The North Platte Young Professionals are excited to announce the 2024 Finalists in the Big Idea North Platte business pitch contest. There were many unique and thorough submissions this year that will have a chance to pitch at the Live Event on October 23rd, 2024.
There are eight finalists for the Community Category: Dustin Uerling, Christopher Vogt, Jessi Bates, Miguel Sierra, Gage Norman, Patricia Phalen, Rebecca Brittenham, and Lori Buckingham.
There are ten finalists for the Youth Category: Kaelyn Brandt & Anelle DeKlerk, Jaxon Braithwait, Tucker Kemp, Ben Heirigs, Tim Blakely, Lane Citta, Ashley Gartner, Weston Hammond & Bennett Korensky, Miranda Huggenberger, and Coltan Ham & MaKenna Nelson.
Big Idea North Platte business pitch contest is taking place on Wednesday, October 23rd at Venue 304, located at 304 East 5th Street, North Platte.
The Social for Big Idea North Platte begins at 5:00pm. The main event starts at 6:00pm when the top eight finalists in the community category, the top ten in the youth category give a two-minute idea pitch and then go through a short question and answer session. From there, they will be narrowed down to the top five finalists. The judges will select the top 5 in the community category and top three for the youth category. Once the top finalists are announced, audience members & judges combined will decide who takes home the first, second, and third place prizes. Contestants are encouraged to bring their friends, colleagues, and fans to secure their place. There is no admission fee to attend Big Idea North Platte.
Prize money has been pledged by Eagle Communications through the Schmidt Foundation for the Community Category. Winners will receive: first place – $10,000, second place – $5,000, and third place – $2,500. Scholarships for the Youth Category will be awarded for those who win in the amount of: first place- $2,500, second place $1,500, and third place $1,000. These scholarships can be used as tuition waivers for those who are enrolled at Mid Plains Community College, at any of the campuses, however cannot be used for dual credit course work.
Big Idea North Platte pitch contest is made possible through the support of our amazing sponsors, Eagle Communications, North Platte Chamber and Development, Mid Plains Community College, Allo Communications, North Platte Telegraph, Dawson Public Power District, Pro Printing & Graphics, Nebraska Business Development Center, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Center for Rural Affairs HUB International- Tanner Pettera, University of Nebraska Rural Prosperity, and Whitetail Management.
