Eagan Business Owner Wants Your Help to Win a $5,000 Contest

Eagan mom Amanda Patterson left her full-time job at Eagan's UPS Store in January so that she could help care for Macy, her special needs daughter.

Although Patterson no longer pulls 9-5 shifts in an office, she decided to open "Create My Print," a small graphic design and printing business, in her home. Being self-employed allows her to focus on her daughter's therapy, Patterson said.

Now, Patterson is looking for your vote.

This spring, Patterson entered Intuit's nationwide "Love Your Local Business" Contest. As part of the contest, Intuit will grant 15 "wishes" worth a maximum of $5,000 to small business owners across the country.

Winners are decided by the votes they receive during a voting period that runs from April 2 to May 12. Individual voters are able to vote once per day.

Click here to for more details about the contest, or to cast your vote for Amanda Patterson.

Patterson wants to win the contest and use the prize money to purchase a laser printer and wide format printer to bolster her business.

"One struggle for me is getting the printing done. I have to outsource most of my projects and run around town picking up and delivering various jobs, Patterson said. "If I was able to get enough votes and win this money I could invest in getting my own equipment and do most of my print jobs out of my house."