Big Idea Grand Island
Monday, November 4th, 2024
The Liederkranz - Free Admission
401 W 1st Street, Grand Island
Social Hour @ 5:30p
Pitches Start @ 6:30p
FAQ Prizes Sponsors
About Big Idea
It's like Shark Tank – kind of.
There’s an idea. There’s a panel of “sharks”. There’s also an audience, access to resources, and money.
Big Idea is our version of Shark Tank. Ideas are submitted in advance, narrowed down to a group of finalists, and ideas are pitched LIVE in front of an audience and panel of judges. Pitches must be 2 minutes or less. Each pitch is followed by a Q&A.
Top ideas will win access and discounts to key resources, business coaching and planning services, and startup money to launch their business in Grand Island! Our panel of judges determines the top 5 and popular vote (yes, the audience) determines who takes home the top 3 cash prizes!
The Basics
When is it?
Big Idea Grand Island is happening on Monday, November 4th, 2024 at The Liederkranz. Social will start at 5:30 PM and pitch night will start at 6:30 PM.
When does idea submission open and close?
Idea submission will open on Sunday, September 1st, and close on Wednesday, October 16th at midnight. Click here for idea submission. Finalists will be notified by October 21st.
What ideas are accepted?
Business or product ideas for Grand Island (and beyond...eventually). It can be retail-based, technology-driven, a product invention, food service, service-based, etc. The sky is the limit! To qualify for the competition, this must be a FOR PROFIT business idea and must be Located IN Grand Island AND/OR within the 2 mile jurisdiction around the Grand Island area.
Who can submit?
You must be 19 years or older to submit an idea. Not 19 or older? If your idea is accepted, we’ll just need your parent’s permission. We encourage students, locals, retirees, and anywhere in between to submit an idea.
Are there prizes?
You bet there are! All finalists receive something including gift bags, access to professional services, and startup cash! Plus, the networking and connections you receive at this event are invaluable.
Congratulations to the Past Winners!
2024
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2023
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2022
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1st Place
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Deliboards GI - Melissa Zurcher
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Danielle Helzer - Rooted Books
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Hayley Royle - 29th Design
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2nd Place
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Feast - Thomas Harper
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Michelle Simmons - Simmons Sweets
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Brenda Kay - FIthy Hair Mobile Studio
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3rd Place
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RAH Artistry - Robert Heagy |
Enny Ellison - Indo - Archipelago
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Fouad Mhadji Issa - Koponi Vanilla
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New to 2024 - Popular Vote |
Wasteland - Damian Favazza |
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Top 5
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Deliboards GI Feast RAH Artistry Something Smol Grand Island Social Media
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Rooted Books and Gifts Simmons Sweets Indo- Archipelago Really Dan Games EnchantInk |
29th Design Decode Humanity FIthy Hair Mobile Studio Garden Park Koponi Vanilla |
Top 10
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Deliboards GI Feast RAH Artistry Wasteland Grand Island Social Media Something Smol Monster Cookiez Los Forasteros Snacks Barks Meow Boutique and Barkery Smoldering Wick |
Rooted Books and Gifts Simmons Sweets Indo- Archipelago Really Dan Games EnchantInk Party Animal Event Suppliers Homicide Prevention Program Panderia Emanuel Valid Fly by Night Printing |
29th Design Decode Humanity FIthy Hair Mobile Studio Garden Park Grand Island Afro Hair Products Koponi Vanilla Novus Body Care RPM's SkateGI S'Cool Kids |
Sponsors
Title Sponsors
Prize Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Professional Partners
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Coordinating Sponsors
Contact Information
Big Idea Grand Island is made possible by:
For inquiries:
308-398-7425
