Cassie Condon
The real dreamers of North Platte are getting another chance to pitch their idea to a panel of judges and live audience this October, but first they must commit to submitting their idea.
It’s easy to sit back and make a wish that another business, product, or service existed within our community. The do-er’s are those to celebrate. Nebraska inventors created the NYC Subway Car, Baker’s Chocolates, Pivot Walker, Dorothy Lynch, aluminum track hurdles, and so much more.
We can also look to past winners of Big Idea North Platte for inspiration such as Bunkhouse Media, Hide Park Apparel, Fire Door Night Light, Cargo Socks, Liquid Carriage, and Entrepreneurship book, plus others.
This will be the fourth year the North Platte Young Professionals (NPYP) host the “shark-tank” inspired pitch competition, and they have brought back the Youth Category. With outstanding support of the youth in our community, the NPYP Advisory Committee decided to bring back the category. Mid Plains Community College has sponsored college scholarships, that can be used at any MPCC campus, as well as summer courses for the prize awards for those entering under 18. Third Place will win at $1,000 scholarship. Second Place a $1,500 scholarship. First Place will win a $2,500 scholarship.
Eagle Communications, through the Schmidt Foundation has graciously stepped up again this year to donate prize money for the Community Category. Third Place will win $3,000. Second Place will win $7,000. First Place will win $10,000.
This idea pitch competition is seeking application/ideas and the deadline is fast approaching on September 17th. We want to hear your ideas and with the top three ideas winning prize money and support to help bring their product, service, or enhancement to current business to fruition. Support includes but limited to help with legal questions, business development, advertising, focus group, pitch coaching and cash or scholarship awards.
It's simple to turn in your idea… grab your phone, turn on your video and tell us what is your BIG IDEA for North Platte. Then upload that video to BigIdeaNorthPlatte.com by September 17th. Finalists will be chosen and we will help those applicants prepare and flush out their ideas for in an entertaining pitch performance on October 18th, where in front of a focus group of North Platte residents you can see and hear support for your new idea, plus the chance to win BIG money and prizes. You never know, you could start the next Nebraska invention like MIRA Surgical Platform, Kool-Aid or Berkshire Hathaway.
