National Grand Prize Winner will get $20,000 in Cash

    TORONTO, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - The chance for Canadian small business owners to
win $50,000 in cash prizes is coming to a close. As part of Scotiabank's 'Get
Growing to a Million' Campaign, the online challenge has offered small
business owners across Canada a chance to win one grand prize of $20,000 and
six regional prizes of $5,000. Owners can enter the contest at Scotiabank's
www.getgrowingforbusiness.com website for small business. The deadline for
entry into the contest is September 12, 2008.
    "The contest is part of Scotiabank's commitment to small business owners
and was created to encourage and spotlight entrepreneurialism," said Kyle
McNamara, Managing Director and Head of Small Business Banking, Scotiabank.
"At Scotiabank, we understand the importance of small business to Canada and
are constantly working to find new and relevant ways to help small business
owners succeed."
    The 'Get Growing to a Million' online contest invites visitors to submit
a text of 500 words or less or a two to three minute video entry explaining
how $20,000 would help them get their business to the next level for a chance
to win the grand prize or one of the six regional prizes.
    Six winners from across Canada will be determined by a panel of business
experts and announced on October 16th. The grand prize winner will be
announced October 20th in Halifax during Small Business Week.
    In addition to the online contest the 'Get Growing to a Million' Campaign
has a cross country tour, live speaker events, and a website,
www.getgrowingforbusiness.com, all aimed at helping Canadian small business
owners get to the next level of success in their businesses.
    Since June, the touring 'Get Growing to a Million' RV, hosted by
Scotiabank Small Business advisors, and equipped with Scotiabank Small
Business tools and resources, has made dozens of stops across the country to
give local small business owners an opportunity to test drive Scotiabank's
Small Business tools, visit the new 'Get Growing for business' website, as
well as discuss their growth plans with a Scotiabank Small Business advisor.

    About Scotiabank:
    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With more than 60,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.5 million customers in some 50
countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and
services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With $462 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2008), Scotiabank trades on the
Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit
www.scotiabank.com.