eBay Courts Small Business

eBay targets small-business owners who sell — and buy — goods online with a Dream Big, Save Big sweepstakes and some expert advice. The sweeps runs Feb. 19 through April 15. Weekly drawings award gift certificates redeemable at eBay's small-business site (business.ebay.com), laptops and other prizes from promotional partners. Registered business. eBay users can participate; users get an automatic entry each time they buy something on the site.

A separate essay contest asks entrants to explain how eBay has or will help their business. Business. eBay registrants vote on the essays; five finalists win a cash prize and trip to eBay's San Jose, CA headquarters to meet President-CEO Meg Whitman and other business experts who'll offer advice. The site also carries content from the Small Business Administration.