The next big idea may win someone $100,000.

The EssentialConnections.org Emerging Business Competition will award the top prize of $100,000 to any emerging and small business within the 12-county central upstate New York region.

The contest's sponsors, M&T Bank and New York Business Development Corp., hope to inspire job and business creation in the region, increase the visibility of entrepreneurial activity, boost local investment and identify several high growth potential business opportunities.

Besides the cash, the winner will have contact with experts and investors who may assist in the venture.

A separate $2,500 prize will go to the best individual business idea.

Any resident in the region is eligible for this contest, even college and high school students.

Applications are due by Monday, Jan. 15, 2007.

Organizers will announce winners by April 5, 2007.

For more information, visit www.essentialconnections.org/

100k.

The contest is named after an online information resource that highlights the technical research, research and entrepreneurial assets for the 12-counties in the region.

The idea for the contest came after a study showed that the central upstate region lacked new business formation, patent growth and venture capital investment.