Bring your Big Idea to life in Box Butte County!
We Will Award $10,000
OCTOBER 1st, 2025
Bring your Big Idea to life in Box Butte County!
We Will Award $10,000
OCTOBER 1st, 2025
Calling All Entrepreneurs and Innovators in Box Butte County!
Think of a Big Idea!
Submit a Big Idea!
Pitch a Big Idea!
Win Money for a Big Idea!
Submissions CLOSE on August 8, 2025
$17,500 IN CASH TO BE AWARDED
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Thank You to our Sponsors!
Are you interested in being a part of our future?
Have questions or want to get involved?
📧 BBDCDirector@bbc.net
📍 Box Butte Development Corporation
📞 (308) 762-1800
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 1, 2025
About the Event
What is Big Idea Box Butte County?
Big Idea Box Butte County is a community-wide pitch competition designed to support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in launching or expanding a business. Whether your idea is a product invention, tech-driven innovation, retail concept, or food or service-based business, this event is your platform to grow.
This live pitch event features a panel of judges, a room full of engaged community members, and real cash prizes to help bring your idea to life.
Why Participate?
- Win top prize of $10,000
- Finalists qualify for expert guidance, networking, and mentorship
- Be part of a growing movement to fuel entrepreneurship in Box Butte County
How It Works
Step 1: Submit Your Idea
Complete a simple application including:
- A brief idea overview
- A 2-minute or shorter video pitch introducing your idea
Step 2: Finalist Selection
Our committee will review all entries and select 5 finalists to present at the live event.
Step 3: Business Prep
Finalists will receive free coaching and business prep support from experts at the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and other local partners. Plan to attend ONE of the following sessions:
– Evening of Friday September 12th
– Evening of Thursday the 18th
– Afternoon of Saturday the 20th
Step 4: Live Pitch Night – October 1, 2025
Finalists will pitch their ideas LIVE at the West Side Event Center. Winners will be selected by an esteemed panel of local judges with an audience choice winner as well.
Eligibility
We welcome submissions from:
- New businesses
- Entrepreneurs adding a new service or product for an existing business
- Individuals with a bold, viable idea that could thrive in Box Butte County
To qualify, you must:
- Submit a complete application
- Include a 2-minute or shorter video pitch
- Commit to participating in a finalist prep session and present at the live event
- Be willing to give an update of your progress at the 2026 event if you are the top prize winner.
Judging Criteria
Submissions and pitches will be evaluated based on:
- Viability of the business idea
- Market demand and potential
- Innovation and uniqueness
- Likelihood of success
- Presentation quality and clarity
A panel of local judges will choose winners, while the audience will vote for their choice during the event.
Key Dates
- Application Opens: June 2025
- Five Finalists Announced: Mid August 2025
- Prep Courses for Finalists: September 2025
- Live Event: Evening of October 1, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the purpose of this event, and why should I enter?
The event aims to give your business idea exposure and expert evaluation. It offers an unique networking opportunity with professionals and valuable educational experiences rarely found outside of normal networking circles.
Do I need a professionally done video?
No, the focus is on your idea, not the video’s production quality. Feel free to use any available equipment, even a phone-shot and edited video is acceptable. Your submission video will not be shown at the Live Event in October.
How do I upload videos on YouTube?
Watch this video on how to upload a video to YouTube.
Is there an age limit for contestants?
Yes, you must be 10 or older, adhering to YouTube’s age guidelines. There is only one category, so if you are not an adult, you will still compete against adults.
Can I enter without a complete business plan?
Absolutely! Your idea does not need to be a fully developed business model, just a description of the product/service, its purpose, target customers, and how it will be available. In fact, the finalists will sit down with a business coach and help define their business model and plan.
How will my application be judged?
A panel of local experts will evaluate and rank applications and accompanying videos based on originality and creativity, feasibility of success, and presentation. Top ideas proceed to the live finale event in October.
What happens if I become a finalist?
The top 5 ideas will be finalists attending coaching at Box Butte Development Corporation and promoting their ideas before the October finale. Finalists must attend the coaching & live event to be eligible to win.
How are the final winners chosen?
During the finale, the top business idea creators will present to judges and the audience in a 5-minute Q&A session. The judges will deliberate and choose the winner and second place. Audience members will also vote during the event, choosing an audience-choice winner.
What’s a voting ticket and who gets one?
Every attendee at the Big Idea Box Butte County Event in October receives a voting ticket. They must hear all contestants before voting. Each person gets one vote.
Who attend’s the final event?
The top contestants must attend, and friends, family, and the community are encouraged to join. Thanks to Platte Valley Bank, this will be a FREE event to attend with free appetizers and a cash bar. Keep in mind, support from family and friends will help a contestant win audience-choice.
What if I win?
Payment of award money will be handled by the Hemingford Community Foundation. You will partner with a judge for at least six months of mentoring after the event. You will also be expected to attend the next Big Idea Box Butte County Event to give an update on your success.
