2009 DELL SMALL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD OFFERS SMALL BUSINESSES IN UK CHANCE TO WIN £25,000 IN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Dell today called for entries for its global 2009 Dell Small Business Excellence Award* (http://www.dell.co.uk/ceaward). In its sixth year in the United States and second year in the UK and globally, the award gives small businesses applying technology in innovative ways to better serve customers a chance at up to £25,000 in Dell solutions and a meeting with Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell.

Dell today called for entries for the global 2009 Dell Small Business Excellence Award (www.dell.co.uk/ceaward). Small businesses that apply technology in innovative ways have a chance to win up to £25,000 in Dell solutions and a meeting with Michael Dell.

In the UK Dell is partnering again with the British Chambers of Commerce, the national body for a powerful and influential Network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK.

Global award partners include the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), whose mission is to advance entrepreneurship through global knowledge sharing and networking, and Endeavor, a global non-profit supporting emerging market entrepreneurs.

Call for entries for the second UK Dell Small Business Excellence Award start today with the first round of submissions due by Friday, April 3, 2009. Ten national finalists per country will be announced in mid June and the 13 national winners will be announced in September 2009.

India is the newest country to participate in the global award and recognise local small businesses for technology leadership. Additional countries participating include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. For a description of the award criteria, rules, award levels, partners and judges and to complete an application, visit www.dell.co.uk/ceaward.

Chosen from the 13 national winners, the global 2009 Small Business Excellence Award winner can receive:

£25,000 in technology and services from Dell, global recognition, lifetime membership to ICSB, and engagement with Endeavor’s network of business leaders and high-impact entrepreneurs in emerging markets worldwide.

The UK winner will receive:

£15,000 in Dell products and services; a day of best-practice sharing with Dell executives, including Michael Dell, and a ten year membership to an Accredited Chamber of Commerce

Nine UK finalists receive a Dell business-class notebook and a one year membership to an Accredited Chamber of Commerce. 

Entrants must be businesses with 100 or fewer employees, and each must show how it represents the spirit of innovation in applying IT in its business practices to improve the customer experience. Applications are accepted online and due by April 3, 2009.  No purchase or entry fee is required. 

“We’ve got to connect with people to encourage them to change the way they garden, and technology is an easy option for us,” said Heather Gorringe, founder and director of Wiggly Wigglers and 2008 Global Small Business Excellence Award winner. “Any small business using IT should enter this competition for the opportunity to network with other growing small businesses and learn from Michael Dell who started from nothing and built his business to what it is today. Now that’s an inspiration to lots of entrepreneurs.”

“Winning the Dell/NFIB award has resulted in new business opportunities and increased enthusiasm among our employees,” said Steve Mattie, CEO of Transport Designs and 2008 U.S. Small Business Excellence Award winner.  “Embracing technology has allowed us to communicate, build trust and reach clients worldwide, and applying the award dollars toward new technology projects will help us better serve them and grow even faster.”

“Having the right technology, especially in the current environment, is vital for any small business looking to thrive and stay ahead of the competition” said  John Dunsmure, Managing Director of the British Chambers of Commerce “We’re delighted to be Dell’s UK partner again for this Award after a very successful first year that really demonstrated the innovative and customer-centric approach of UK small businesses.” 

*No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.  Open to small businesses based in the United Kingdom with 100 or fewer employees.  Additional entry restrictions apply in the U.S. and other countries.  Please refer to the official rules at www.dell.co.uk/ceaward for additional terms and a full description of prizes.  Entry period begins February 2 and ends April 3, 2009.  Sponsored by Dell Inc., Endeavor, ICSB,  and BCC 

Additional Information:
Interview with Wiggly Wigglers – why small businesses should enter
http://www.dell.com/ceaward
Video post with Steve Mattie, 2008 U.S. winner and president of Transport Designs
Transport Designs YouTube Video
Wiggly Wigglers YouTube Video

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they trust and value.

About Endeavor
Endeavor breaks down barriers that prevent emerging-market entrepreneurs from reaching their high-impact potential.  Hailed by NYT columnist Thomas Friedman as the "mentor capitalist" model, Endeavor identifies entrepreneurs leading high-growth innovative companies in emerging markets.  These entrepreneurs are given world-class strategic advice, access to key networks and other tools that will catapult them to success.  With Endeavor's guidance they become “high-impact” – expanding employment, generating wealth and inspiring others to innovate.  Often overlooked, these local entrepreneurs are now jumpstarting private sector development in their countries. For more information, visit www.endeavor.org

About ICSB
Founded in 1955, the ICSB is the premier global membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. With over 2,000 members from over 70 countries, the ICSB brings together educators, researchers, policy makers and practitioners to share knowledge and experience in their respective fields. ICSB promotes the development of knowledge in all areas of business theory and practice and is particularly focused on strategies and policies proven to be effective in sustaining small businesses and entrepreneurship. For more information, visit www.icsb.org

About British Chambers of Commerce
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses. The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people. www.britishchambers.org.uk