We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting submissions for our fourth annual Young Innovators Competition! The competition, run through our entrepreneurship initiative Moving Ideas to Market, encourages Michigan youth to submit ideas, concepts, or business plans that will improve their communities. Applicants are eligible for cash prizes totaling $10,000, including a grand prize amount of $2,500.

This year’s competition expands on its previous written business plan requirements by allowing youth to submit their plans or ideas in the creative format of their choosing. This includes videos, podcasts, songs, etc. Also new to this year’s competition is the ability for youth clubs or groups to compete.

The competition includes two age divisions. Students in grades 9-12 may submit ideas for one of three categories: New—or improved—product or service, new social solution, or new mobile app. 6th – 8th grade students may compete in an entrepreneurial essay contest. Submissions will be judged by a variety of entrepreneurial and economic experts.

In addition to cash prizes, winners will also have the opportunity to connect with community mentors and entrepreneurial resources to take their ideas to the next level.

Submissions are due by midnight, November 18, 2012, with competition results being tentatively announced in December.

To learn more about the competition, including prizes, guidelines, and submission information, please visit http://bit.ly/NmsT5r or Movingideastomarket.org.