Released on: September 13, 2008, 12:16 pm

Press Release Author: Jean Kulig-Tucker, GASBC National Director

Industry: Management

Press Release Summary: Small business owners are registering early to take the 1st
Annual Great American Small Business Challenge. Participants will receive free
software, training and support to help them gain the essential leadership skills
needed to turn their business into a rewarding, profit generating enterprise.

Press Release Body: Roselle, IL, September 13, 2008 -- Small Business owners and
Entrepreneurs are registering early to take the 1st Annual Great American Small
Business Challenge, which is a year long event starting January 1, 2009. Registered
Challenge participants will have access to free online business development
software, training and support which they can use to build their organizational
infrastructure, define their business strategies and develop an action plan that
will prepare their business for rapid growth.

The GASBC is part of a collaborative effort between corporate and non-profit
sponsors and participating Small Business Development Centers(SBDCs). The Challenge
is meant to inspire small business owners to gain the skills that will help them
feel more optimistic, confident and energized about their business.

Small Business owners who participate in the Challenge, will have the opportunity to
earn awards and recognition based upon the progress that they make during the
Challenge. Awards are achieved when certain milestones in the business development
process are reached. So, even business owners that register after January 1st, will
still have plenty of time to WIN an award (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum).

Through the generosity of sponsors, Challenge participants can also receive product
discounts, qualify for special offers and receive other prizes. Sponsors will have a
direct link on the GASBC web site and will have their product information featured
in the monthly GASBC e-newsletter that will be sent out to all participating Small
Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Challenge participants.

"This is a win-win for our sponsors," states Jean Kulig-Tucker, National Director.
"They can capitalize on the opportunity to get their products and services directly
in front of their target market. And, at the same time, help many small businesses
who will benefit tremendously from using their products and services."

For more information on how small business owners can register online for the
Challenge or how companies can Sponsor the GASBC or publicize the event to encourage
more small business owners to participate, please visit The Great American Small
Business Challenge web site.

Web Site: http://www.thegreatamericansmallbusinesschallenge.com

Contact Details: Jean Kulig-Tucker, National Director
The Great American Small Business Challenge
Address: 430 Northampton Lane, Roselle, IL
Phone: (877) 642-1907 Ext. 2
Fax: (630) 672-7064
jkulig@thegreatamericansmallbusinesschallenge.com