iVillage is has teamed up with NBC and American Express to spotlight small businesses and give them the opportunity to tell their story - and also the chance to win $100,000 in grant and marketing support. Small businesses can submit their own information or be nominated by a supporter, and visitors have the chance to spotlight small businesses by reading their story and "endorsing" them by clicking the Shine a Light button on their profiles within the site (sort of like a "thumbs up"). There's information for the small business owner, plus we also have a message board where Shine a Light visitors and participants can share their tips and advice.
If you don't own a small business, but have one that you just love, then don't forget to nominate them and let them know about Shine a Light!