Sadly, most of what we’ve written about small business grants has been pretty discouraging so it’s a pleasure to finally find a program that: 1) isn’t a scam, and 2) doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to win.

Each year, Whirlpool’s Mother of Invention Grant program helps a handful of Mom-owned businesses launch their ideas. 2008′s program offered both “green” and traditional categories. The grand prize winner walked away with a $20,000 grant, a dishwasher, a washer and dryer pair, and $3,000 for a new home office.  Four other individuals won grants of at least $5,000 along with other goodies.

More than 2,200 businesses entered their ideas in this 4th annual competition. Over a quarter of the ideas were for environmentally-friendly products or services, or implemented natural/recycled materials into their designs.

And the 2008 Whirlpool Small Business Grant Winners Are:

Grand Prize Winner ($20,000 and a $3,000 home office)
Estelle Keeter of Matteson, IL created the “MEDPACK”, a temperature-controlled case for medications.

First Prize Winner – Traditional ($7,000)
Cameo McGraw-Horton of Bothell, WA created improvements to a pet leash which offers flexibility for owners and added safety for animals when walking a pet.

First Prize Winner – Green ($7,000)
Catherine Kay of Silver Spring, MD created a product to help with potty training.

Second Prize Winner – Traditional ($5,000)
Veletta Rouse of Riviera Beach, FL created a product to help those with a cleft lip and palate.

Second Prize Winner – Green ($5,000)
Erika Berry of Ada, MI created the CleanyBeany. The product will be made of recyclable materials and is a container to fit on a dog’s leash and to hold money, refuse bags and wipes, in addition to a flashlight for safety.

Entries, are accepted between Mother’s Day and the end of July. Winners are announced in September. This year’s judges included: Julie Aigner-Clark, creator of Baby Einstein and co-creator of The Safe Side; Lori Pope, creator of Babyplays.com; and the 2006 Grand Prize Winner, Mary Anne Amato, inventor of the Quick Change Crib. Judging is based on Whirlpool brand’s own product/innovation guidelines. The company website reports that this year’s winning ideas, created solutions to unmet needs; were unique in the current marketplace; provided practical business solutions; and had compelling stories behind their innovation.

While the 2009 contest rules won’t be posted until next year, a peek at the 2008 program rules will give you a good idea of what’s involved.

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