Small businesses in the Granite State would be wise to consider entering the following contest which is providing “Ten Grand to Grow.” Here are the details from the nice folks over at Perry Banks:

Wright Express Reaches Out to ME and NH Small Businesses,
Calls for Entries to its “Ten Grand to Grow” Contest

Wright Express Corporation [NYSE:WXS], a leading provider of payment processing and information management services to the U.S. commercial and government vehicle fleet industry, is calling for entries to its “Ten Grand to Grow” contest for small businesses.

As the country’s economic recession continues to be a hot topic of discussion, Wright Express acknowledges the importance of supporting local small businesses during a time they need it the most.

To help small businesses, Wright Express has created its first-ever contest targeted specifically at Maine- and New Hampshire-based small businesses.  To enter, each business must submit a brief description of how it would use $10,000 to boost its company in the country’s current tough economic environment.  Entries will be ranked by a panel of judges, including Wright Express president and CEO Mike Dubyak, and will be scored based on the most compelling responses.  Former Maine governor Angus King and WGME news anchor Kim Block have signed on to judge the competition.

“Small businesses are vital to any local environment, but are often hit hardest in an economic recession,” Dubyak said.  “We are excited to provide this unique opportunity to Maine and New Hampshire’s small business community, and are pleased to add Angus King to our panel of judges, as he has seen firsthand the need for small business support in the region.  We hope our contest will give the winners the momentum necessary to thrive.”

Think you’re eligible?  If your business owns between 4-30 company-affiliated vehicles and is located in Maine or New Hampshire, then you’re already halfway to the finish line.  Entry forms are available online at www.10grandtogrow.com or at Wright Express, 225 Gorham Road in South Portland, Maine.  The deadline for entries is noon on September 9, 2009.

The contest’s grand prize winner will receive $10,000 to fuel their business needs, and one runner up will receive 4 WEXSmart GPS units plus a complimentary year of service. 

Winners will be announced September 17, 2009 at a grand finale celebration hosted at Wright Express, and will be featured on WGME.