A Contest Solely for Start-Ups

The Visa International credit card company is holding a nationwide contest among entrepreneurs to promote the company’s services for small businesses.

The contest, Visa Start-Up 2000, awards each of three winners with $25,000 in cash, $10,000 in business products and consulting services to help them grow their nascent firms into successful companies.

To enter the contest, entrepreneurs must submit a 500-word essay by Dec. 31 describing the uniqueness of their concept and its potential for growth. Judges will whittle the field to 24 semifinalists, who must then submit a business plan. Visa will announce the winners in May.

The company is also promoting its Visa Start-Up 2000 program, aimed at giving entrepreneurs “the attention, access and resources” needed to start or build a small business, said Mike Souza, a vice president.

Information: https://www.visa.com/startup2000 or call (800) 209-7611.

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Marc Ballon covers small business and entrepreneurial issues for The Times. He can be reached at (714) 966-7439 and at marc.ballon@latimes.com.