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eBay aims to "spark the entrepreneurial spirit" among its sellers with today's launch of the eBay Sellers Challenge. The challenge is for sellers to answer the question: "How would you use $25,000 go grow - or start - an eBay business?"

"The eBay marketplace is a community rich in innovation and entrepreneurial spirit," says eBay Marketplaces President Lorrie Norrington. "The Sellers Challenge helps underscore this simple truth, and along with the powerful selling tools available on eBay, signifies our fundamental commitment to ensuring the success of our sellers."

eBay will choose four winners for the contest, and each of them gets $25,000 in business grants, as well as marketing advice and "assistance" from eBay. Meanwhile, eBay hopes to get more people to use its services exclusively for conducting their business.

Participants in the challenge must build a business plan using only tools offered by eBay. They must submit the plan along with an accompanying video in one of the following four categories:

- Current or former members of the Unites States armed forces;

- Individuals or small businesses who have not sold on eBay;

- Part-time sellers who want to go full-time on eBay; and

- Full-time eBay sellers who want to grow their business further.

The submissions will be judged by eBay and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, who is offering entrepreneurial tips at the Sellers Challenge site.

"Because entrepreneurship is central to the economic welfare of the United States, the Kauffman Foundation is pleased to see companies such as eBay work to inspire entrepreneurs everywhere," said Thom Ruhe, director of entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation. "We are always proud to work in partnership with organizations that support our mission: to help individuals attain economic independence and entrepreneurial success."

There will be 8 finalists selected - 2 from each category. Selections will be made based on perceived business challenges and obstacles, clarity of business plan, "passion for using eBay," and appropriateness to contest theme. Buyers and sellers will be able to vote on  finalists, and the most popular one from each category wins.