CHAPEL HILL, N.C.–Finder411, a Triangle-based software startup that’s part directory, part social engagement platform exclusively for small locally owned businesses and those who love them, has reached a milestone of 100 small businesses nominated in their “Show Some Love” Contest which launched Valentine’s Day week. The contest is straightforward, taking less than 30 seconds to enter.  People can head over to Finder411.com daily from their computer, tablet, or smartphone and provide their name, email, and the North Carolina small business they wish to nominate.  Entries are being accepted through March 12th at 5pm Eastern Time.

The top five most nominated North Carolina businesses are all in either Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or Cary, North Carolina.  They are:

Beanpeace Roastery, Whole Family Chiropractic, Oak City CrossFit, Raleigh Pet Sitters, and Sage Cafe.

Any small, locally owned North Carolina consumer business from the following seven categories is eligible: Home-Related (real estate agents, landscapers, plumbers…), Personal Care (Hair, skin, spa…), Eateries (Restaurants, food trucks…), Retail Stores (Antiques, consignment, florist…), Agribusiness (Wineries, Breweries, Family Farms, Bed & Breakfasts…), Health-Related (Fitness, Dental, Dermatologist, Optometrist, Chiropractor…), and Professional Services (Attorney, Auto Mechanic, Photographer, Pet Services, Caterer…).

1 lucky participant will win a new iPad Mini.   Seven North Carolina small businesses will win a 1 year Finder411 premium subscription, valued at $249.  Contest finalists will be announced March 19th. Finalists then go head to head in a vote-off ending April 2nd.

One Grand Prize Winner will be crowned Finder411’s Favorite North Carolina Small Business, receiving a Lifetime* Finder411 Premium Membership upon platform launch, set for later this spring.

Co-Founder Tonia Zampieri states “Finder411 will be a FREE online “stomping ground” for those eager to find, patronize, and communicate with their local small business community.”  Highly social and immersive, Zampieri describes the coming platform as one that will be available to consumers ready to keep their money local, while getting to know the people behind each small local business. Any small business can join for free, while a premium subscription with enhanced features will be available for a few bucks a month, about the cost of a lunch for two.  Franchises, chains, online selling, and direct marketing companies will not be found on the site. Nor will advertising.

Participants can enter the contest daily by going to Finder411.com and clicking on the “Show Some Love” contest button.

* For contest purposes, lifetime is defined as twenty-five years.