BIRMINGHAM ? StartupNation has put a new wrinkle on podcasting by partnering directly with Southwest Airlines to tell the airline’s entrepreneurial success stories through audio. This direct commercial tie in also includes the chance to win free airline tickets.

“Southwest Airlines is thrilled to partner with StartupNation to offer entrepreneurs, one of our core customer audiences, tools to succeed,? said Rob Brown, Southwest Airlines? Director of Corporate Sales. “At Southwest, we are continually looking for new ways to demonstrate our commitment to our customers. Delivering this content through StartupNation is just another

example of exceeding expectations in this realm.?

Jeff Sloan, one half of the brother act that started StartupNation several years ago, said the StartupNation community loves to learn from the companies who?ve made it, and Southwest Airlines is a great example of one that has differentiated itself with customer service and through its approachable, fun-loving brand.

Entrepreneurs that visit StartupNation online (StartupNation.Com and enroll in SWABIZ may be able to take advantage of two special SWABIZ offers. New enrollees who work for companies with at least three employees can earn double Southwest Rapid Rewards credits. Additionally, any small business that books $2500 or more travel using its SWABIZ account, in the first 60 days of their enrollment, will earn a free, round-trip ticket.