The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA (BFTP/CNP) is still taking applications for the Big Idea Business Plan Contest, (100k.benfranklin.org) with a record-breaking $100,000 prize to one winning technology-oriented company to start or further develop the business in Pennsylvania.

"The contest will provide critical funds to the most promising technology-oriented business in the region," says Jill Edwards, executive director of the Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum. "Not surprising, interest has been extremely strong thus far. Interested entrepreneurs should visit the website and download the application form as soon as possible."

The deadline for applications is December 17, 2008. Click here to visit the contest website.

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the contest, entrepreneurs must have a new marketable business idea, less than $500,000 in sales in year-to-date 2008 and less than $500,000 for the full year 2007, fewer than 50 employees in 2007 and 2008 and not received previous BFTP funding for their business. Preferred industry sectors include, but are not limited to, nanotechnology, green technologies, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, medical devices, information technology and software.

Additionally, applicants must have business operations or the willingness to start a business in any one of the 32 participating counties in the Central and Northern Pennsylvania region: