doing more...doing the everyday" through iCareNOW services. Will also be giving back annually a portion of our profits to worthy causes. And of course, will be glad to direct everyone back to "IDEA CAFE" as THE source for small business owners and entrepreneurs!

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Christopher Wade
Germantown, OH
http://www.sparkflowstudios.com

What does your business do?
Spark-Flow Studios intends to create inspiring and educational cartoons, high-quality graphics and transfers for video from older video mediums (VHS) to new current DVD format.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
The grant would enable the company to provide customers with the means of watching their favorite memories on DVD rather than their home video cameras.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
To help others with small businesses, Spark-Flow Studios would help create graphics and artwork for those businesses having advertising troubles as well as providing them with accessible video transfers for their archives.

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Alaine Rayburn
Victorville, CA
http://redunjeans.etsy.com

What does your business do?
A new life for old jeans: I turn old jeans into fashionable and fun handbags, totes, clutches, checkbook covers and more. I recycle the jeans by using all parts; top part for the bag, legs for the handles, bottoms and additional pockets. If a pair has holes or tears I still salvage the usable parts for handles on skirts and shorts and turn the pockets into small bags. I have been sewing for 40 years and created a professional and qauility product.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
I would be able to get a business license, purchase a new sewing machine and create a better web presence to help drive more traffic to my online shop. I want to increase sales and become a profitable business owner.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I would encourage others to keep working toward thier goals. When my company becomes profitable I would like to donate back to Idea Cafe so that we can continue to give grants to women trying to take care of thier families and pursue thier dreams.

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Yung-Kang (Derby) Sun
Arlington, TX
http://www.eddg.co.cc

What does your business do?
Engineering Design and Development Group is a small engineering and scientific consultant business in the fields of scientific and engineering design, computation and data analysis for local businesses, governmental agencies and state universities.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
The grant would enable the Engineering Design and Development Group to purchase the Two-CPU workstation, data storage and new versions of commercial computational software under the administration of my business. Currently, Engineering Design and Development Group uses the public computational service with restricted access and limited storage space to store data. This grant will help the Engineering Design and Development Group establish its own computational and storage facility that fully administrated under the business owner for the security and reliability of the engineering and scientific consulting services to contractors and clients.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
If the idea Café Grants helps my business reach greater success, Engineering Design and Development Group will provide $1,000 grant money to the idea Café Grant to help others who need grants to make their dream come true. Engineering Design and Development Group will also share experiences to encourage and suggest new business persons regarding the business regulations and applications of the business registrations on the web site of the Idea Café. In addition, Engineering Design and Development Group will provide more update information and links to the Idea Café regarding the grants from private and governmental agencies for others who look for grants to start and expand the businesses.

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Doug Lyons
Chicago, IL
http://www.risingmoonacu.com

What does your business do?
I provide acupuncture on a sliding scale, whatever you can afford to pay. There are 5 reclining chairs in a group setting so you receive the synergistic benefits of the group to aid in your healing.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
I want to sell T shirts with inspirational sayings so people can carry the energy of their healing with them in a different way.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
I would help someone else start a similar business, Chicago needs more affordable health care. As I have learned, there are many pitfalls and bumps in the road in starting your own business.

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Samantha Skokut
Millvale, PA
http://www.facebook.com/lipstickstainspaintedglass

What does your business do?
Hand painted personalized glass, wine glasses, beer mugs, pilsner glasses, margarita, vases, cookie jars, coffee mugs, etc. Each glass is hand done, to customers order.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Right now we are buying of glass at retail value as we need it. With a grant I could buy a larger stock of glass at wholesale prices. Invest in a website for my glassware, to sell online.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
There is a new boutique that opened in my area, I would like to stock my glasses there for them to have stock in their stor. They also don't have the money to buy stock to sell, so I would give them what I have to sell and get a portion of the proceeds and they get the rest.

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Melineh Jackman
Henderson, NV
http://www.chocolatelushes.com

What does your business do?
My business specializes in gourmet chocolate gifts, trays, baskets and party favors. Our most popular product is chocolate covered mini cake bites that come in many different flavors. We also have Vegan cake bites and exotic truffles like mojito truffle and chai tea. We also do fundraisers for local schools and do corporate private labeled chocolate gifts.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
The grant will help us advertise our business and maintain our health permits. With a small business these are huge costs that with things are slow we struggle to keep up. This business is really important to my partner and I. We had worked so hard and long hours over the past year to get where we are now and we want to grow and maintain the business.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
The community has supported us for the past year and we would give back to the schools and give the students who are graduating from culinary school to have a place to come and gain experience. We would also do charity work to help out families in need.

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Kymburley Page
Tampa, FL
http://www.vspicery.com

What does your business do?
VSpicery specializes in flavors. We carry high quality herbs, spices, oils, vinegars, honey, mustards - Flavors! We also cater private parties and have demonstrations for groups at our in-house kitchen.

What would the grant enable you to do that you can't now?
Advertise. Our business has been built solely on word-of-mouth advertising. We do participate in local farmer's markets, which helps, but we are a small company and have been unable to do any other forms of advertisement.

If Idea Cafe's Grant helps your biz reach greater success, how will you "pay it forward" to help others in some way?
We can sponsor other local small businesses that are just starting out in Tampa, and help them realize their full potential.