SBA? Yeah, there's an app for that

A recent mobile-application contest has produced seven new apps for accessing U.S. Small Business Administration programs and services on cell phones and other mobile devices.

Developers from across the U.S. competed in the SBA's "Apps for Entrepreneurs Challenge." The contest awarded $20,000 in prizes to the best entries, including two from Virginia.

First-place winner Somesh Kumar of Mobispectra Technologies in Fremont, Calif. received $5,000 for "SBA Gems" (screenshot pictured above), an app for finding loans, grants, permits and other resources.

Muneeb Akhter, a Springfield resident and student at George Mason University, was one of three second-place contestants. He won $3,000 for "CapitaList," a Craigslist-styled app for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"SB Alert," which alerts users about contracting opportunities, was one of three third-place winners. A Fairfax team led by Ben McGinnis shared $2,000 in prize money.

For a complete list of winners and to download the apps, visit the "Apps for Entrepreneurs" blog post at SBA.gov.