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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Grant Program for Moms with Business Ideas

I hesitate to post this information because I don't want it to ruin my chances of winning, but I would love it if one of my readers were to win. If you do win please let me know!

Whirlpool brand has recently kicked-off the fourth annual Mother of Invention Grant Program. In the past three years, Whirlpool brand has recognized and helped more than 15 moms turn their innovative ideas into reality.

The Whirlpool brand Mother of Invention Grant Program provides seed money and expert guidance to moms to turn their invention, business or service ideas into full-fledged businesses.

Contest winners receive:
§ A $20,000 grant for the grand prize winner
§ $24,000 in grant money for the four runners-up
§ Appliance prizes
§ Invitation to business boot camp where winners will receive guidance from Whirlpool and industry experts

This year, they are greening the program by adding a new category focused on moms who create an environmentally friendly product/service or use natural/recycled materials to create their invention.

More information and entry forms can be found at www.whirlpool.com/moms. Entries are accepted through July 31, 2008.


Here are some past invention ideas that won first or second place. Please keep in mind they previously did not have the “green” category.

Julie Savage, Simpsonville, S.C.: Created Tidy Toys, a mobile toy-cleaning service. The business disinfects toys, books and more at doctor’s offices, daycares, churches, etc.

Stacey Hoskins Beeler, Liberty, Ky.: Designed a product which monitors sick children.

Andria Sgro, Del Mar, Calif.: Developed a bandeau wrap worn around the bustline of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers while showering to soothe, protect and support tender breast area.

Kristi Pierce, Vergas, Minn.: Invented the Under Cover Plunger, a plunger with a handle which pivots to fold flat, and stores conveniently under the toilet tank lid.

Ann Harrington, Duluth, Minn.: Ann has created a device to ease discomfort during mammograms.

Alyson Probst, Denver, Colo.: Alyson created the Snack & Play Travel Tray, a high chair-type lap tray which snaps around the child’s waist, allowing a child to have snacks and toys at their fingertips during travel.

Kathy Osborn, Indianapolis, Ind.: Kathy designed a programmable musical mobile, compatible with MP3 players and other digital musical devices, which allows parents to choose the music the child hears.

Eileen Haas, Gibsonia, Penn.: Eileen invented the Trach Air®, a tracheotomy air filtration device.

The 2006 grand prize winner, Mary Anne Amato from Lido Beach, NY created a quick change crib where parents can easily remove the mattress and change the sheet (http://www.innovativecribdesigns.com/). ;

Last year’s winner, Beth House from Diamond Bar, CA created nipple tops that fit various makes of plastic bottles.

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