AURORA — If your business has recently dreamed up the best thing since sliced bread, the state of Illinois wants to hear from you.

For the second year, the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity and a consortium of entrepreneur-boosters are hosting a contest to find the state's most ingenious innovations.

Called INNOVATE Illinois, the contest is open to any small business in the fields of manufacturing, business/health services, environmental, agriculture or technology that has developed a new product or service that will generate significant growth for both the originating business and its customers.

The deadline to apply is March 1. Applications are available online at www.innovateillinois.org.

Find out more about the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity business plan competition at http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/top/2_1_AU20_INNOVATE_S1.htm.