The Microsoft Corporation® and the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. are proud to announce the Microsoft Innovation Award (MIA). The Microsoft Innovation Award is an opportunity for Microsoft® and NABA to recognize technology innovation within the Accounting and Finance Profession. Microsoft® will award $10,000.00 USD to one student and one professional NABA member at NABA's 38th Annual National Convention and Diversity EXPO, being held June 16 -20, 2009 in New Orleans.  Starting April 24th, 2009, NABA professional and Student members can enter the Microsoft Innovation Award Essay Competition.

"Success in the current economic climate requires new ideas, concepts, and proactive change. The inaugural launch of the new Microsoft Innovation Award through the NABA and Microsoft strategic partnership offers great opportunities to achieve this. Our NABA members can participate in this competition and present a new idea to Microsoft - a highly recognized leader in innovation," commented Walter J. Smith, CPA, NABA national president and CEO. "The winners will be announced at our Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, June 19th during NABA's 38th Annual National Convention and Diversity Recruitment EXPO in New Orleans," continued Smith. "Our members should invest their time and talent, and complete the required essay to be considered for the opportunity to win $10,000. To all of our NABA members: Display your ingenuity, your passion, and your talent.
Be a change agent and win."

Deadline to apply is May 24th, 2009

Eligibility: This contest is open to student or professional National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) members who are willing and able to present their Microsoft Innovation Award (MIA) submission at the upcoming 38th Annual National Convention and Diversity Recruitment EXPO in New Orleans. For the purpose of the award a student is defined as someone either enrolled full time in a bachelor level collegiate program or someone having completed a bachelor degree in December 2008 or later. Must be a U.S. citizen or equivalent and 18 years or older. All entrants must be active members of NABA. NABA and Microsoft® employees and board members are also ineligible.

How to Enter:

Phase 1: Participants must choose one of three topic areas provided and submit a paper pertaining to the chosen topic. Participants must write and email their completed paper to NABA@microsoft.com by May 24, 2009. Papers must be submitted using the official entry template (see the bottom of this webpage) and follow all the template guidelines. Please read the MIA 2009 NABA Guide for complete instructions.

Phase 2: Finalist will be notified no later than May 29, 2009. All submissions meeting the qualifications will be read by a pre-screening panel. Two professional finalists and two student finalists will be selected from the papers submitted. The airfare, hotel and conference registration fee will be covered for all finalist. All finalists must be present at NABA's 38th Annual National Convention and Diversity Recruitment EXPO in New Orleans to be eligible.

Phase 3: During NABA's 38th Annual National Convention and Diversity Recruitment EXPO the finalists will present their original paper to a panel of judges during a special Microsoft Innovation Awards (MIA) Program & Luncheon being held on Thursday, June 18th, 2009. The Microsoft Innovation Awards Program & Luncheon is by invitation only. The winners will be announced on Friday, June 19, 2009 at the NABA Scholarship Luncheon.

Questions: Email NABA@microsoft.com