MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Business Council of Alabama announced Friday it will award one small business in the state of Alabama a complimentary 2016 Auburn Athletics partnership next year, Auburn IMG Sports Marketing, Auburn University Athletics’ multimedia rights holder.

The BCA has aligned with Auburn IMG Sports Marketing to create “Small Business Game Changer,” a valuable opportunity for a state-based business with 50 or fewer employees to gain significant exposure among a passionate, loyal Auburn Tigers’ fan base.

The announcement’s release was timed one day prior to Auburn’s 2015 football season home opener at Jordan-Hare Stadium against Jacksonville State University. A similar small business complimentary 2016 Alabama Football sponsorship was unveiled Sept. 1 by the BCA and Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, University of Alabama Athletics’ multimedia rights holder.

Beginning today, businesses can register online for the Auburn “Small Business Game Changer” at www.bcatoday.org/WarEagle.

Businesses may enter by submitting in 150 words or fewer why a 2016 Auburn football sponsorship would be a game-changer for their small business. The award will go to a BCA member in good standing as of Jan. 29, 2016.

The eligibility period will be open until 5 p.m. CST on Jan. 29, 2016. The company awarded the sponsorship will be notified March 1, 2016, and announced during the 2016 A-Day Spring Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium on April 9, 2016.

“The Business Council of Alabama is so proud to announce we are partnering with Auburn University to offer the Small Business Game Changer contest,” said BCA President and CEO William J. Canary. “A corporate partnership with Auburn Athletics is a game-changer for a small business and is just another way the Business Council of Alabama provides small businesses the recognition they deserve.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for a deserving small business to gain access and utilize to the best marketing vehicle in the state to drive their revenue,” said Jon Cole, General Manager for Auburn IMG Sports Marketing. “We appreciate the Business Council of Alabama for their support in making this unique program come to fruition. I encourage all applicable small businesses to register for the opportunity.”

A panel of judges will review the applications blindly on the creativity, originality, and values and principles expressed in the 150-word entry. The panel will consist of the current chairman of the Business Council of Alabama; the Business Council of Alabama Small Business Committee chair(s); a representative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; a representative of the National Association of Manufacturers; and the current chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.

A full slate of corporate partner benefits will be activated for the selected business during the 2016 football season, including hospitality, game tickets, in-venue signage, and exposure through the game day publications and the Auburn IMG Sports Network.

In addition to Auburn University, IMG College manages the multimedia rights for more than 90 of the nation’s top collegiate properties and conferences in 51 of the top 56 Nielsen markets. IMG College is the nation’s leading collegiate sports marketing company, offering national, regional, and local multi- platform marketing opportunities targeting 190 million college sports fans. To learn more, visit www.imgcollege.com.

“Small Business Game Changer” is open only to small businesses located in the state of Alabama that are BCA members in good standing. Further eligibility restrictions apply. The contest is void where prohibited by law. The contest begins on Sept. 11, 2015, and ends at 5:00 p.m. CST on Jan. 29, 2016. For complete contest rules, please visit www.bcatoday.org/WarEagle.

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— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizEBeesh) January 21, 2015