Cox Business, Cox Media and North Star Marketing, announced a partnership to help Rhode Island and Connecticut businesses expand and develop during the challenging economic conditions that are stifling growth throughout the states.

The partnership aims to offer businesses a chance to win $20,000 in products and services by explaining how the prize would allow them to grow their business.

The “Grow Your Business” competition is held with an aim to find the most deserving businesses in Rhode Island and Connecticut with the highest potential for growth, and business that would be benefited from some critical operating resources to get to that next level.

According to Mark Scott, vice president of Cox Business (News - Alert), when small businesses grow automatically, the regional economy will also benefit.

 “On behalf of the contest sponsors, we're excited to provide business owners the opportunity to grow their businesses by leveraging our products and services,” said Scott.

Businesses that want to take part in the Grow Your Business contest can submit their application. Participants will be asked to describe in 500 words how $20,000 in products and services would help them grow.

Winners of the Grow Your Business contest will be eligible for six months of free telephone service with unlimited calls for four lines, six months of free Internet service, six months of free video service with digital programming and HD receiver, free production of a 30-second TV commercial, free customized commercial schedule, free Web banners on cox.com, free text message marketing campaign and $10,000 worth of free marketing consultation from North Star Marketing.

Last date to submit the entries is Oct. 31, and the winners will be announced in December.

The company recently announced that it is expanding its award-winning Ethernet services via its relationship with CENX (News - Alert), the operator of the world's first and most connected carrier Ethernet exchange.