The Moore County Chamber of Commerce and the Sandhills Chapter of SCORE have extended the deadline for submission of entries in the 2009 contest for small business ideas until April 10.

This is intended to give businesses more time to respond, in view of the challenges of the current economic downturn.

The $1,500 cash prize will be awarded to the small business owner who submits the winning entry describing how the money could make the business more successful. Owners of small businesses in Moore County are strongly encouraged to submit their ideas for using the extra money in their businesses.

Eligibility for the award is simple. All it takes is an idea. Any idea is eligible for consideration.

Previous ideas have included new signage for the building, improvements to curb appeal, adding inventory, and more. This is the third year the contest has been run. The $1,500 prize is a $500 increase from last year.

The Chamber of Commerce and SCORE expressed thanks to Hobbs Upchurch & Associates for its strong interest in assisting small businesses and for its support of the contest.

Contest entries will consist of a narrative of 500 words or less and supporting attachments. Details on the contest rules can be found at www.sandhillsscore.org and at www.moorecountychamber.com.