MillerCoors announced the winners of its 2008-2009 Urban Entrepreneurs Series and Business Plan Competition. The top five recipients, selected from a field of more than 120 applicants nationwide, will be awarded grants totaling $150,000 at a special dinner reception in Chicago this week.

 

The company says the program is designed to provide resources to transition aspiring entrepreneurs to business owners, and has awarded more than $1 million in business grants to date.

 

“MillerCoors is humbled to award this year’s Business Plan Competition winners with grants that will enable them to take the next steps of business ownership,” said Larry Waters, director of multicultural relations for MillerCoors. “As a leader in the beverage industry, we remain committed to empowering the entrepreneurs of today, who will be the business leaders of tomorrow.”

 

This year’s grand prize winner will receive a $50,000 business grant, with the four runners-up receiving grants of $25,000 to contribute to their company’s start-up capital, or to expand their existing businesses. The grant recipients represent a wide range of businesses, including educational resources, cosmetology, handbags and accessories, fashion and realty.