Over the years, I’ve had some great opportunities as a result of my blogging, and some parts of my hobby have become actual steps toward a small business. I learn something new nearly every day, and someday I hope to have the time to put into it and really develop some ideas I have.

In the meantime, I’ll keep my day job in health care, and fantasize about that the other business I’d like to start, someday. Don’t laugh, but I’d love to start some sort of “Party Pod” business near kids sports venues. A large building of party rooms centered around an indoor activity floor with video games, a playground etc. that could handle team parties and meetings.

I’d also include a parent lounge because I’ve been stuck many a time after taking a kid to practice: I’m too far away to go home and come back, but I really don’t have anywhere I need to go. Also, some tournaments can get really, really long, and people would be knocking themselves out to have a place to relax.

Yeah, I haven’t quite thought it all the way through, but judging by area restaurants, I think there’d be a future in it, somehow. Even though I'm being a little silly, community gathering places are very much needed in our city.

That may be a fantasy of mine, but there are real local business owners in your community and mine who are actively making their dreams come true with a lot of hard work, endurance and skill. They need our business to survive, and when they are strong, your community is strong.

Now, here’s another way you can help your favorite local business: Intuit, the maker of popular business products such as Quicken, Quick Books and Turbo Tax is awarding over $1 Million in small business grants. Each month they’re giving away $25,000 to a deserving local business, and in August, 2011, they are awarding $50,000 in grants to businesses in the two cities you love the most! (the ones with the highest number of unique businesses nominated)

The more votes a business has the more chances they have to win. So, be sure to nominate your favorite local business in their Love a Local Business campaign. Or, you can nominate yourself or your favorite business and spread the word for all your friends to vote for you!

I have big fantasies about starting my own business, so I’m curious to know: What dream business would you love to start?

By replying you will be entered to win an iPad 2!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Intuit’s Love A Local Business competition. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs August 10 to September 1, 2011. A random winner will be announced by September 6, 2011. Official Contest Rules