The Alaska Federation of Natives' fifth Alaska Marketplace Competition closes its call for applications Monday, Aug. 1. The competition includes an essay contest for ideas that provide innovative solutions to help rural Alaska thrive -- more than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded for that contest alone. The most promising of the essays will become finalists and will receive entrepeneurial training and implementation plan coaching to refine their concepts. The Alaska Marketplace Event will then give winners more cash toward making their business dreams a reality -- past awards have been as much as $50,000.

The 2011 Alaska Marketplace theme is "Planting Seeds of Change." Entry essays must address that as well as one of the following sub-themes:

• Emerging Technology: Practical use of new technology to create village enterprises, such as use of cell phones or digital media.
• Education & Development: Innovative ideas to encourage life-long learning and enable people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
• Health & Well-Being: New and inventive plans to support the physical and mental health of Rural Alaska residents.
• Land, Natural Resources & the Environment: Innovative ways to implement affordable, alternative energy sources, and sustainably reap the fruits of our land and natural resources.
• Youth & Children: Fresh, pragmatic ideas from and/or for those under 18 about fostering economic development, strengthening communities and improving the quality of life in Rural Alaska.

Visit the the marketplace's website for more information and to submit a last-minute entry.