More than 200 communities have entered contest that awards $10 million to stimulate growth and revitalization

More than 200 communities have already entered a contest that will reward $10 million in prize money for "best business plans for economic development and improved quality of life," reports Business Wire. "The winners will also share best practices and great ideas for innovative growth among all the communities that participate in the competition."

The America's Best Communities competition, an initiative designed by Frontier Communications and DISH Network, is open to all towns and cities in Frontier's service areas with populations between 9,500 to 80,000, says a press release from Frontier. Smaller communities can collaborate on projects.

Entrants are required to submit and implement their best plans for future growth and prosperity, the release said. In February judges will select up to 50 qualified applicants, each of which will be awarded $35,000 to develop their plans and proposals. Communities will then have seven months to refine and submit their final proposals in September.

In April, 50 quarter-finalists will be selected and awarded $50,000 in development funds for their revitalization proposals, writes Business Wire. "At the end of the competition in April 2017, the top three applicants will share $6 million in prize money—$3 million to the winner, $2 million for second place and $1 million for third place—money to be used to continue to implement their improvement plans." (Frontier map of service areas)