• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, September 21, 2010

Google TV Ads has launched a second annual contest aimed at persuading more small- and mid-size businesses to take advantage of the auction-like system. Open to businesses with revenues of less than $40 million, the enticement is a chance to win a credit of up to $25,000 to advertise via TV or online video inventory controlled by the Google platform.

Winners will be chosen based on the quality of 15- or 30-second ads they submit and three finalists will receive $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 credits, respectively.

The marketers can create the 15- or 30-second ads themselves or by using help from SpotMixer. They submit them online via YouTube for consideration. Judges will narrow the entries to 10, and then viewers will vote on YouTube for the winners.

Only advertisers that have not used TV Ads before are eligible.

Companies must have fewer than 300 employees to enter, as well as less than $40 million in 2009 revenues.

Winners' credits can result in ads running on some national cable networks, in homes served by Dish Network and DirecTV and on sites such as YouTube with online video advertising opportunities.

Last year's winners were Owners.com, a company that makes driveway gates, and Zagg.com.