BENTON HARBOR, Mich., May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Moms have been
creating solutions to everyday problems for centuries -- from eliminating the
monster under the bed to creating the perfect dish that highlights all five
food groups to inventions like the disposable diaper. To celebrate moms'
ingenuity this Mother's Day, Whirlpool brand is kicking off the fourth annual
Mother of Invention Grant competition.
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Much like Mary Dixon Kies, a mom who received the first patent awarded to
a woman in 1809, women are often the thought leaders behind innovative
businesses. In fact, more than half of all privately-held businesses in the
United States are owned by women. Yet invention does not just stop with a
brilliant idea but requires seed money, product development and business
acumen.
Beginning on May 11, the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, and running
through July 31, moms may submit their unique business, service or product
ideas for consideration at www.whirlpool.com/moms . In addition, Whirlpool
brand recognizes that consumers are becoming more eco-conscious and are
looking for easy, cost-effective solutions for their homes. To recognize moms
who develop an environmentally-friendly product/service or use
natural/recycled materials to create their invention, the company has added a
green category for the first time. Five winners will be announced in September
and will receive grant money (up to $20,000), home appliance prizes and an
invitation to a business boot camp at Whirlpool headquarters.
Moms are inspired by many things, including a desire to get more done each
day. "It has been reported that working moms spend 44 hours at their 'work
job' and 49.8 at their 'mom job' for a total of 93.8 hours each week," said
Pamela Sarvela, a business development specialist with the University of
Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute. "And while many continue to
balance work and home, this trend is inspiring women to devise new
solutions -- from working at home to designing products that can help. The
Whirlpool brand Mother of Invention grant program can help educate and provide
real business resources to these entrepreneurial thinkers."
Whirlpool brand developed the judging criteria for the Mother of Invention
competition based on the company's own innovation process. Judging the 2008
contest are entrepreneurial moms who understand the challenge of juggling a
family and a new business. Guest judges include Julie Aigner-Clark, creator of
Baby Einstein and co-founder of The Safe Side, a provider of programs to help
children stay safe; and Lori Pope, the creator of an innovative green toy
rental program, BabyPlays. Rounding out the judging panel will be Mary Anne
Amato, the 2006 Mother of Invention Grand Prize Winner and creator of the
"Quick Change Crib" which provides parents with easy access to the crib's
mattress.
"This program sparks the hope of thousands every year and recognizes one
of the most overlooked treasures there is, a mother's ingenuity," said Mary
Anne Amato. "This is one of a very few, perhaps the only, program that
understands, inspires and rewards it."
Moms interested in applying for the 2008 Whirlpool Brand Mother of
Invention Grant are encouraged to visit www.whirlpool.com/moms starting May
11, 2008.
The program closes on July 31, 2008.
Whirlpool Brand Mother of Invention Grant
While the 2008 Whirlpool Brand Mother of Invention Grant provides the
means to jump start a business, moms will still have complete autonomy over
their business venture. The ideas submitted in this contest remain the sole
property of the contestant. The judges and the sponsors do not claim ownership
of any ideas submitted. Whirlpool will maintain a cloak of confidentiality
around submissions, allowing winners time to seek patent protection. Appliance
and appliance component submissions will not be accepted and will be
disqualified.
SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation
