Winning the Store

Posted by Bonny Albo Jan 1, 2007

Until January 31st, American citizens over the age of 21 can submit their business plans to Ace Hardware's Dream Ace contest, where the winner receives a store of their own to operate, at a value of one million dollars.

"We're selecting winners on the basis of how business-minded they are," said Ace spokeswoman Amanda Rucker. "We'll conduct a series of interviews, and applicants will be required to submit a business plan."

The fine print shows some interesting "Continuing Eligibility" requirements":

Contestants will be required to execute and deliver:

• (i) affidavits confirming eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules,
• (ii) permission, as needed, for background and credit checks for Contestant and related individuals as Sponsor determines necessary,
• (iii) acceptance of Code of Conduct (a copy of which is posted at www.dreamacehardware.com),
• (iv) liability releases,
• (v) publicity releases,
• (vi) copyright assignments, and
• (vii) such other documents and personal information as may be reasonably requested by Sponsor (collectively all or any combination of such documents may be referred to in these Official Rules as “Contest Affidavits and Releases”).

Additionally, to make it to stage two of this entrepreneurship contest, entrants need to finish the online entry form (3, 100 word essays) and test in less than forty-five minutes.