In a time when small business owners are faced with an infinite number of challenges, it is now more important than ever for SBO’s to have necessary resources available to them. Had I had access to top level mentors back in the beginning it would have accelerated my success exponentially. In recognition of this, Canon is sponsoring a campaign designed to assist small business owners in overcoming their unique challenges in launching and operating their enterprises, and I am incredibly excited to announce that I am a part of it! You’ll have the opportunity to engage with me and other MAXIFY Mentors during our November Twitter Chat as well as ask questions along the way using hashtag #MAXIFYContest.

The contest runs from July 15 through August 31, 2015. In order to be eligible, contestants must be a small business owner, 21 or older and must reside within the 48 contiguous states. Additionally, contestants must be part of a small business that is not more than 5 years old with 1-9 employees. In order to enter the contest, applicants will need to have an active Twitter or Facebook Account. Contestants are required to post an especially difficult challenge they have faced as a small business owner using the hashtag #MAXIFYContest and tag one of the mentors on the MAXIFY Mentors team ().

Mentors chosen for the MAXIFY Mentors team include:

• (Brand Ambassador)
• (Supporting Mentor)
• (Supporting Mentor)
• (Supporting Mentor)
• (Supporting Mentor)

Contestants may enter multiple times; however, only one entry will be eligible to be selected as a finalist. Seven runners-up will be chosen to receive MAXIFY Prize Packs One Grand Prize winner will spend a one-on-one business consultation session with Barbara Corcoran in her offices in New York City! On top of that, the day will be filmed and will appear in a Canon-sponsored YouTube Video short featuring the winner’s small business. Very exciting!

Canon launched the MAXIFY printer line with an integrated campaign designed to drive the awareness of and meet the needs of small business owners all across the United States. As a result, small business owners are able to work faster and more productively. The MAXIFY Small Office and Home Office offer enhanced real time benefits to small business owners including: 100% US-based Service & Support, Low Cost Per Print, Mobile Device Printing, Cloud Connectivity, and Quick First Print.

By creating improved technologies and services, Canon is helping small business to move forward and realize their dreams of growth.

I look forward to reviewing your submissions and personally selecting two of you as finalists for the grand prize. Good luck!