SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Emerging entrepreneurs in Syracuse, listen up. The Central Upstate Regional Alliance has announced the sixth annual Creative Core Emerging Business Competition.

The nation's largest, privately funded competition has helped elevate the careers of numerous start up businesses in the region. Over the past five years, more than $1 million has been raised for the winners.

Last year's winner says a competition like this helps the area grow on a wide scale.

"Giving back is an important part of any growing community, and as long as we all keep that in mind we'll see Syracuse and Central New York as a whole evolve into an economic growth place," said Patrick Ambron, CEO of Brandyourslf.com.

Winners of the sixth annual competition will walk away with more than $200,000 for their company.