The Dell Small Business Excellence Awards: your ticket to fame and fortune?

We're not saying it's a business model, but winning competitions like Dell's Small Business Excellence Awards could certainly put you in your bosses' good books for a long, long time.

In addition to the kudos of a personal meeting with the big man himself - Michael Dell - the overall global winner gets $50,000 in Dell kit for their business. Sounds like a good way to get your office a shiny new Dell Adamo to us.

What we didn't realise until now is that you don't have to be a technology business. In fact, you don't even need to be a Dell customer.

Here's why we think Dell's Small Business Excellence Awards might be worth a look:

• you could potentially kit out your entire small business. The overall global winner (this comp is running in several countries) gets $50,000 in Dell products and services. The Australian winner gets $US25,000 in gear. Nine national finalists get a Dell business-class notebook valued at maximum $1,500. Dell tells us you get to choose what products you spend the money on.
• you don't have to be a tech company to enter. Past winners include a wholesaler of window-components, and a manufacturer of water tanks.
• you don't have to be a Dell customer.
• recognition - Last year's Australian winner, Mon Vale based Task Retail Technology Pty Ltd, got a Dell video promoting the company, which they're running on their site. You'll also see finalists mentioned on the Dell Site, and cropping up in Google searches.

The new deadline for entries is April 17 - the winner being the Australian business who best shows "innovative use of technology".

Last year's global winner was a natural gardening supplier selling worm composting kits. Make from that what you will.

Dell's Corporate Communications Manager and bearer-of-prizes, Nicole Gemmell

"Ask me anything, just not the Windows 7 release date." Dell CEO Michael Dell talks with competition winners.