Five Days to Help Local Businesses Win $250,000

Half a dozen businesses based in Albany are racing against the clock this week to win enough votes to be considered for a hefty prize aimed to help small businesses nationwide. 

Chase and LivingSocial have teamed up to offer 12 separate grants of $250,000 to a range of small businesses across the country.

Those that wish to be considered for the money must collect at least 250 votes by June 30. 

To vote, visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com, then log in using Facebook. Scroll down to the "Vote Local" section, and enter the city and state using the drop-down menus.

As of Monday morning, six Albany businesses were participating in the contest. Most were a long way from the 250-vote goal.

Local businesses include ("adorable shoes for adorable feet") at 282 votes; wellness and beauty center with 28 votes; and with 10 votes. 

The grants "are intended to help up to 12 small businesses grow by expanding, upgrading equipment, or improving a product or service."

A panel of business executives will review those that get enough votes to decide who will receive the grants.

Grant recipients will be announced in September.