Entrepreneurs with a big idea have an opportunity to turn it into something more during the fifth annual Big Idea Grand Island.
Inspired by the popular television show “Shark Tank,” Big Idea Grand Island provides aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch a product, service, invention or business concept while competing for funding to help bring their ideas to life.
This year's first-place winner will receive $10,000, followed by $2,000 for second place and $500 for third place.
Applications for the 2026 competition may be submitted electronically here and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. The contest culminates on Monday, Nov. 2, at the Grand Theatre in downtown, where 10 finalists will take the stage to deliver two-minute pitches before a panel of judges and a live audience.
Preliminary judges will review applications and select the 10 finalists. For three weeks, the finalists will work with staff from the Central Community College Grand Island Entrepreneurship Center to refine their ideas and prepare their presentations and pitches for the final competition.
“Big Idea is about giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to move from thinking about what could be possible to taking that next step,” said Alyssa Heagy, CCC Grand Island Entrepreneurship Center director. “The prize funding can make a meaningful difference for an early-stage business, but the experience also gives finalists an opportunity to strengthen their idea, tell their story and connect with people and resources that can help them continue moving forward.”
To be eligible for the competition, applicants must live within the Grand Island city limits or have a business located within the city. Applicants should be in the early stages of developing their idea or business, defined as 12 months or less. Existing businesses may also apply if their Big Idea represents a new concept, product or business offering.
Ideas may include retail, technology, product inventions, manufacturing, logistics and distribution, food service, professional or other service-based businesses. Entries must be for-profit ventures and meet the competition's submission guidelines.
The prizes are made possible through the generous support of local sponsors including, the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation, Central Nebraska Growth Foundation, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). Their investment helps provide local entrepreneurs with resources to develop new ideas, build businesses and contribute to Grand Island's economy.
“Grand Island’s economy was built on the foundation of entrepreneurs—people with the vision and courage to turn ideas into businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our community. Supporting entrepreneurship today means building on that legacy and creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators and business owners,” said Mary Berlie, President of Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce. Big Idea Grand Island is a great way to celebrate that entrepreneurial spirit and invest in the people who will shape our community’s future.”
Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the competition through sponsorship opportunities may contact Mary Berlie with the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation or Alyssa Heagy with the CCC Grand Island Entrepreneurship Center.
Big Idea Grand Island is organized by the CCC Grand Island Entrepreneurship Center in collaboration with the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation.
