HAMMOND – Purdue University Calumet’s Center for Entrepreneurship Success and the Hammond Development Corp. are accepting applications for The Big Sell Entrepreneurs in Action competition.

            It provides an opportunity for 50 entrepreneurs to pitch their idea to audience members and a panel of judges for an opportunity share more than $30,000 in cash and prizes, including free office space for a year at the Hammond Innovation Center.

            Prospective entrepreneurs can apply online at www.thebigsell.org until March 4. Applications will be evaluated and the 50 finalists will be invited to make a two-minute presentation at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza Saturday, March 26. The top three will share the prize.

            Ideas will be judged on innovation and feasibility, commercial potential and economic impact, marketability likelihood and related financial demands.

            “Starting a business is one of life’s most exciting times,” said Dushan Nikolovski. “It appeals to the young and old, professional and novice, male and female, and the right and not so rich.”

            Other sponsors are the Hammond Innovation Center; The Idea Factory; Palo Alto Software; Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza; Strack & Van Til Inc.: Djuric Trucking; attorneys Scott Yahne and Peter J. Shakula; and certified public accountants Tim Anderson, Shawn Lazarian and Anna Sheets.