Are you a home-based business opportunity or other small business or franchise owner in need of some assistance when it comes to brand-building and online marketing, and you’re not sure how to go about it? If so, American Express OPEN and Facebook want to help.

Today marks the launch of these two companies’ second annual merged effort to “transform the way small businesses connect and engage with customers online.” Entitled the “Big Break for Small Business,” this national contest offers some pretty nice incentives for ANYONE and EVERYONE who enters. In addition to educational and brand-building tools, every small business entrant will receive FREE Facebook advertising credits worth $50, while American Express Cardmembers and merchants will receive $100 in credits.

Ultimately, the five winning small businesses will receive onsite in-depth marketing and strategy sessions with experts from both companies, as well as $25K in implementation dollars. Each winner will then be able to “pay it forward” by inviting other entrepreneurs from within their own communities to avail themselves of the social media and overall marketing expertise provided. Additionally, ten runners up will be selected to receive an additional $2,500 in advertising credits.

Okay small business owners, what have you got to lose? The answer is nothing. In fact, you’ve got everything to gain, and for relatively little effort. So what are you waiting for?

All it takes to enter this year’s contest is to answer a short questionnaire at https://www.facebook.com/OPEN right now! Judging will be based on how well you can demonstrate your commitment to your business and its growth as well as your local community, your business’ overall social media and other marketing needs versus the capability of these companies to help, and overall energy and enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial community at large.