Big Idea
Big Idea Grand Island
Monday, November 2nd, 2026
Location The Grand Theater - Free Admission
316 W 3rd Street- Downtown Grand Island
Social Hour @ 5:30p
Pitches Start @ 6:30p
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
Congratulations to the Past Winners!
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| 1st Place | GreatCents - Blake Teichmeier | Deliboards GI - Melissa Zurcher | Rooted Books - Danielle Helzer | 29th Design - Hayley Royle |
| 2nd Place | Toasted | Feast by Chef Thomas | Simmons Sweets - Michelle Simmons | FIthy Hair Mobile Studio - Brenda Kay |
| 3rd Place | Spot on Childcare Connect | Robert Heagy - RAH Artistry | Indo-Archipelago - Enny Ellison | Koponi Vanilla - Fouad Mhadji Issa |
| New to 2024 - Popular Vote | K Slash Creative Works | Wasteland - Damian Favazza | ||
| Top 5 | Spot on Childcare Connect | Deliboards GI | Rooted Books and Gifts | 29th Design |
| Toasted | Feast | Simmons Sweets | Decode Humanity | |
| GreatCents | RAH Artistry | Indo-Archipelago | FIthy Hair Mobile Studio | |
| La Michoacana | Something Smol | Really Dan Games | Garden Park | |
| K slash Creative | Grand Island Social Media | EnchantInk | Koponi Vanilla | |
| Top 10 | A Slice Above | Deliboards GI | Rooted Books and Gifts | 29th Design |
| Chile Lab Party Cart | Feast | Simmons Sweets | Decode Humanity | |
| Greatcents | RAH Artistry | Indo- Archipelago | FIthy Hair Mobile Studio | |
| K Slash Creative Works | Wasteland | Really Dan Games | Garden Park | |
| Kooly Pets | Grand Island Social Media | EnchantInk | Grand Island Afro Hair Products | |
| La Michoacana Grand Island | Something Smol | Party Animal Event Suppliers | Koponi Vanilla | |
| Rih's Creations | Monster Cookiez | Homicide Prevention Program | Novus Body Care | |
| Spot on Childcare Connect | Los Forasteros Snacks | Panderia Emanuel | RPM's | |
| Toasted | Barks Meow Boutique and Barkery | Valid | SkateGI | |
| V's Deli | Smoldering Wick | Fly by Night Printing | S'Cool Kids |
1st Place $10,000 Prize
2nd Place $2,000 Prize
3rd Place $500 Prize
Marketing Sponsor
Community Sponsor
Professional Partners
Coordinating Sponsor
Venue and Professional Partner Sponsor
Big Idea Grand Island is made possible by:
For inquiries:
Alyssa & April
CCC Entrepreneurship Center
308-398-7425
Becky & Mary
GIAEDC
308-381-7500