A national competition designed to showcase innovative products for women and their families began earlier this month, and a retail store in White Plains is one of four New York locations taking applications.
InnovateHER, the contest launched by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is aimed at supporting entrepreneurs who “develop products, services and technologies that support women as they deal with the challenges of work and home,” according to a statement released by the SBA. Products should have fill a need in the marketplace and have the potential for commercialization, the SBA said.
The SBA’s website lists two examples of potential products that could be submitted: a website listing local child care providers and a tool to have fresh, healthy ingredients mailed to your door.
The Microsoft Store in The Westchester shopping center on 125 Westchester Ave. in White Plains is taking application forms and copies of participants”™ business models from those who wish to partake in the challenge. Other locations in New York include the Queens Economic Development Corp. in Kew Gardens and Microsoft stores in Garden City and Huntington Station.
One winner will be chosen from each location around the country, and 10 ideas will be picked to be finalists and present their products to a panel of judges in Washington, D.C., this May. The top three awards total $30,000 in prize money.
