Big Idea Grand Island Doubles Winning Prize

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The winner of Big Idea Grand Island 2024 will receive $10,000 to help start or grow their business. Thanks to donations from the Central Nebraska Growth Foundation and area businesses, the winning amount has been increased from $5,000 last year. The second-place prize is worth $2,000 and the third-place prize is worth $500. Cash winners will also receive professional services. 

Big Idea Grand Island is a spin on the popular television show, Shark Tank. Like the TV program, entrepreneurial hopefuls make a two-minute pitch before a panel of judges for a product, service or invention. Ten finalists will be selected from the submissions and pitch their idea in front of the judges and audience. The top five finalists are determined by the audience and the judges pick the top three winners. New for this year, the audience will select a popular vote winner. The final competition will be held on Monday, Nov. 4, at The Liederkranz in downtown Grand Island.

"Big Idea is a fantastic platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas," said Aimee Steinhardt-Duysen, director of CCC's Grand Island Entrepreneurship Center. "As Grand Island continues to grow, more small businesses emerge, and it's essential that professional and city organizations support them. Big Idea Grand Island serves as a proving ground where local entrepreneurs can turn their dreams into reality, contributing to the growth and enhancement of our community."

Ideas for Big Idea Grand Island are now being accepted through Oct. 16 at midnight. Ideas can be retail-based, technology-driven, product inventions, manufacturing, food service or service-based. Ideas must be for-profit, and businesses must be located in Grand Island. Visit www.bigideagi.com to submit ideas.

“The entrepreneurial ecosystem is vital to our community, driving innovation and growth in Grand Island," said Mary Berlie, Grand Island Area Economic Development president. “Recognizing this, the Central Nebraska Growth Foundation saw the importance of fostering local talent and decided to increase the prize money for this year's event. This support not only empowers entrepreneurs to pursue their ventures but also strengthens our entire community by encouraging economic development and job creation."

Big Idea Grand Island is organized by the Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center in collaboration with the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation.