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2009 Dell Small Business Excellence Award Offers Small Businesses in 13 Countires Chance to Win $50,000 in Technology Solutions


WEBWIRE

Round Rock, Texas

* Dell and the National Federation of Independent Business Partner for Sixth Year
* Dell, Endeavor, ICSB to Recognize Innovative Technology Use from Entrepreneurs Around the World
* India Joins 2009 Award Program

Dell today called for entries for its global 2009 Dell Small Business Excellence Award* (www.dell.com/ceaward). In its sixth year in the United States and second year globally, the award gives small businesses applying technology in innovative ways to better serve customers a chance at up to $50,000 in Dell solutions and a meeting with Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell.

The News:

* Dell today called for entries for the global 2009 Dell Small Business Excellence Award (www.dell.com/ceaward). Small businesses that apply technology in innovative ways have a chance to win up to $50,000 in Dell solutions and a meeting with Michael Dell.
* The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), America’s leading small-business association, and Dell founded the program in 2004 and the two organizations continue to recognize leading U.S. small businesses for using technology to benefit customers and grow.
* 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 sixth annual U.S. Dell/NFIB 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 recognize local small businesses for technology leadership. Additional countries participating include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, 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.com/ceaward.
* Chosen from the 13 national winners, the global 2009 Small Business Excellence Award winner can receive:
$50,000 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.
Each national winner receives $25,000 in Dell products and services; a day of best-practice sharing with Dell executives, including Michael Dell, and partner benefits that vary by country. The U.S. winner receives a lifetime NFIB membership.
Nine finalists in each country receive a Dell business-class notebook and partner benefits that vary by country. The U.S. finalists receive a one-year NFIB membership.
* 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.
* Separately, Dell and the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at The University of Texas announced today their call to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide to share their ideas for making the world a better place. Students winning the grand prize in the 2009 Dell Social Innovation Competition, now accepting submissions, will receive $50,000 to help turn their ideas into a reality.

Quotes:

* “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.”
* “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.”

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Open to small businesses based in the United States 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.com/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 NFIB.

About Dell

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

About NFIB
NFIB is the nation’s leading small-business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through a unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

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



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