VolunteerBIG hopes to nab $10,000 in entrepreneurs contest

VolunteerBIG, a Philadelphia-based start up dedicated to creating a social network for volunteer projects, has become a finalist of Advanta’s Ideablob with a chance to win $10,000.
VolunteerBIG is an online network that will connect experts hoping to volunteer time with groups looking for help. Take a musician who would love to use her artistry to help the community, but doesn’t have the connections in place to make it happen. VolunteerBIG steps in to connect her with a nonprofit that is planning a fundraiser.
Or how about that busy marketer who wishes he could offer his promotional expertise to a community organization, but doesn’t have the time in the evening to make a weekly meeting. VolunteerBIG would work with his schedule so that he could phone 10 minutes of advice during his lunch break.

If it brings home the $10k, VolunteerBIG plans to use the funding to continue working with partners Big Brothers Big Sisters, and knock on the doors of other nonprofits. It also hopes to sign-up 500 organizations and 10,000 users in its first six months, fill an advisory board, and mobilize a street team.
Each month, Ideablob gives entrepreneurs and small business owners the chance to submit business proposals that are voted on by the site’s online community, and awards $10,000 to the winner. Having friends and family members shill the proposal is allowed and encouraged; at least by Technically Philly’s staff.
I had a chance to hear VolunterBIG CEO Jordan Epstein discuss the project at a Philly Startup Leaders fishbowl in January, and we wish the best of luck to him and the VolunteerBIG team. Lend them your support over at Ideablob.