Do I have your attention? OK! Yes — the money is real. It's time for SIBL's New York StartUP! 2012 Business Plan Competition! If you've been thinking about starting a business in Manhattan, The Bronx, or Staten Island, this money could help make your dreams a reality.

But don't think there will be a free lunch. You're gonna have to work for it. Although there will be a short break for the Thanksgiving Holiday, there are still a few more introductory sessions scheduled in December. So, if you plan do do a business plan in our Competition, plan to visit us soon!

Even if this is the first you've heard about our Competition, there is definitely time to join us. Introductory session information is available here, and the rules have also been posted. Be sure to read all the fine print — eligibility and other important details (sorry Queens and Brooklyn residents, you're probably not eligible — but check with the Queens and Brooklyn libraries about their own competitions).

This is the third time offering this exciting opportunity to NYPL readers and friends. If you want to know about some of the interesting business proposals that have been submitted in the past, as well as the winners of prizes in past Competitions, you can find links to information on our 2012 information page. Rumor is, you might have an opportunity to learn more about these folks and their businesses in this space too, so stay tuned!