Whirlpool Brand Mother of Invention Grant Program Turns Moms' Business Dreams Into Reality
May 08 2008 - 9:31AM
PR Newswire (US)
Fourth Annual Competition to Reward Both Traditional and Green
Innovations in 2008 BENTON HARBOR, Mich., May 8
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Moms have been creating solutions to
everyday problems for centuries -- from eliminating the monster
under the bed to creating the perfect dish that highlights all five
food groups to inventions like the disposable diaper. To celebrate
moms' ingenuity this Mother's Day, Whirlpool brand is kicking off
the fourth annual Mother of Invention Grant competition. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040202/DETU004LOGO ) Much
like Mary Dixon Kies, a mom who received the first patent awarded
to a woman in 1809, women are often the thought leaders behind
innovative businesses. In fact, more than half of all
privately-held businesses in the United States are owned by women.
Yet invention does not just stop with a brilliant idea but requires
seed money, product development and business acumen. Beginning on
May 11, the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, and running through
July 31, moms may submit their unique business, service or product
ideas for consideration at http://www.whirlpool.com/moms . In
addition, Whirlpool brand recognizes that consumers are becoming
more eco-conscious and are looking for easy, cost-effective
solutions for their homes. To recognize moms who develop an
environmentally-friendly product/service or use natural/recycled
materials to create their invention, the company has added a green
category for the first time. Five winners will be announced in
September and will receive grant money (up to $20,000), home
appliance prizes and an invitation to a business boot camp at
Whirlpool headquarters. Moms are inspired by many things, including
a desire to get more done each day. "It has been reported that
working moms spend 44 hours at their 'work job' and 49.8 at their
'mom job' for a total of 93.8 hours each week," said Pamela
Sarvela, a business development specialist with the University of
Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute. "And while many
continue to balance work and home, this trend is inspiring women to
devise new solutions -- from working at home to designing products
that can help. The Whirlpool brand Mother of Invention grant
program can help educate and provide real business resources to
these entrepreneurial thinkers." Whirlpool brand developed the
judging criteria for the Mother of Invention competition based on
the company's own innovation process. Judging the 2008 contest are
entrepreneurial moms who understand the challenge of juggling a
family and a new business. Guest judges include Julie Aigner-Clark,
creator of Baby Einstein and co-founder of The Safe Side, a
provider of programs to help children stay safe; and Lori Pope, the
creator of an innovative green toy rental program, BabyPlays.
Rounding out the judging panel will be Mary Anne Amato, the 2006
Mother of Invention Grand Prize Winner and creator of the "Quick
Change Crib" which provides parents with easy access to the crib's
mattress. "This program sparks the hope of thousands every year and
recognizes one of the most overlooked treasures there is, a
mother's ingenuity," said Mary Anne Amato. "This is one of a very
few, perhaps the only, program that understands, inspires and
rewards it." Moms interested in applying for the 2008 Whirlpool
Brand Mother of Invention Grant are encouraged to visit
http://www.whirlpool.com/moms starting May 11, 2008. The program
closes on July 31, 2008. Whirlpool Brand Mother of Invention Grant
While the 2008 Whirlpool Brand Mother of Invention Grant provides
the means to jump start a business, moms will still have complete
autonomy over their business venture. The ideas submitted in this
contest remain the sole property of the contestant. The judges and
the sponsors do not claim ownership of any ideas submitted.
Whirlpool will maintain a cloak of confidentiality around
submissions, allowing winners time to seek patent protection.
Appliance and appliance component submissions will not be accepted
and will be disqualified.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040202/DETU004LOGO
DATASOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation CONTACT: Audrey Reed-Granger of
Whirlpool, +1-269-923-7557, ; or Laura Zanzal, of Peppercom for
Whirlpool, +1-212-931-6124, Web site: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/
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