The Moore County Chamber of Commerce, Sandhills SCORE and a local business benefactor have teamed to conduct a "Good to Great" contest for small businesses in Moore County.

Any eligible business can enter by answering the question: "How can my small business take advantage of $1,500 to make itself more successful?" Any legal use the owner selects is permissible.

Responses can consist of an essay and attachments, with the length limited to 500 words or less.

The deadline for submitting entries is March 31.

Details on the contest rules can be found at www.sandhillsscore. org and at www.moorecountychamber.com.

In 2007, Sandhills SCORE initiated the contest, awarding $1,000 to the winner. This year the contest team of the Chamber, Sandhills SCORE and a local business benefactor have increased the award level to $1,500.

"Our SCORE partner and our local business sponsor are members of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce," said Patrick Coughlin, president and CEO of the Chamber. "It is very gratifying to be working with such people who demonstrate their commitment in assisting the local business community."

Sandhills SCORE and the Chamber have formed an evaluation committee, which is chaired by Marilyn Neely, director of the Small Business Center at Sandhills Community College. The committee is composed of members of the Chamber, SCORE and the college's Management and Business Technology Department.

Businesses thinking of entering should conduct a realistic evaluation of themselves and submit a carefully considered application of the funds that will be most effective to their needs. Examples include:

- Reconfiguring a store or office.

- Changing a storefront window display.

- Remodeling.

- Conducting a direct-mail campaign.

- Purchasing new/used equipment purchase.

- Developing marketing or advertising programs.

- Taking special classes at SCC.

- Enhancing computer software.

Glenn Phelps, chairman of Sandhills SCORE, urges all respondents to "be very specific in defining your needs and how the application of funds makes a logical case that your business will benefit. Your essay should essentially be an executive summary that can stand alone and definitively present the merits of your business's need and the benefits derived from the award."