Sustainable Brands '11 Announces the 3rd Annual SB Innovation Open, a Contest for Sustainable Start-ups

BURLINGAME, Calif., March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sustainable Life Media today officially opened the third annual Sustainable Brands Innovation Open (SBIO), an integral component to its flagship conference Sustainable Brands 2011, for start-up submissions.  Sustainable Life Media is seeking company applications in two broad areas:  Idea Stage for self or family-funded entities with a solid business plan and limited operational experience; and Early Stage for companies currently operating with less than $1 million in outside capital.  The conference is seeking entries that showcase highly-innovative, socially-conscious entrepreneurs with either a consumer product or B2B solution that helps companies achieve their goals towards creating more sustainable brands.

Ten start-ups will be selected to participate in this year's SBIO and will receive an opportunity to both display and pitch during the conference to attendees, as well as a group of green/social investors, executives from leading companies, top brand consultants and peers.

In addition to free attendance, the selected start-ups will be able to exhibit their products and services at the three-day conference. Ultimately, the winning company will receive significant visibility, strategic support and recognition from this influential community of brand and thought leaders.

"SBIO supports innovation and fosters collaboration between early stage eco-entrepreneurs and executives from some of the most influential brands in the industry, as well as socially responsible investors who can help take their ideas to the next level," said KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, CEO of Sustainable Life Media.  "The SBIO gives ten emerging companies a platform to showcase their early stage company and build a network of supporters that can accelerate their route to market."

Applicants should submit a one-page executive summary that includes the company description, sustainability focus, market opportunity and details about the business formation, competition, sales strategy and financials by the April 11, 2011 deadline. For specific information and to submit your application online, please visit www.sustainablebrands11.com/innovation-open

About Sustainable Brands Conference

Widely reputed to be the most compelling sustainability conference of the year, Sustainable Brands 2011 will convene over 800 brand leaders; top executives from the global brands leading sustainable innovation today; all types of designers participating in this global shift; and an unprecedented list of others to carry forward the conversation about sustainability as a driver of business growth and brand benefit.   Registration is now open and seating is limited: http://www.sustainablebrands11.com/register

About Sustainable Life Media

Sustainable Life Media (SLM) is the leading producer of sustainable business conferences and educational events, with products and services designed for the sustainable business community including membership, targeted e-newsletters, online learning programs, community and the flagship Sustainable Brands conference.  SLM delivers top news stories related to the who, what and how of environmental and social innovation, and helps community members connect with thought leaders, peers, partners and solutions providers who can help them quickly reach their goals. For more information, please visit: http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/about. To subscribe to SLM Newsletters for free, please visit http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/newsletters.

SOURCE Sustainable Life Media