Benton Harbor's Whirlpool Corp. is celebrating mothers' ingenuity this Mother's Day by kicking off the fourth annual Mother of Invention Grant competition.

Much like Mary Dixon Kies, a mom who received the first patent awarded to a woman in 1809, women are often the thought leaders behind innovative businesses. In fact, more than half of all privately held businesses in the United States are owned by women. Yet invention does not just stop with a brilliant idea but requires seed money, product development and business acumen.

Beginning on May 11, the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, and running through July 31, moms may submit their unique business, service or product ideas for consideration at www.whirlpool.com/moms.

In addition, in recognition that consumers are becoming more eco-conscious, a green category has been added to recognize moms who develop an environmentally friendly product or service or use natural or recycled materials to create their invention.

Five winners will be announced in September and will receive grant money of up to $20,000, home appliance prizes and an invitation to a business boot camp at Whirlpool headquarters.

Whirlpool brand developed the judging criteria for the Mother of Invention competition based on the company's own innovation process. Judging the 2008 contest are entrepreneurial moms who understand the challenge of juggling a family and a new business. Guest judges include Julie Aigner-Clark, creator of Baby Einstein and co-founder of The Safe Side, a provider of programs to help children stay safe; and Lori Pope, the creator of an innovative green toy rental program, BabyPlays. Rounding out the judging panel will be Mary Anne Amato, the 2006 Mother of Invention Grand Prize Winner and creator of the "Quick Change Crib" which provides parents with easy access to the crib's mattress.

"This program sparks the hope of thousands every year and recognizes one of the most overlooked treasures there is, a mother's ingenuity," said Mary Anne Amato. "This is one of a very few, perhaps the only, program that understands, inspires and rewards it."