By Guest Blogger, Donna DeClemente, Donna's Promo Talk

Here's a contest that eBay sponsored earlier this year that is another great example of an interactive promotional marketing campaign targeted to small businesses. The eBay Sellers Challenge was designed to spark the entrepreneurial spirit among eBay sellers. eBay registered members were invited to participate in the contest for a chance to win $25,000 to be used to help bring their business plans to life along with free marketing advice and support from the eBay.

The promotion began back on June 6 in which participants could submit a business plan that responds to the question: "If you had $25,000, how would you spend it to start your business on eBay, or grow it on eBay", along with a video explaining their business plan and passion for selling on eBay. eBay's panel of judges chose two finalists in each of four categories and posted them online for the eBay community to vote on which occurred during Phase 3 of the promotion, July 20th through August 6. 

eBay recently announced the winners in the four different categories who are:

US Veterans & Service Member: Thomas Costello is a member of the United States Marine Corps and sells computer equipment and parts on eBay. He plans to use his $25,000 award to open an eBay store and buy materials to provide better visuals for his products.

First-Time Seller: Tori Nichel is a women’s contemporary clothing designer in New York who is hoping to go global. She plans to open an eBay retail boutique with her $25,000 award.

Part-Time Seller: Ryan Pugh sells a variety of products she truly believes in and that she thinks help people “live clean,” such as nutrition supplements, healthy chocolates and resistance bands. With her $25,000, Ryan plans to further diversify and grow her company on eBay by adding new products.

Full-Time Seller: Janell Anderson-Ehrke runs a nonprofit organization called GROW Nebraska, which helps 300+ rural businesses reach customers through an eBay store. With her $25,000 award, she plans to provide better training and education for these businesses to help improve their presence on eBay.

You can still review their business plans and videos which are posted online on eBay as well as the four runners-up. Congratulations to all and good luck with marking your dreams come true. Please keep us updated on your progress.